About Fortune Tellers and Astrology

Few small incidents, observations and comments related to Astrology and fortune tellers... Not that I am making fun of these professions, just not comfortable the way our thought process is influenced by these elements

Case 1: Approx an year ago-Necklace Road, Hyderabad

A parrot reader approaches me offering to tell my fortune for just Rs 10. I do not believe in non scientific predictions so offered him a challenge: I pulled out my wallet and asked him to tell me how much cash is there inside. (Something which can be instantly verified to the satisfaction of both parties). He simply asked वो कैसे बोल् सक्ता हु साब | (“who kaise bol sakta hun saab”). I replied “you can not count something right in front of your eye (of course enclosed inside a wallet), what future are you going to predict?” He silently left.

The zodiac signs columns in newspapers, astrologers, parrot card readers- always make generic statements left best to the discretion of the believer.  For example, one statement can be “today you’ll be very happy”.. Chances are that out of 100s of incidents that happen that day few incidents might give you happiness. If you believe in the predictions you can always associate that with whatever it was written and feel good that predictions came true.

Case 2: Year 1997, Pandhana, Madhya Pradesh.

I was studying in 9th standard there and had a postal subscription of kannada weekly magazine, Taranga. In one of the issues Taranga predicted that there’ll be a devastating flood (mahaa praLaya) during march 1998 and a majority of earth will be wiped out.  This topic became a sensation and magazine minted huge money. This article was quoated by media all over India including few Indore based newspapers. My classmates in MP came to me seeking explanation. I had tough time explaining them I do not know on what basis the magazine has predicted.

The flood never came and I don’t think there was any explanation from Taranga as to why they created an unnecessary tension all over without scientific evidence.

Case 3: 2007:

Karnataka BJP Leader Yadiyurappa changes name hoping to become Chief Minister, because an astrologer told him, he would become CM only if name is changed. Had that astrologer also told that Yadyurappa will become ex-CM within a week probably it would have been good.

Problem is, everyone want to know what will happen in future and want to use that info for their personal gains and few have mastered the art of predicting the future to the satisfaction of those who believe in it.

What is your take on these issues? Do you rely on things like these for taking key decisions? Probably once upon a time all these predicts had some backings of scientific studies done by our forefathers but of late everything is about making some quick money

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