Astrology has a twofold purpose. On one hand it is used as a tool to select the right month the right
date and the right time to start various auspicious rites and rituals so that the results are better. On
the other hand it is used as a guide to study the destiny of an individual. Indian astrology is based
on the theory of fate. The good and the bad actions of the past life determine your fate or Karma of
your present life, and the actions of your present life determine your future Karma. According to
Indian astrology a person is born at that place, on that day and on that moment when his individual
fate is in perfect mathematical harmony with the progress of the stars in heaven. However it does
not preach total dependence on fate. Astrology lets you know what you were born with, what your
possibilities are, the limitations, your strong points and your drawbacks. What type of life partners
and professions suit you and to expect is also indicated. It also prescribes various remedial
measures to ward off the bad effects and to enhance the good results. Astrology is your roadmap
of destiny. However your fate is in your hands. The scriptures guide us by telling us what is good
and what is bad; what to do and what not to do; how to do and how not to do. You are given a piece
of land and the seeds to sow. How much effort to put in to it, what amount of manure and water to
add and when how to reap the produce is your job. After that it is you who have to act using your
knowledge intelligence, discrimination and experience. Fate is like a game of cards where you
cannot help the cards that have been dealt to you but how to play them is in your hands. You may
get good cards but if you play badly you will lose and you may get bad cards and still may win if you
play carefully. Don’t blame the roadmap if you get drunk, drive badly and have an accident! In the
Mahabharata Lord Krishna gave advise to Arjuna and also to Duryodhana.
