Astrology is one of the oldest sciences that studies the influence of celestial bodies on human life. While many people pursue astrology as a hobby, becoming a professional astrologer requires deep knowledge, practical training, and continuous learning. Education plays a crucial role in shaping an astrologer’s accuracy, credibility, and ability to guide others.
Importance of Education in Astrology
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Gives you a clear understanding of planetary movements, zodiac signs, houses, and their real-life impact.
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Sharpens your ability to read and interpret birth charts with accuracy.
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Teaches the importance of ethics while guiding and counseling clients.
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Helps you earn respect, credibility, and trust in the spiritual and wellness field.
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Qualifications of an Astrologer or Jyotish Acharya
Jyotish: The greatest and oldest divine science of the earth in the Vedic world was lying dormant for a long time. A large part of this great science has gone into the hands of half-baked/incomplete Ponga Pandits/Prophets. With the credibility of these illiterate, self-proclaimed astrologers being questioned, this great science is losing the faith of the people. But now the bad times are over and the time has come for the revival of this great science. The subject qualification of an astrologer can be divided into three broad categories.
First part of the qualification
For the revival of astrology, this subject should be taught in universities, there should be a minimum basic educational qualification, proper examination, a regulatory body and a licensing system for private practice. The minimum educational qualification should be 12th pass, and should have basic knowledge of mathematics and calculation. Most of the work of astrology has been done in Sanskrit, so Sanskrit should also be a desirable qualification.
The second part of the qualification.
Maharishi Parashara – the leading light of astrologers of ‘Kaliyuga’ – has laid down the qualities and attributes that an astrologer or Jyotish Acharya should possess. These are given in the scripture named Brihat Parashar Hora.
They are reproduced below:
“Ganiteshu Praveena Yeh, Shabdshastre Kritshramah NyayavidBuddhiman, Deshdikkalagyo, Jitendriya Oohapoh patur Hora Skandha Shravan Sammatah. Maitreya Satyatam Yati Tasya Vakyam na Sanshayah.”
- Mathematical Ability (Ganiteshu Pravino)– Mathematical ability is the basis of astrological building.
2. A diligent linguist (शब्दाशास्त्रे क्रितश्रमः) – Mastering the language makes it easier to understand the various nuances of an axiological astrological “sutra”.
3. Jurist – An astrologer must have a judicial balance so that he can synthesize the conflicting indications of the planets and still arrive at a sound decision.
4. Intelligent – And inquisitive, sharp and lively intelligence motivates an astrologer to compete with himself for continuous improvement. One who constantly improves, especially by learning from mistakes, is truly “intelligent”.
5. Deshadhikkalgyo – One must know the geography, tradition, culture, and social conditions of his region.
6. Jitendriya – An astrologer can derive economic, emotional and other benefits by using the innermost thoughts of the consultee. Moral checks and balances are essential.
7. Ooha-Popatu – The ability to view an event from many angles, clarify different aspects of an issue, and synthesize contradictions and conflicting views gives an astrologer acumen and clarity.
8. Hora Skandha Shravan Sammatah – Knower of Hora Skandha.In addition, the qualifications given by Varahamihira for a good astrologer are as follows:-
Purity – When there is inner purity, the reflection of the planets on the heart awakens the rarest sources of wisdom and then the astrologer can interpret the horoscope with humility and clear vision from his rich technical knowledge.
Proficiency – There is technical and intellectual proficiency in the approach to any great science.
Communication skills – An astrologer must have full command of the language in which he expresses his interpretations and must properly guide his clients as a sympathetic counselor.
Brilliance – An astrologer has to interpret vast data and arrive at a solid conclusion.
With inner peace, He is like a Yogi with a purified mind.
Fearless speech – With good astrological insights in the horoscope, he must have the ability to speak fearlessly in any gathering.
Should be able to hold his own in any company- In the company of other talented persons, he should be able to hold his own, and not be eclipsed.
An astrologer should have the ability to interpret signs and omens- Astrology is the science of interpreting the various celestial signs hypothetically placed in the Zodiac – an imaginary oval circle extending about 5 degrees on either side of the equator around the earth. Therefore, an astrologer should have the inner courtesy to interpret the inner meanings of the Zodiac along with the position of the planets and constellations.
De-addiction – The addict becomes mentally decomposed; then how can he be useful to others?
Knowledge of mantras for planetary peace – Astrologers are associated with spiritual treatments, which are based on mantras. An astrologer should know how to use these mantras to bring peace and tranquility to various minds.
Ability to counteract evil forces – Some people do some evil deeds to harm someone. An astrologer should also know how to counteract it.
Should be a spiritual person – An astrologer should himself lead a spiritual and disciplined life.
Ability to ask intelligent questions – An astrologer should be able to get very useful answers from people and interpret the horoscope in depth.
Useful early warning – An astrologer should give a very useful early warning to the person and give him proper advice about taking appropriate precautionary measures.
According to Barahamihira, an astrologer is truly a versatile genius, scientist, intellectual, psychologist and above all an enlightening guide. There will be rare astrologers who have all the qualifications, but those who have some of these great qualifications can help society a lot.
Third Part of Qualification
Astrology is a divine science and therefore, it is not possible to understand this subject completely without the help of divine power. To become a good astrologer, one must have God’s blessings in the form of some good planetary positions in one’s horoscope. Jupiter is considered to be the greatest astrologer and Mercury is the lord of calculations. Therefore, one who wants to become an astrologer must have a good position of Jupiter and Mercury in their horoscope. Not only a good position, but also a proper dasha at the proper time. Moreover, Ketu and 8th house of the horoscope are a mystical planet and house, respectively; therefore, the role of Ketu and 8th house in astrology cannot be ignored.
Conclusion: Despite having all the above qualifications, one must keep in mind that astrology is a pre-destined subject and a few pre-destined persons in the world can actually learn this great science with the blessings of Almighty God.
