My Personal Take On Fate & Astrology

Disclaimer: This post explores the concept of fate & astrology. I acknowledge that beliefs about astrology vary greatly. My intention is not to endorse or discredit astrology, but rather to offer a perspective on the topic. This post may not resonate with everyone, particularly those who do not believe in fate. However, I encourage you to read it with an open mind, as it may offer an interesting viewpoint or spark new thoughts.

The concept of "fate" has always intrigued me, but it wasn't until my 2024 trip to Japan that I truly began to grasp its profound meaning. Japanese culture deeply embraces the idea of fate, an inevitability that cannot be altered. This became particularly clear during my visit to Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. There, I drew an Omikuji, a fortune slip, and while initially disappointed with the outcome, I began to understand the Japanese perspective.

This understanding deepened during my visit to Hiroshima. Having grown up hearing the justifications for the atomic bombings, I expected to encounter bitterness and resentment towards the United States. However, the people of Hiroshima, despite the unimaginable suffering they endured, displayed a remarkable acceptance of fate. Instead of dwelling on blame, they focused on rebuilding their city and commemorating the past with a focus on understanding, not retribution. Their museums, while showcasing the horrors of the bombings, emphasized the human experience rather than assigning blame. They described "what people went through" instead of "who was to blame".

This experience profoundly impacted my understanding of fate. It's not just about accepting the good, but also the painful, the uncontrollable. Life is a complex interplay of factors, most of which are beyond our individual control. When our best efforts fail to produce the desired outcome, it can be incredibly difficult to accept. This, I believe, is the true essence of fate: acknowledging the limitations of our control and finding a way to move forward despite the setbacks.

Astrology has always been a significant aspect of Indian culture. In recent times, online platforms like Astrotalk and Astrosage have gained considerable popularity, making astrology more accessible to the masses. During my extended stay in India, I observed that nearly everyone within my social circle exhibited an interest in astrology. Intrigued by its widespread appeal, I decided to delve into the subject to gain a deeper understanding of its principles. To my surprise, I was quite astonished by the insights I gleaned from my exploration. I engaged in conversations with numerous astrologers from diverse backgrounds, aiming to comprehend their perspectives on this ancient practice.

Astrology, as many practitioners emphasize, is an art form, akin to the practice of medicine. It demands years of dedicated study and consistent practice to master its intricacies. While setbacks and failures are inevitable along this journey, with persistent effort, proficiency can be gradually attained.

One common thread that emerged from my discussions with astrologers resonated deeply with what Piyush told me some day: the cyclical nature of life. Our thoughts, opinions, experiences, periods of joy, and moments of hardship – all these aspects of human existence tend to occur in recurring cycles. These phases are not permanent; they ebb and flow, often lasting no more than a few years. Our beliefs and perspectives evolve over time, shaped by the diverse experiences we encounter. Our most recent experiences tend to exert a significant influence on our current personality, a phenomenon often attributed to recency bias. Periods of prosperity and adversity are transient; they do not endure indefinitely. When fortune favors us, even our mistakes may be perceived as signs of wisdom and maturity. Conversely, during challenging times, even our most righteous actions may be viewed as foolish or immature. This cyclical pattern characterizes the ever-evolving nature of human existence.

This cyclical nature of life is precisely what astrology endeavors to predict. By analyzing the alignments of celestial bodies – the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu – in conjunction with an individual's birth chart, astrologers attempt to forecast periods of favorable and unfavorable circumstances. These celestial alignments are constantly in flux, mirroring the ever-changing phases of an individual's life journey. The prevailing planetary influence at any given time is believed to significantly impact an individual's experiences. For instances:

- Saturn (Sade Sati) (God of Justice): When Saturn exerts a dominant influence, individuals may be called upon to face the consequences of their past actions. Whether these actions were virtuous or detrimental, they will inevitably manifest in the individual's current experiences. If an individual's past deeds were predominantly negative, this period might present significant challenges, regardless of their current efforts to improve or maintain a disciplined lifestyle. During this phase, they may encounter numerous obstacles and experience a sense of stagnation or decline, no matter how hard they try.

- Rahu (God of Deception): Under the influence of Rahu, individuals may experience sudden gains in wealth, fame, or power. However, these gains may arise from unethical means. Individuals may be tempted to engage in deceptive practices, prioritize personal ambition over moral values, and resort to retaliatory actions. Additionally, individuals won't experience the karmic consequences of their negative actions. Everything would be in their favor even when their ethics are down the drain.

- Mars (God of War): When Mars exerts a dominant influence, individuals would be forced into solitude, a need for discipline, a strong desire for control, and an increased propensity for impulsiveness and anger. This is my current ruling planet.

