Even prominent figures, known for their rationalist stance, sought astrological counsel in significant moments of uncertainty

Elections are a busy time for bureaucrats, politicians and the media. It is also a busy time for astrologers, something that the public may not be aware of. Many leaders and candidates visit astrologers to discuss their electoral prospects. There are politicians who reject astrology and dress in progressive garb for the media while consulting astrologers in private.

Durga Das, in his book “India: From Curzon to Nehru and After,” writes that, upon the advice of the then Planning Minister Gulzari Lal Nanda, Pt. Nehru consulted an astrologer in the year 1962. When the astrologer predicted a Chinese aggression, an irritated Nehru told the Jyotishi “you are talking bilge.” A Chinese aggression followed soon after, and Pt. Nehru “was in a mood to listen to the astrologer,” writes Durga Das. The Jyotishi, this time, warned about Pt. Nehru’s health. Durga Das writes, “Fifty learned priests were engaged by his admirers to perform the prescribed rites at a temple in Kalkaji, a suburb of Delhi.”

Another Parliament election is here. I must disclose that the purpose of this note is to present a few observations based on astrology.

The questions about the election that an astrologer faces, even from an astrological viewpoint, are complicated, and precise analyses are tough. It is difficult to analyse the charts of all the candidates. Besides, astrologically too, there are numerous things that might influence an election — from the candidates’ birth charts to the exact time at which the nomination is filed. Though ours is a data-centric culture, these details are hard to collect and collate. Despite these difficulties, astrologers attempt to study elections. One way to do this is to examine the chart of the current premier and other leaders. What do those charts say? So, here is a short analysis of our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s chart.

Modi was born on a Shuklapaksha Shashti, and his birth star is Anuradha. He is under the planetary period of Mars which started in the year 2022 and runs till 2029. It is the sub-period of Jupiter presently for him. This started last January and runs till January 2025. The lord of the ascendant, Venus, has Vargottamamsha and is posited in the 11th house along with Saturn. Mars is posited in its own house along with Moon and confers a Sasimangalayoga. Jupiter’s transit in the month of April 2024 will also be beneficial for him.

Shri. Modi’s chart, and the current time, are astrologically very good, and it can be said that he will come back without a break and lead the nation once again. The current period — the planetary period of Mars — would be the best time in his life. He can and will execute his pet plans and projects at this time. He will win his goals and will not step back.

Most likely, we will see a shift in Shri. Modi’s style and focus after March 2026 as, at that time, the sub-period of Saturn is coming to an end. He might contemplate a change in his ways at this time. There is also a possibility of major allegations coming up against him with an intention to defame him. From the horoscope, it can also be said that he will be active in his political career till he turns 79, that is till the period of Mars comes to an end.

The position of Jupiter suggests that he will be inclined towards a spiritual life at the later stage of his life. This inclination will get stronger after he turns 79.

These are general points that one can arrive at from Shri. Modi’s chart. Of course, one will have to analyse many other charts and aspects to get a clearer astrological picture. But the question is, is such a thorough examination warranted in public interest? One may say that astrological analyses are not scientific and hence should be discarded at face value.

I would urge them to look at the ‘scientific’ predictions from our psephologists. One can easily see that we, astrologers, are much more accurate than them.

(The writer is a vedic scholar, views are personal)