Astrology or Jyotisha Shastra, as developed by the Maharshis, makes a precise study of the position and inter-relation of the stars and planets. It has perceived by intuition certain facts which western science can barely demonstrate. Astrology may be considered a science of sciences in as much as it tends to give objective form to man's desire for a better knowledge of his future.

As Dr. Castiglini observes in his great work Adventures of the Mind "modern research in radiations emitted by substances contained in the stars and revealed by the spectrum, the hypotheses that have born recently advanced concerning the relations between solar spots and extraordinary historical events, the publications by Swaboda and Fliess on the laws of septennial periods, all these lead us to think that the intuitive and profoundly human conception, deriving directly from man's immediate sensitivity to the action of the stars may have a vaster and deeper foundation of truth than was reaiised vvl1en this primitive idea of intercosmic solidarity seemed to be forgotten" .

One cannot dismiss astrology with a contemptuous gesture by calling it a superstition. Truth, as the history of science shows, cannot be killed by giving it a bad name. On the face of it, prediction of a future event, which has not yet occurred, may appear to be impossible. As astrology has shown that 'foreknowledge' of things is possible, science must find a place for it in its purview of universe. Astrology is based upon scientific data for the horoscope is a picture of the heavens, i.e., the astronomical positions of the planets with reference to the moment and the locality of one's birth. I would refer my readers to my book, "Planetary Influences on Human Affairs" for a more detailed understanding of the rationale of Astrology.

According to the sages, the horoscope indicates our past Karma-the. Prarabdha portion of the Karma being aUf destinv in this life and that astrological predictions are only tendencies of nature on their way towards fulfilment or manifestation and one can either augment or lessen their momentum in the particular direction desired by recourse to remedial measures. Hence astrology has been fulfilling a very desirable social function.