On a chilly January morning I pulled out my keyboard and guitar for some music lessons. It had been a while since I had seen my teacher. He sported a big smile and some flashy gemstones on his fingers. Curious, I asked him about all those rings. He had apparently met a fortune-teller. Intrigued, I forgot about music and began inquiring about his experience with this astrologer. It was evident that my music teacher was highly impressed by this man who had offered remedies to fix his otherwise not so bright future. He bragged about how this astrologer could change things around and convinced me to visit him.
Instead of strumming some tunes, my focus shifted and we called up this astrologer. He asked us to visit his home in the evening. We reached his tiny house in the far suburbs of the city, rang the doorbell and were greeted by a man with a long beard wearing a saffron robe and some headgear to protect himself from the chill. The much talked about astrologer had certainly dressed the part. However, I had no clue what was in store after we exchanged pleasantries. He asked me a few basic questions, created a chart and began the session. He went on and on about how my planets had not been great for the last few years and said that if we wanted to fix the planets, I would have to go on a fasting spree twice a week for a year. Appalled by his suggestion, I informed him that I wouldn't be comfortable starving myself. As it is I had been on a diet all these years which was as good as a fast, I thought.
Not pleased with my argument he tried convincing me that fasting was the only way to fix things. He quickly charted a fasting diet for me and explained that I could have fruits and juices throughout the day. He said that I could also snack on potato chips, tapioca, sweet pudding and Indian dessert. Apart from that I was allowed to have one proper meal at night. Wow! So much food. I thought fasting meant eating very less. However, this diet sound like a feast. I didn't even eat this much food on a regular day. The senseless astro-diet was a surefire way to add on some pounds and it would require extra hours at the gym. He also added that I should avoid citrus on Fridays. What does Vitamin C have to do with Fridays? I didn't have the inclination to ask so I began searching for the nearest exit. As I got up to leave he asked me to visit him again after three months. Hell No!
What a waste of time. Not only did he manage to wrack my brain, he also made me question his authenticity. Many such self-proclaimed astrologers misguide people, charge them exorbitant amounts of money, tap on their weaknesses, scare them and earn a living. They fail to mention anything pertinent and suggest random remedies to fix situations. Without complete knowledge of astrology, they become astrologers and drive people crazy. Perhaps like other professions they should be required to have a practicing licence or some degree.
Neither pleased with this particualar mans lack of knowldge nor with my music teachers recommendation, I badly needed a drink. Astrologers may not be capable of predicting the future but they sure are capable of driving you towards the wine store. Going to them could very well amount to wasting time, money, energy and most importantly the mind.
Disclaimer: Follow the Ass-tro Diet at your own risk. Extra workout required and No garauntee of fixing anything except a gym membership!
