Shiva and Parvati's Curses on Astrologers: Mythology Explained

We’ve heard of Astrology and astrologers, but do we know the history, the depth, the myths and stories of this ancient profession? Read along to know more.

Jyotish, literally meaning "light" of the heavenly bodies investigates how the alignment of planets and stars affects human life. A Jyotish helps one to achieve the four main goals in life: dharma (social and religious duty), artha (acquiring wealth), kama (love and worldly enjoyment), and moksha (liberation).

The Kalpa Sutra texts, composed between the 8th and 4th centuries BCE, place jyotish among the auxiliary sciences, known as the 'limbs of the Veda' (vedanga). Its placement among the Vedangas also invites analytical perception of jyotish vidya.

The Vedangas consist of-

1. The correct pronunciation of Vedic texts (siksa),

2. The correct performance of ritual (kalpa),

3. The study of grammar (vyakarana),

4. Etymology of Vedic words (nirukta),

5. and Prosody (chandas)

According to one of the astrological myths, in ancient times the divine couple Shiva and Parvati, maintained great curiosity among people. The astrological insight back then was such that astrologers could delve into the details of their relationship. For amusement, people would come to the astrologers to hear those details. When Shiva discovered that astrologers had daringly intruded into his personal life, he became furious and cursed all the astrologers. Ever since, Shiva’s anger has prevented astrologers from interpreting horoscopes in the same manner.

For example, you can find six planetary indications for prosperity and another six for poverty in the same birth chart. In this situation, the astrologer’s skill to see past simple calculations proves essential. Astrologers have to use rational methods and intuitive powers to complement one another, and only those who become skilled at both these approaches can become fit disciples for the Jyotir Vidya (the "Lore of Light"). There exists another ancient story linked to Shiva, Parvati, and astrology that delves into a different aspect and event.

Just as doctors and engineers rely on established formulas and methods to diagnose and solve problems, astrologers operate on a different wavelength altogether. They are gifted with an intuitive power that goes beyond mere logic or calculation. In astrology, it's not always as straightforward as 1 + 1 equaling 2—sometimes, 1 + 1 adds up to 11. It’s a field where insight and perception take the lead, revealing solutions that might seem unconventional but resonate on a deeper, more spiritual level.

“Worshiping the nine planets is a good way to control your nature. When you fully control the nine planets you control the entire manifested universe.”

Taken from the book Aghora III — The Law of Karma

During the wedding of Shiva and Parvathi, all the planets attended to bless the union, except for Saturn. Parvathi viewed Saturn's absence as a slight and insisted that he should be asked to come. Shiva responded with a gentle smile and advised her to let it go. It's actually for the best that he isn't present; in reality, his absence is a kindness.

But Parvathi was adamant — Shakti in Her awakened, uncontrollable form-and Saturn was obliged to come. Saturn causes you to encounter your genuine self, it is all about the experience and Shiva’s essence is pure awareness. Saturn looked at them from afar. The moment Shiva spotted Saturn, experienced his own true nature and entered a state of samadhi, since Shiva’s nature is pure consciousness.

Shiva remained in deep meditation, experiencing heightened awareness for seven and a half years, and throughout that period, Parvathi was furious and unable to relish their sacred union. After those years had passed, when Shiva returned to ordinary awareness, he explained to Parvathi, "Now you understand why Saturn was excluded from our marriage."

Parvathi, filled with anger, declared that astrology would never achieve perfect accuracy unless supplemented with a great deal of intuition. She also cursed those who make their living by astrology will always lead a miserable life, like beggars.

What is the intuitive power that Parvati mentioned? An important practice that develops divine intuition is devotion. Therefore, it would be wrong to limit jyotish to a strictly scientific domain. The connections between jyotish astrology and Hindu religious practice should be attended to. This approach does not limit the jyotish system solely to an intellectual domain; it allows space for religious and mystical experiences. Examining philosophical and methodological aspects of this ancient practice, it is impossible to fully understand the jyotish astrological system without considering its connection to devotion.

Hence, an astrologer is blessed with not just astrological intellect but also divine intuitive powers that help them see far and beyond the charts. The first few moments of meeting them are purely divine and spiritual and the guidance stems from a power higher than ourselves. When consulting an astrologer, it’s understood that we are grappling with various issues in our lives and are able to confide and trust in them to provide a solution. We often get so absorbed in our challenges that we sometimes hinder their ability to connect with divine forces to the fullest extent. Therefore, it is advisable to give them some time to themselves until they feel called to proceed, after which you can ask further questions.