ಜ್ಯೋತಿಷ್ಯ ಅರ್ಥಪೂರ್ಣವೋ ಅರ್ಥರಹಿತವೋ (Astrology: Meaningful or Meaningless?)
by ಡಾ. ಎಚ್. ನರಸಿಂಹಯ್ಯ (Dr. H. Narasimhaiah)
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In this sharp rationalist essay, physicist and educator Dr. H. Narasimhaiah dissects astrology and shows it to be unscientific, superstitious and financially exploitative. He argues that science demands objectivity, verification and replication, tests astrology fails. He exposes astronomical errors (the Sun is a star, the Moon a satellite, Rahu-Ketu mere eclipse nodes that do not exist as bodies; modern planets are ignored), the horoscope fallacy (twins live different lives), the marriage hoax, and the vague-prediction trick. He shows how astrologers exploit fear and greed, cites Buddha's warning against omen-reading, and calls the youth to build a scientific temper.
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Dr. H. Narasimhaiah, physicist, freedom fighter, Padma Bhushan awardee and former Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University, opens by defining the core of science: objectivity, verification and replication. Any true science must be testable, produce consistent results, and remain open to questioning. Astrology, he argues, fails on all these counts.
Astronomical ignorance exposed
He attacks the 'nine planets' of astrology: astronomically the Sun is a star, the Moon a satellite, and Rahu and Ketu do not physically exist, they are mere mathematical nodes where eclipses occur. How can imaginary entities influence a newborn? Astrology also ignores the actually discovered planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, unmentioned in old scriptures. And since planets are millions of miles away, the gravitational pull of the delivering doctor or the hospital bed on a baby is stronger than that of Mars or Jupiter.
Contradictions, exploitation and scientific temper
He exposes internal contradictions: twins born the same minute lead completely different lives; horoscope-matched marriages often end in divorce while unmatched ones succeed; and daily-column predictions use vague, double-meaning statements that fit anyone. Astrologers exploit human crises, illness, poverty, failure, frightening people with 'Shani dosha' or Rahu to sell rituals, gemstones and donations, making astrology a lucrative business.
He cites Buddha, who in the Vinaya Pitaka warned disciples away from star-gazing and omen-reading as deceptive tricks. The essay ends by urging the youth to build a scientific temper, the courage to ask 'Why?', reject blind belief and seek truth, for our future is built by our own choices and hard work, not by the stars.