Astrology and real predictions

Thursday, 17 May 2012 01:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

ASTROLOGY has always had a deep-rooted effect on Sri Lankan society, but few people are more focused on it than politicians. As Thursday gets more prominence for its star alignment, it would be interesting to see what results the country may actually see.

Astrology, in its broadest sense, is the search for meaning in the sky. It has therefore been argued that astrology began as a study as soon as human beings made conscious attempts to measure, record and then predict seasonal changes by reference to astronomical cycles.

Early evidence of such practices appears as markings on bones and cave walls, which show that lunar cycles were being noted as early as 25,000 years ago; the first step towards recording the Moon’s influence upon tides and rivers, and towards organising a communal calendar.

Agriculture needs were also met by increasing knowledge of constellations, whose appearances change with the seasons, allowing the rising of particular star-groups to herald annual floods or seasonal activities. By the third millennium BCE, widespread civilisations had developed sophisticated awareness of celestial cycles and are believed to have consciously oriented their temples to create alignment with the risings of the stars.

With strong faith in these auspicious dates, local politicians will not hesitate to even skip country if they feel that it would reduce the adverse effects of the stars. The strength of these beliefs is very surprising given the advancement of humans in the 21st century. For those who have no such option or feel that they are too average to be hindered by planetary movements, the “meaning” of events can perhaps be found by simply assessing the political and economic developments taking place.

There is much speculation in the media that former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka will be released soon. Indeed there are rumours that he might be released today. In the backdrop of possible elections in September, this scenario becomes even more interesting.

Opposition parties, including the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) are assembling for the eastern elections. While the Government has a significant advantage in the south due to a lacklustre Opposition, the situation is different in the east, where the TNA as well as other Muslim parties can make their presence felt. In such a scenario, the release of Fonseka could boost the Opposition or result in the reverse. When considering that the TNA managed to keep the ruling UPFA at bay in the north, analysts will be keen to see how the stars allow this round of elections to unfold.

The rising cost of living amid a tenuous economic environment has left many average people in the east grappling with the twin evils of poverty and rehabilitation. Vulnerable groups such as war widows are still sidelined and the province, despite infrastructure development, may not have seen much income generation. With such challenges, the opposition has ammunition for a good fight unless the stars decide they should become cannon fodder.

Astrologers are fortunate as they can predict the future and if what they see is not positive, they can then provide a solution in the form of pujas. For the average man, however, the 21st century holds sway and they cannot depend on astrologers to give better meaning to their lives. That must be done by the people themselves.