Astrology science or superstition

The fact that astrology is a science cannot be denied. Because the word ‘science’ means a knowledge in which facts are established on the basis of regular experiments and principles that can always be verified under standard conditions.

Astrological calculations are based on astronomy. That is why it is rightly said that "सूर्यादि ग्रहणाम ज्ञानम इति ज्योतिष ". In this, the speed of the planets, the placement of Nakshatras, the form of zodiac in universe and the appearance of signs in a regular order in the eastern direction in horizon is calculated mathematically.

The position of the sign which comes in front of Sun when anything happens or when a child takes birth is calculated on the basis of the latitude and longitude. Janmang made on this basis is the map of the universe at that particular time and place.

This map is known as Janmang or Janma Kundali. This Kundali is then analyzed on the basis of the astrological rules of Yogas and Dashas and predictions are made. The position of planets in Kundali and the determination of Dasha is also done mathematically.

Jyotish can be broadly divided into three parts, and every part consists of many methodologies. One of them is Samhita astrology, in which predictions about mass happenings are made. For instance, predictions related to natural calamities like earthquake, flood, drought, heavy rainfall, outburst of an epidemic etc. are made.

These all are predicted by mathematical calculations. Mathematics is the second branch of astrology and its third branch is Hora. In this the predictions about the auspicious and inauspicious effects of planets are done individually. This is done by using the statistics obtained by mathematical calculations.

If a Janmang made on the birth of a child is done using exact time, then 80% of the predictions can be true. Hence, astrology is a science. Also like science its principles can always be verified under standard conditions.