Exploring Astrology:

Darshana Menon
ILLUMINATION’S MIRROR
2 min readApr 3, 2024

A Journey of Doubt and Discovery

Photo by Farzad Mohsenvand on Unsplash

Since childhood, astrology has held a special place in my heart, thanks to my grandfather’s passion for the subject. He was a self-taught astrologer who would occasionally offer insights based on our birthdates and times, always focusing on the positive aspects of our futures. He always took care of the negative aspects and did all the necessary poojas to keep it away from us.

As I grew older and encountered complex issues I couldn’t discuss with my grandfather, I sought guidance from a professional astrologer. However, the experience left me disillusioned. The questions asked seemed irrelevant, and the session ended with an odd request to feed a cow every Monday or pay for someone else to do it on my behalf. This encounter shook my belief in astrology to some extent.

Fast forward to adulthood, where I found myself grappling with health and financial issues amidst a flood of advertisements for astrology services on social media. Influential Bollywood stars and popular YouTubers endorsed these services, enticing me to give it another try. Thus, I downloaded an astrology app offering a free initial reading.

Upon logging in, I was confronted with a vast pool of astrologers, all boasting excellent ratings and so-called celebrity status. Deciding which astrologer to consult became a daunting task, with cost emerging as a significant differentiator. But does a higher price guarantee better advice?

My first consultations left me disappointed. One astrologer, who claimed expertise in life coaching, provided generic advice that could have been obtained from a podcast. Another astrologer seemed disinterested, asking me to outline my health issues rather than offering guidance based on my chart. I left these sessions with zero answers and a sense of regret for wasting $20.

Despite my initial setbacks, I found myself returning to the app when life seemed stable, driven by the belief that no news is good news. However, doubts resurfaced when contemplating significant decisions, such as buying a house. Conflicting predictions from different astrologers left me questioning whom to trust.

Even amidst this confusion, I pondered the authenticity of the astrologers on the platform and the criteria used for verification amidst a staggering number of practitioners. The success story of the astrology app, growing from zero to billions, raised concerns about authenticity and credibility.

In conclusion, while astrology may offer comfort and guidance, it’s essential to approach it with skepticism and discernment. Major life decisions shouldn’t hinge solely on astrological advice, but rather on a balanced consideration of various factors. As for me, I’ve learned to take astrology with a pinch of salt, acknowledging its limitations while respecting the beliefs of others. Ultimately, it’s a personal journey of doubt and discovery, where each individual must find their own path.

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