Astrology, Skepticism, and the Question of a “Weak Mind”

When we deal with people in occult matters, it is quite natural to encounter skepticism. Things become even more interesting when skeptics quote contemporary or historical Gurus to support their arguments.

One such quote, often extracted from India’s spiritual history, is attributed to Swami Vivekananda:

“Astrology and all these mystical things are generally signs of a weak mind; therefore, as soon as they are becoming prominent in our minds, we should see a physician, take good food, and rest.”

Similarly, a modern-day spiritual teacher, Shri Acharya Prashant, is also reported to have said that anyone who believes in astrology cannot be considered rational.

The Guru’s Dilemma

Before we go deeper into these statements, it is important to understand how a Guru functions. A true Guru cannot be understood merely through the literal meaning of his words. Many times, a Guru has to say or do certain things solely to uncondition his disciples.

Imagine a situation where disciples have become excessively dependent on astrology—so much so that they seek astrological guidance for even the most trivial daily actions. In such a case, the Guru may have no choice but to strongly criticize astrology itself in order to free his disciples from psychological dependence. He would never want that the tool of guidance should become a crutches to depend-on.

This is also why one often finds authentic Gurus critiquing certain practices or even other Gurus—and receiving similar criticism in return. The intent is not rivalry or negation, but to ensure that the seeker does not become psychologically or intellectually stuck at any point. A disciple’s growth must remain fluid, not frozen in allegiance, not even to one’s own Guru. As Osho repeatedly emphasized, the seeker must eventually “learn to burn their bridges,” so that understanding arises from inner clarity rather than borrowed authority.

In doing so, the Guru may invite criticism upon himself, but beneath this apparent harshness lies deep compassion for the spiritual evolution of the disciple.

There are even recorded instances where Gurus have criticized the very idea of enlightenment when they sensed that seekers had become obsessed with the concept rather than the inner transformation it represents. Gautama Buddha himself is reported to have said that he could not function properly if he did not sometimes speak “untruths,” and that truth is that which is useful. This illustrates why it is said that a real Guru is almost impossible to fully understand—you can never be entirely certain why he says what he says.

Astrology vs. the Astrologer - https://www.astrosaxena.com/articles/AstrologyVsAstrologer 

With this understanding, it is reasonable to assume that Swami Vivekananda or Acharya Prashant may have made their statements under such compulsions. It is difficult to accept that these highly learned individuals would consider figures like Sri Yukteshwar Giri, Carl Jung, Albert Einstein, or Pythagoras as weak-minded or irrational.

That said, the wording of such statements could certainly have been more nuanced. Osho approached this issue more subtly by criticizing astrologers rather than astrology itself. In fact, Osho gave extensive discourses on astrology, later compiled into the book Hidden Mysteries, where he expresses appreciation for astrology as a science of consciousness while remaining critical of its practitioners. One such wisdom from Osho is as follows -

“Future prediction is not possible. Let it sink in within you. The mind wants certainty, and life is not obliged to fulfill the demands of the mind. Life is an open phenomenon — absolutely open, unpredictable. That is its beauty.

If the future could be predicted, then everything would already be dead. If tomorrow is already fixed, then what is the point of living today? There would be no adventure, no surprise, no discovery. You would simply drag through a mechanical repetition of something already written.

The priests, astrologers, palmists — they all exploit the fear of the unknown. The unknown is not against you; it is your freedom. Because the future is not fixed, you can transform yourself. Because nothing is predetermined, awakening is possible. Freedom is possible.

Remember this: the more conscious you become, the more you understand that no prediction can contain life. Life is a river, flowing moment to moment, and each moment brings infinite possibilities. To live in those possibilities is to live in God. To cling to predictions is to live in fear. Rejoice that the future is open. Rejoice that nothing is certain. Rejoice that existence has not given you a prison of destiny, but the spacious sky of freedom.”

— Osho

There is a significant difference between astrology and the astrologer. A practitioner can be mistaken, but the mistake of a practitioner does not invalidate the entire discipline—just as an error by a surgeon does not discredit medical science itself.

