Chapter 5.4 - Anumana in Astrology

Astrology is another area that goes along with Vastushastra wherein inference plays a major role. It literally means knowledge that provides light. It is akin to light that enables one to see.³⁵ Astrology is the study of the influence that distant cosmic objects, usually stars and planets have on human lives. The position of the sun, stars, moon and planets at the time of people’s birth is said to shape their personality, affect their romantic relationships and predict their economic fortunes among other divinations.

Astrologers use astronomical calculations for the positions of celestial bodies along the ecliptic and attempt to correlate celestial events with earthly events and human affairs. Astronomers consistently use the scientific method, naturalistic presuppositions and abstract mathematical reasoning to investigate or explain phenomena in the universe. Astrologers use mystical or religious reasoning as well as traditional folklore, symbolism and superstition blended with mathematical prediction to explain the phenomena in the universe.

The predictions of the astrologers after checking the horoscope are to a certain extent depended on the inferences they make from various calculations. It is calculated with the relevance of date, time and birth place of a person. It can also be calculated for an event, a question, countries and occasions. Various symbols are used which represent planets, signs and geometric calculations.

In other words, horoscope is a placement of planets and stars during the birth of any individual. It is the initial step to make astrological calculations using a correct date, time and place of birth of the person in question. Astronomical data is used by the expert to understand the exact positions of the planes on their respective orbit of movement during the date and time of birth of the individual.

Through horoscope, the astrologers are able to make forecast of a person’s future and personality traits based on the relative positions of stars and planets. It is also used to predict past and present of a person. Besides this, various aspects of life including, career, love, marriage, relationship, etc., can be predicted by Horoscope. Astrology is studied in order to make exact calculations in horoscope as in Indian culture; every important work of life is done by drawing calculation from the horoscope. The mathematical formulas devised in the past are now translated into computer programmes to make the calculations. It uses the Horoscope divisions into certain zodiac signs which define the pathways of various planets and stars. The Zodiac signs that help in defining the horoscope include Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, etc.

To produce a more accurate reading, astrologers check to see what sign each planet was in at the time of birth. The planets and signs combine with other elements such as houses and angles to form a complex and often very specific profile of a subject’s personality, life and future prospects.