Written in the Stars

A single sentence jumps out of the Monday morning classifieds: "All problems solved! No. 1 astrology line! Dial 0900333300 Rupees 1.20/2 seconds."

At first glance, India's thriving astrology business may seem similar to the Dial-a-Psychic phenomenon in America. But astrology traditions have ties to religious practice among Hindus, and visiting a practitioner is often an integral part of any major decision-making process. Most Hindus, even nonreligious ones, consult astrologers at some point in their lives, especially before life-changing events like weddings. For devout believers, astrology offers reassurance and a grip on the unknown.

While there are those who dismiss astrology as superstition, some Hindus point to its scriptural roots. Pandit Shastri, an astrologer based in Benaras, notes: "Religious sub-texts"--secondary texts that are not as canonical as the Rig Veda or Yajur Veda--"are to be studied with the Vedas. One of these texts is Vyakarana Jyotisha [astrology]."

In practice, if not in theory, religious traditions and astrology often mix. Many Hindu temples in India and the United States include the Navagraha, or statues of the nine planetary gods. Devotees can regularly be seen circumambulating the Navagraha while engaging in prayer, attesting to the significance of astral powers in everyday life.

Those who make use of astrologers' services want more than just broad predictions; they're looking for definite answers. "Will I get married?" "Will my daughter survive her cancer?" "Will the business break even?" "Will I get a job?"

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