Astrology vs. Science

There is also a strong desire among many people to prove astrology through scientific methods to make it socially acceptable. This entire debate, however, is fundamentally misconceived because the domains of science and astrology operate in opposite directions.

Science primarily aims to improve external life, while astrology—when rightly understood—serves as a tool for inner and spiritual evolution. As scientific advancement accelerates and spiritual disciplines are either neglected or misused, we now possess highly sophisticated weapons but lack the inner consciousness required to handle them responsibly.

This alone is sufficient to demonstrate why attempting to prove astrology through science misses the point entirely.

From the Skeptic’s Perspective

The intention here is not to refute Swami Vivekananda or Acharya Prashant. Their positions as Gurus are well understood. Rather, this is addressed to the skeptic who quotes such figures to dismiss astrology.

Human ego likes to believe, “I am already rational and strong-minded.” But if we examine ourselves honestly, this belief often turns out to be wishful thinking.

a. How often do we change our decisions within a few hours?
b. How often do we commit to something and then withdraw?
c. How many New Year resolutions are broken within days—or even hours?
d. How many times do we send a message and delete it before it is even read?
e. How often do we warmly connect with someone on social media, only to block them weeks later?

To understand how easily we overestimate the strength of our own minds, one only needs to observe a recurring insight shared by many awakened masters: i.e. politics is largely an expression of the lowest levels of human consciousness. Yet, despite this repeated warning, it is politics—and politicians—that continue to dominate the world and govern societies. This contradiction itself is revealing. When collective life is directed by those operating from the lowest planes of awareness, it compels us to honestly question where we, as a society, truly stand in terms of consciousness.

And yet, we go on convincing ourselves that we are rational and mentally resilient. One can only wish that belief well.

A final example: people often say, “How can we trust in God when God is invisible?” Yet the same people readily trusted an invisible virus. This suggests that rationality often operates selectively, shaped by context and necessity.

Perhaps it would serve us better to honestly accept that, at our current level, we are mentally weak—and that tools like astrology can help guide us toward greater awareness and evolution.

Is the Mind Ever Strong?

The mind, by its very nature, is always weak. Only pure consciousness lies beyond the duality of strong and weak. As long as we operate from the mind, some form of weakness will always exist.

Notice how we describe the mind as “tense.” The word itself implies being stretched between two polarities. Etymologically, “tense” comes from the Latin tensus, meaning “stretched tight.” We also divide time into three tenses—past, present, and future.

As long as the mind moves between these tenses, it remains tense—and therefore weak. Only pure consciousness, which exists beyond mind and time, transcends this weakness.

Once a person reaches that state, astrology becomes unnecessary. Perhaps Swami Vivekananda or Acharya Prashant speaks from such a state of consciousness. But until we reach that height, tools like astrology can be immensely helpful.

We would do well to speak in the language of such masters only after attaining their level of realization. Until then, it is wiser to acknowledge our present state rather than assume spiritual heights we have not yet reached.

The True Purpose of Astrology

The perception that astrology is meant for weak or mundane minds may have developed due to how it has been practiced and used. Osho emphasized in Hidden Mysteries that astrology should be consulted only for the most essential questions of life:

Why am I here?
What is my purpose?
Will I be able to fulfill that purpose?

These, according to Osho, are valid questions for astrology. Unfortunately, most people limit astrology to money, marriage, and childbirth—and many astrologers cater only to these demands. Online astrology apps have further diluted its depth, with the worst misuse being attempts to predict cricket match outcomes.

When neither practitioners nor seekers aim for higher utilization, it is natural that astrology is dismissed as trivial or meant for weak minds.

Yet, when used correctly, astrology can help us understand our position in the evolutionary journey and guide us upward. For instance, during a difficult Mars transit, astrology can reveal whether Martian energy is being expressed tamasically through anger and conflict, and how it may be redirected toward rajasic or sattvic expression.

This is the deeper purpose of astrology—to help us recognize where we stand and consciously evolve to higher levels of awareness. 

Gratitude!!!