- Venus (God of Love): When Venus exerts a significant influence on both individuals in a relationship, it is believed to foster mutual attraction and romantic inclinations, which are essential for falling in love and getting married.

These are just a few examples of the diverse planetary influences that are believed to shape human experiences. Other concepts, such as the influence of secondary and tertiary ruling planets, and the variations in astrological systems (Vedic, Greek, Western, etc.), contribute to the complexity of this ancient practice. However, the fundamental principle remains: planetary alignments are believed to exert a profound influence on the experiences individuals encounter throughout their lives.

While astrology acknowledges the impact of planetary influences, it also recognizes the significance of individual actions. Conscious choices and deliberate actions can significantly impact how these planetary influences manifest in an individual's life. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that a multitude of factors contribute to the outcomes of our actions. Ultimately, the concept of "fate" – the interplay of numerous factors beyond our complete control – plays a significant role in shaping our destinies.

If so much of life is beyond our control, a fundamental question arises: what is the true purpose of our existence? After considerable introspection throughout the year, I've arrived at a few key insights:

1. Nishkama Karma:

We must acknowledge that we are not the protagonists of our own narratives; we are, in a sense, pawns in a grand plan of destiny. No phase of life, however challenging, is inherently "bad". Each experience, orchestrated by the intricate interplay of destiny, serves a unique purpose in preparing us for the future.

The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of Nishkama Karma – action performed without any expectation of reward, driven solely by a desire to serve others. When we act selflessly, surrendering our ego and focusing on the well-being of others, we align ourselves with the divine will. This path of selfless service fosters honesty and integrity.

Regardless of the planetary alignments, the pursuit of Nishkama Karma remains paramount. We must cultivate the ability to let go of past regrets and future anxieties, focusing solely on the present moment and the actions we undertake in the here and now.

2. The Importance of Empathy:

Recognizing that each individual's life journey is unique, shaped by their own set of circumstances and experiences, cultivates empathy. We must strive to treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of our personal circumstances. This principle of compassion should be upheld even during the most challenging periods of our lives.

One crucial aspect of manifesting empathy lies in the avoidance of value judgments. For example, individuals who have consistently demonstrated discipline and responsibility in their lives frequently judge those who exhibit a lack of discipline or irresponsibility. It is important to acknowledge that different individuals experience vastly different life circumstances. It is entirely possible that some individuals have never encountered life situations (or phases) that demanded responsibility from them. In terms of astrology, they might never have had the planet Mars in their celestial alignment. This does not imply that they will never cultivate these qualities. Life may present them with circumstances in the future that necessitate responsibility, and they may ultimately demonstrate a greater level of responsibility and discipline than initially anticipated.

Another instance of value judgment occurs when an individual judges another who is perceived to have wronged them. Evaluating someone else's karma constitutes a form of value judgment. However, even if the individual's karma is indeed not righteous, one should refrain from wishing for their downfall. Such a wish itself constitutes a value judgment. From an astrological perspective, it is entirely conceivable that the individual may be in a phase where they will not experience any karmic consequences for several years for their actions. The most effective approach in such situations is to forgive the individual and liberate oneself from the burden of value judgment.

Our relationships with others profoundly influence our overall well-being. The quality of these relationships is determined by our attitudes and interactions. I do not subscribe to the notion of predetermined "compatibility". In my view, compatibility arises and falls naturally depending on whether the time is right or wrong. In astrological terms, compatibility between any two people is a function of how their celestial bodies interact. When driven primarily by empathy, it is possible to pursue compatibility even when the time is wrong.

3. Embracing Fate:

When life presents challenges and setbacks, it is crucial to accept them with grace and humility. A stagnant mindset may lead us to blame external circumstances or others for our misfortunes. However, a growth mindset encourages us to take responsibility for our actions and learn from our experiences. As noted by astrologer Amit Sangwan, rather than attempting to mitigate the perceived negative influences of certain celestial bodies through the use of gemstones, we should embrace the challenges they present as valuable learning opportunities.

Conversely, when we experience success and prosperity, we must express gratitude for the fortunate circumstances that have enabled our achievements. This gratitude should extend to those who have supported us on our journey, recognizing the sacrifices they have made to contribute to our success.

In essence, our triumphs are often a result of fortunate circumstances, while our failures are frequently a consequence of our own shortcomings.

These are the core lessons I have learned throughout 2024, a year marked by a multitude of experiences – from extensive travels across the globe to the pain of heartbreak and the inevitable encounters with failure. I hope these insights offer valuable perspectives for your own personal journey.