Dr Neha Sharma
Celestial Insights, Aarogyam UK CIC, United Kingdom.
Astrology, especially Vedic astrology or Jyotisha, has been a fundamental aspect of Indian culture for thousands of years. The complex equations and thorough examinations of celestial alignments at the moment of an individual’s birth are said to yield significant insights on personality, fate, and life events. Although many see astrology as pseudoscience, a thorough analysis uncovers intricacies that warrant a reconsideration of its fundamental concepts from both scientific and symbolic perspective.
Vedic astrology fundamentally posits that celestial bodies affect our earthly existence. This premise is not intrinsically unscientific; for example, gravitational forces and cosmic radiation from celestial entities like the Sun and Moon clearly influence tides and biological rhythms. Nonetheless, extrapolating these quantifiable physical consequences to predictions of individual outcomes remains debatable. Critics contend that astrology lacks empirical validation, as investigations frequently reveal weak or inconsistent relationships between celestial alignments and human behaviour. However, to completely disregard astrology neglects its logical and symbolic foundations.
Vedic astrology functions on principles that, although esoteric, align with certain scientific concepts. The natal chart, or kundli, serves as a cosmic blueprint for an individual, delineating the placements of celestial bodies at the time of birth. This reflects the notion of genetics, when DNA functions as the biological blueprint of an organism. Similar to how genetic predispositions engage with environmental circumstances to shape traits and behaviours, astrology asserts that planetary influences interact with personal karma and free choice. Genetics functions through measurable processes, but astrology utilises symbolic representations to convey the human experience.
The fluid characteristics of Vedic astrology similarly align with epigenetics. Epigenetics demonstrates how environmental influences, including nutrition, stress, and lifestyle, can influence gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Astrology perceives planetary transits and dashas (planetary phases) as influential influences that determine the course of life. Both models underscore that underlying blueprints are influenced by external and temporal circumstances, which significantly affect outcomes.
One of astrology’s most intriguing aspects is its focus on interconnectivity. The Vedic perspective perceives the cosmos as a cohesive entity, wherein celestial and terrestrial occurrences are profoundly interrelated. This comprehensive viewpoint corresponds with systems biology, which perceives organisms as interconnected networks instead of discrete entities. In astrology, planetary alignments are regarded as signs of broader cosmic patterns, similar to how science analyses ecological or molecular networks to comprehend complicated occurrences.
Genetic Composition and Attributes
In genetics, characteristics are regarded as manifestations of certain instructions encoded in an individual’s DNA. These genetic instructions affect physical characteristics including stature, eye pigmentation, and hair texture, in addition to behavioural inclinations and vulnerability to specific health issues. Genes are the essential units of biological inheritance transmitted from progenitors to descendants. The manifestation of these features is not only dictated by genetic sequences. Epigenetics emphasises the impact of environmental factors—such as nutrition, stress, and toxin exposure—on the activation or repression of particular genes without modifying the genetic sequence. The interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental circumstances highlights a sophisticated comprehension of characteristics and adaptation, based on experimentally proven processes.
Astrology and Traits
Astrology analyses characteristics using the symbolic framework of the natal chart, which delineates the placements of celestial bodies at the moment of an individual’s birth. Every planetary placement, zodiac sign, and astrological house correlates with distinct physical characteristics, personality traits, life themes, and inclinations. The Sun sign is said to symbolise one’s fundamental identity, whereas the Moon sign denotes emotional tendencies and intrinsic motivations. In contrast to the immutable genetic code, the natal chart is perceived as a dynamic system shaped by planetary transits and dashas. Despite the absence of empirical evidence, astrology provides a symbolic framework that enables individuals to examine their strengths, challenges, and probable life trajectories, promoting introspection and a sense of connectedness to larger cosmic patterns.
The Epistemological Disparity
Although there are conceptual similarities, astrology and science fundamentally diverge in their methodology and requirements for validation. Science is founded on stringent experimentation, repeatability, and falsifiability, whereas astrology is based on tradition, intuition, and subjective interpretation. Efforts to substantiate astrology through scientific methodologies frequently prove inadequate, as its symbolic and context-dependent characteristics elude reductionist analysis. This prompts a significant inquiry: Should astrology be assessed using the same criteria as empirical sciences, or does it belong to a separate epistemological domain?
An Expanded Viewpoint
The significance of Vedic astrology may reside not in its forecast precision but in its ability to promote self-reflection and the construction of meaning. Similar to mythology and art utilising metaphor to examine human truths, astrology leverages celestial symbolism to confront existential enquiries. Astrology is maybe better regarded as a psychological and cultural instrument rather than a scientific field. Astrology fosters reflection and a connection to the universe by presenting tales that clarify strengths, problems, and opportunities.
Integrating Disciplines
There is increasing interest in interdisciplinary methods that combine scientific and traditional knowledge systems. While astrology may not fulfil the standards of empirical science, its comprehensive philosophy and symbolic depth can provoke innovative viewpoints on intricate systems. Astrology’s emphasis on patterns and cycles may enhance discourse on periodicity and rhythm in biology and physics. Likewise, its integrative perspective could enhance nascent disciplines such as personalised medicine and psychoneuroimmunology, which investigate the interaction between mind, body, and environment.
Summary
Vedic astrology holds a distinctive status at the convergence of science, art, and spirituality. Although it lacks empirical validation as a forecasting instrument, its symbolic structure corresponds with specific scientific principles and offers significant insights into the human experience. Instead of openly rejecting astrology, we ought to acknowledge it as a cultural artefact and a repository of old knowledge. This methodology expands our comprehension of varied knowledge systems and cultivates novel concepts on the interrelation between humanity and the cosmos.
Acknowledgement:
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Nidhi Malik, whose guidance and insights provided the foundational understanding for Vedic Astrology. I am also deeply thankful to Vaibhav Singh, whose unwavering support and thoughtful discussions greatly helped in connecting and contextualizing the concepts explored here.
Author’s Reflection
In writing this article, my primary goal was to explore the multifaceted nature of astrology—particularly Vedic astrology—not merely as a subject of cultural significance but as a framework that intersects with scientific principles, symbolic interpretation, and human introspection. My intention was not to advocate for or refute astrology but to encourage a deeper understanding of its enduring relevance and potential contributions to modern thought.
Embarking on this exploration has been both an intellectually enriching and personally transformative journey. Delving into the intricate intersections of traditional knowledge systems and modern scientific paradigms has challenged me to think critically and approach ideas with a more open mind.
While addressing a topic often viewed through polarized perspectives, I found myself reflecting deeply on the importance of balance—valuing empirical evidence while appreciating the symbolic and cultural significance of longstanding traditions. I hope this work inspires others to approach complex ideas with a similar sense of openness and curiosity.
Cite this article: Sharma, N. (2025). Vedic Astrology: A Cultural and Scientific Perspective. Praxis, 1(1). Retrieved from Vedic Astrology: A Cultural and Scientific Perspective – Praxis
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