If future events fascinate you and you can’t wait to find out today all that’s destined for tomorrow, if you believe in the fact that every planet in the solar system has an affect on each and every individual on earth, and if you want to study and find out more about this to guide and counsel others, you have everything it takes to be an astrologer.
Take the case of Pradip Bhattacharya. He grew up watching his father analyse and interpret horoscopes for all those who came to seek his advice. Today, he works as a content executive with a company that provides astrology content to mobile companies. In short, he’s the man behind the sms you receive in the morning predicting your future. And, mind you, writing daily predictions in less than 100 words can be quite a challenging task.
Technology sure can make optimum use of traditional knowledge! Agrees Bhattacharya, “Though the role of an astrologer has not changed with time, technology has reduced the load of work relating to manual preparation of horoscopes. Authentic and accurate software also helps make accurate predictions.”
Who should pursue astrology? Everyone from any walk of life. There is also no age limit. It’ll help, however, if the person has passed Class XII as education leads to a sharp mind and a certain level of maturity. “So, if you have a much higher qualification, you will be in a position to handle bigger cases with more competence,” he says. Knowledge of psychology, mythology, good mathematical skills are essential. Sanskrit can also come in handy.
Besides, presence of mind and an anaytical approach always helps.
{{/usCountry}}Besides, presence of mind and an anaytical approach always helps.
{{/usCountry}}Bhattacharya pursued his BSc from Kolkata University and after shifting to Delhi, did a one-year course in Jyotish Alankaar from the Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan.
“Those who intend becoming astrologers should be proficient in mathematics, be aware of their surroundings and be clued on to current affairs as well as the changing socio-economic values. Knowledge of mythology and Sanskrit also helps understanding the scriptures better and in analysing critical cases and issues,” he says, adding that a positive attitude towards astrology is mandatory for an astrologer. “This is important as astrologers arrive at predictions on the basis of place, time and the individual – sthaan, kaal and patra,” he says. The greatest challenge in this profession is mastering the art of “sugar coating” and communicating ‘bad news’ to the client. It is here that your communication skills come to the fore, points out Bhattacharya. “The truth needs to be told but not at the cost of hurting the client. Astrology, after all, is about understanding onself and how we interact with the rest of the world. It allows us to understand why we act the we we do and do things that we do. It is also a tool to warn us in advance about how our lives could suffer.”
What’s it about?
An astrologer calculates your horoscope and makes your birth chart. He helps an individual understand all about himself by reading his natal chart. He advises people on issues related to personal growth, relationships, finances, career and health, figures out the auspicious time to start a business, conduct a wedding and countless other activities. An astrologer can help anindividual be in control of his life. Astrology believes that each planet in the solar system revals one aspect of human nature. There are three popular types of astrology: Chinese, Vedic and Western
Clock Work
9 am: Reach office
10 am: Start work, write predictions
11 am: Attend office meetings
1 pm: Complete writing predictions for the next two days
2 pm- 5 pm: Study charts and do calculations
6 pm: Leave for home
8 pm- 9 30 pm: Consult private clients and offer advice
The Payoff
. An astrologer can earn anything starting from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh per month but all depends on where he’s working and his networking skills.
. He can be employed as an astrology content provider, a resident astrologer with a five star hotel or run his own consultancy
Skills
. An astrologer has the required skills to interpret an astrological chart, something that comes with practice and experience
. He has to be a good counsellor and communicate astrological knowledge in a manner that clients can understand
. Should have the ability to handle communicating all kinds of news to the clients without upsetting them
How do i get there?
. Anybody can get interested in astrology. There is no age limit.
. Those interested in studying the subject seriously can pursue a BA or an MA in astrology. They can even pursue research in the field depending on their interest
Institutes & Urls
. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New Delhi
www.bvbdelhi.org/ ins_astro/ins_astro.html
. Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth
. Future Point
astrology.futurepointindia.com/education/courses.aspx
. Indian Institute of Vedic Astrology
iivaindore.com/about-us.php
Pros & Cons
. An astrologer can prepare a client to overcome the worst. He helps him be in control of his life and the events around it
. He can help him understand himself better and counsel him on issues such as personal and professional growth
. It’s best to take it up as a hobby rather than a career
A cosmic career
It will be beneficial for students to go through a more rigorous training in predictive astrology
What does one require to become an astrologer?
Technical excellence which should not be mistaken for shloka distortions and sutra chopping. Intellectual excellence like good and sound knowledge of sociology to understand the modern social trends. Good and sound knowledge of psychology to interpret some baffling aspects of human behaviour. And, if one does mundane astrology (making predictions about nations and politics) a sound knowledge of politics, international relations and also some international law is absolutely necessary along with history.
What inspired you to take up astrology? Did you have a guru?
My mother first, an extraodinary astrologer who served people free of charge when she found time and later, a Gujarati yogi who had spent 40 years in the Himalayas and who also did astrology free of charge to help people undertstand themselves and realise their potential to achieve achievable excellence in life.
Students who pursue BA or MA in astrology should be made to go through a more rigorous training in predictive astrology before being allowed to practice.
K N Rao As told to Vandana Ramnani