My Horoscope— I burnt it today

No more horoscopes in 2024 and onwards.

Today, I Burnt My Horoscope

Today, the first day of the year 2024, I metaphorically burnt my horoscope. Since reaching adulthood, I've periodically consulted astrologists and even ventured into studying astrology, evidenced by my YouTube video on Barack Obama's horoscope which attracted considerable attention. This field, straddling the line between science and pseudoscience, I've realized, often hampers my potential rather than guiding me through life's tumultuous waters.

Understanding the rudimentary fundamentals of the Indian system, I've observed considerable differences in opinions and schools of thought among astrologers, particularly in their focus on 'mahadasha' (महादशा), moon-based 'rashi' (राशि), or 'navansha' (नवांश). So, why did I burn my horoscope and delete it’s digital copies?

1. Complacency in Good Times:

   When the horoscope predicted good fortune, I found myself exerting minimal effort, partly out of apprehension of making the wrong move. Even with favourable constellations, the outcomes rarely matched the astrologist's overly optimistic predictions.

2. Defeatism in Bad Times:

   During predicted lean patches, I became ultra-defensive or lost spirit altogether. Attempting to merely survive these sensitive periods often meant achieving nothing, as the forecasted bad events didn't materialize. Valuable days were lost, which could have otherwise been filled with meaningful action.

3. Unfulfilled Promises:

   Even when all signs pointed to prosperous times, the results were often disappointingly mediocre. Despite my own interpretations and consultations with astrologists, the promised golden periods fell well short of expectations.

4. Post-Event Rationalization:

   Astrologers, much like stock market analysts, excel at explaining events post facto, especially setbacks, but often fail to predict with any temporal accuracy. If they were truly adept, wouldn't they be basking in riches themselves?

5. Placebo Effect:

   Astrological predictions can act as a placebo, spurring positive action or providing patience through difficult times. However, when positive predictions fail, it leaves a lingering doubt and disincentive to strive for better.

6. Aftermath of Unfulfilled Optimism:

   The mental cloud left behind when auspicious periods don't yield results can be demoralizing, questioning the validity of working hard during less favourable times.

I have literally burnt my horoscope, and will respectfully immerse its ashes into flowing water. Will I reflect on it again? Perhaps, but only with nostalgia, not apprehension. If divine grace is with me, what can a horoscope dictate? Conversely, if the horoscope is indeed prophetic, what can mere rituals do against the grand pre-destined design of the universe?

Solace from Shakespeare

Upon reflection, I believe the way forward is to embrace life's ebbs and flows with equanimity and fortitude, whether they stem from this life's karma or the previous ones. It's time to heed Shakespeare's insight, "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings."

I'm also updating the Latin dictum at the bottom of my email from "Astra inclinant, sed non obligant" to "Per aspera ad astra".

Conclusion: Wisdom from Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji

In the profound concluding verses of the Barah Maah in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the fifth Nanak, Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji, imparts a timeless wisdom. He declares:

"ਮਾਹ ਦਿਵਸ ਮੂਰਤ ਭਲੇ ਜਿਸ ਕਉ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇ ॥" (Every month, day, and moment is auspicious for those upon whom He casts His Glance of Grace).

"ਨਾਨਕੁ ਮੰਗੈ ਦਰਸ ਦਾਨੁ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਹੁ ਹਰੇ ॥14॥1॥" (Nanak begs for the gift of divine vision; O Lord, shower Your Grace).

Guru Arjan Dev Ji diverts our gaze from astrological determinism to the omnipresent Divine Grace, highlighting that true spiritual evolution is not dependent on celestial configurations but on the Almighty's compassionate attention. Every moment offers a chance for enlightenment and purposeful action, with each circumstance serving as a potential gateway to the divine, conditional on being immersed in Divine Grace.

The sincere plea for divine vision is a universal call, inspiring everyone to cultivate an active, ongoing relationship with the Divine's blessings, combined with judicious decisions and dynamic actions. This epitomizes the zenith of spiritual pursuit, converting every moment into a sanctified union with the eternal. This perspective revolutionizes the notion of auspiciousness, making it attainable for every individual, at every moment, under the gentle and benign gaze of the Divine.

Horoscope RIP

Farewell, dear horoscope, not just mine but also I.N.D.I.A. bloc’s, about which I wrote an extensive article. As I enter 2024, I leave behind the horror_scopes—and with them, the horrors, most of them the creations of my own mind but catalyzed and crystallized by the natal chart predictions.

RIP.