The Bombay High Court has declared astrology to be a science, so that guy who does your horoscope is really a scientist when he writes “today you will face challenges that could offer great rewards or penalties.”
The Bombay High Court ruled in a case brought by an NGO challenging ‘fake’ astrologers, tantriks, practitioners of Vastu shastra. The court ruled that “[s]o far as prayer related to astrology is concerned, the Supreme Court has already considered the issue and ruled that astrology is science. The court had in 2004 also directed the universities to consider if astrology science can be added to the syllabus. The decision of the apex court is binding on this court.”
This holding was based in part on the affidavit filed by Dr R Ramakrishna, deputy drug controller (India), west zone. He is the chief governmental enforcer of The Drugs and Magical Remedies Act (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. He declared that the act could not be used to debunk or restrict astrology or “applied sciences” like palmistry: “The said Act is aimed at prohibiting misleading advertisements relating to drugs and magic remedies. The Act does not cover and / or relate to astrology and / or allied sciences like Palmistry, Vaastu Shastra etc. In view thereof, a purported ban on practices promoting astrology and related sciences sought by the petitioner, which is a time tested science more than 4000 years old is totally misconceived and unjustifiable.”
Finally, Professor Sybill Patricia Trelawney is vindicated.
Source: Times of India
Of course, it all depends on what science means. The fact that astrology uses mathematics and intuition removes it from the field most of us consider science today. However, just because current day science excludes intuitive functions does not mean that intuition is not scientific, or to be studied scientifically. Astrology, though over 4,000 years old, is still in it’s infancy, because humanity is still so ignorant. Derision of the unknown is not exactly the act of rational people.
Mr. Turley is correct to question the result of the Bombay High Court, just as all authorities must be questioned. However, his assumption that intuitive processes precludes scientific study and results, is itself unscientific and thus irrational. Astrology is what i call a balanced science in that it uses and depends on both rational deductive functions and intuitive symbolic functions. Astrology is a universal language of symbols, energies and cycles. It’s the balanced and nuanced study of time as it relates to the solar system and stars. Astrology merits inclusion in all fields of science that would benefit from the study of cycles and timing.
For example, did you know that the so-called Arab spring began on the day of a Solar eclipse? And the path of greatest occultation of the Sun began in SE Spain down through Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran. And the precursor event, the self immolation of the young fruit vendor in Tunisia, three days after a very rare triple partile conjunction of Mercury, Mars and Pluto. Mercury means message or messanger, Mars means war or fire, and Pluto means destruction and death. Is it unscientific to consider such meaningful ‘coincidences’ as this to be unworthy of further study? Be reasonable and admit that astrology’s detractors are ignorant of that which they despise, and cannot admit what they fear, to be of value.
Gyges
1, February 4, 2011 at 12:34 pm
AY, and Blouise,
The Mason’s killed Mozart you know. That’s my favorite wacky Mason theory, I’m not saying yours is wacky, I’m just saying that that one is.
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AY and I go for the wacky … and my husband is a Mason as were all my relatives going back to my star-gazing caveman uncle … astrology was very big in the Masons … they won’t talk about it now … they also won’t tell me how to build a cathedral or let me attend any meetings … I’m left to concoct wacky theories with AY … leave us alone … we’re happy stirring the pot … we have a third spoon if you’d like to join us … you love wacky, I know you do!
Actual conversation:
HenMan’s coworker,Joe: “My wife went to a psychic to get some winning lottery numbers.”
HenMan: “Did any of them win?”
Joe: “No.”
HenMan: “Does she still go to the psychic?”
Joe: “Yes.”
Moral of the story: Go Figure!
As a parting gift before my week’s leave, I give you Sun Ra: For when Mingus isn’t funky enough and Parliament isn’t weird enough.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef3QZ2QVTb4&w=480&h=390]
Buddha,
*cousyphilisgh*
Everyone know is was character actor F. Murray Abraham who killed Mozart! 😉
Although maybe a lifetime of debauchery and the likely case of acute rheumatic fever he was suffering from may have had something to do with it.