Career Focus

Bright future in star gazing

Though academics and rationalists dismiss it as mumbo-jumbo, few celebrities and opinion makers sign major contracts or make career moves without consulting astrologers — a flourishing tribe

Rationalists believe it’s mumbo-jumbo or pure hokum. But try telling that to the swelling tide of film stars, high-flying politicians, industrialists, traders or even file-pushing clerks. To all intents and purposes, few celebrities and opinion moulders seem ready to make a movie, launch a political campaign, enter wedlock, sign a major contract or make a career move without consulting their astrologer. Nor is any print periodical or newspaper quite complete without a column on soothsayers’ predictions. Little wonder astrologers such as Bejan Daruwalla, Marjorie Orr and Sunita Menon have become celebrities in their own right and are booked for weeks in advance.

For those unwilling to tread trodden ways, astrology could be an exciting 21st century offbeat career. Hitherto the preserve of hereditary pandits who passed on their skills of casting and reading horoscopes and palmistry, contemporary astrology with the added dimension of tarot card reading and crystal ball gazing, is attracting people from all walks of life. The new genre of astrologers are making a determined effort to do scientific research on this ancient science which involves interpreting planetary configu-rations and movements of the sun, moon and stars and their impact upon human beings.

For aspiring astrologers intent upon professional qualifications there’s no university or college study programme per se. However, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai offers a three-year certificate course in astrology with full-day classes held every Sunday. The obscure town of Petpad in Gujarat offers a government recognised four-year full-time combined degree course in Sanskrit, Vedas and astrology. In addition several other study options are offered by astrologers themselves and also by the Federation of India and Association of Astrologers. Moreover the Gems and Jewellery Association conducts a course in gemmology, which helps astrologers recommend lucky gems-tones to their clients.

Though it’s a fairly well kept secret, an astrologer with three-five years’ experience can earn anywhere between Rs.20,000-100,000 per month. And for an astrologer favoured by a politician, a famous film star or top industrialist, the sky is the limit.

Chitalia: satisfying career

A rank student of Mumbai’s Podar College of Ayurveda, Chitalia acquired a bachelor of ayurvedic medicine and surgery (BAMS) degree — an integrated course in ayurveda and allopathy — from Bombay University in 1981, and set up practice as a general practitioner. Simultaneously he enrolled for the astrology study programme of the Prempuri Ashram near Babulnath Temple, Mumbai.

According to Chitalia, in the fast-paced competitive contemporary era, peoples’ woes and frustrations are multiplying, prompting them to turn to astrologers for advice. "We study their horoscopes and if their stars are unfavourable, advise them to wait for more auspicious times. Alternatively we suggest remedial measures like poojas, mantras and wearing of certain gemstones," he says.

Well aware that there is widespread scepticism, particularly among academics about the scientific rationale of this unproven science, Chitalia advises the public to choose astro-logers with care as there are many imposters with little knowledge of astrology, who have joined the fray to make a fast buck. "Once awareness increases and more knowledgeable and educated astrologers enter the profession, people will be able to discriminate between the good and the bad," he says.

Chitalia admits there is a shortage of training programmes in this field — a lacuna he has sought to remedy by starting private coaching classes in astrology. "There is a lot of curiousity and interest in the subject. I teach my students horoscope analysis, planetary movements and configurations and educate them about the difference between real gemstones and fakes. I’m strongly in favour of universities offering degree courses in astrology," he says.

Fully persuaded that the study of gemstones is intimately connected with astrology, Chitalia has also promoted a gem and jewellery trading firm under the name and style of Nilagems. "I supply authentic gems to ayurvedic and homeopathic doctors and astrologers. To ward off negative influences of the stars, people should wear prescribed gemstones. Though there are plenty of sceptics, I believe that in Indian society if not elsewhere, the future of astrology is bright as there are additional opportunities for astrologers in the gems and jewellery business," says Chitalia.

So if you are a believer and looking for an unconventional career, you could hitch your wagon to the stars.

Indra Gidwani