Ethics of an Astrologer

Parasara states that Maitreya’s questions serve the welfare of the humanity, and this
indicates the motivation with which the disciple should approach the Guru. If he wants to learn astrology in order to gain money, recognition or control over others, the Guru should reject him. He also says that the students should be well-behaved and peaceful, in other words he should be under the influence of the material mode of goodness (Sattva-guna) and he should be respectful towards his Guru. If the disciple is challenging, the Guru will not impart knowledge upon him. The student should also believe in God and follow His laws, and also instruct his clients to do so since this is the best remedy for bad Karma. The student should always speak the truth, even if in some cases he should give a prediction in a way that is acceptable or helpful to his clients. The disqualifications are if the student is lazy, does not believe in God, or wants to use astrology for getting rich.

Varahamihira also elaborates on the qualifications of an astrologer in the Brihat Samhita
(2.2-3.): “An astrologer should belong to a noble family, be good-looking, of modest
appearance and dress, truthful, free from jealousy, impartial, with well-proportioned and strong limbs and joints, undeformed, with beautiful hands, feet, nails, eyes, chin, teeth, ears,forehead, brows and head, with handsome body and a voice deep and sonorous. For, virtues and foibles are generally dependent on good and bad physical features.
The following are the virtues of the astrologer: He must be clean, efficient, bold, eloquent,possessed of genius or ready wit, knower of the time and place, sincere, not timid in assemblies, not to be overpowered by his fellow students, expert, free from vices, well-versed in the art of performing rituals of both curative and preventive types, as well as in that of magic and bathing, engaged in the worship of God, observances or austerities and fast,possessed of great power generated by the wonderful achievements of his scientific knowledge and capable of answering queries made by others and suggesting remedial measures for troubles other than the visitations of God. He must also be thoroughly conversant with works dealing with calculations of planetary positions etc., Samhita andhoroscopy in their details.”

Harihara adds the following:” The exalted and recondite science of astrology is to be studied only by Brahmanas. A proper study of the subject leads one to the acquisition of wealth, merit, salvation, respect and fame. When even Mlecchas and Yava£as well versed in astrology are held in the same esteem as rishis, who would deny respect to an astrologer who happens to be a Brahmana? That person, who has mastery of this science, who has a good knowledge of mathematics, who leads a religious life, who is truthful, who is free from conceit and who is well versed in the Vedas, Mantras and Tantras, he alone can be called a Daivajña or seer. All the predictions made by such a person will come true and will never be false. The learned support this statement. The predictions of one who has studied the ten kinds of planetary motions and who has understood the inner principles of astrology will never be falsified. He who has acquired a thorough knowledge of the different Horas, who is an adept in the five Siddhantas, who has inferential ability and who is initiated into a secret Mantra by a perceptor, can alone know horoscopy.” (1.13-18.)

From the above we can conclude that any astrologer, who wants to develop these qualifications is advised to practice the following habits:

1. Become a vegetarian and avoid eating meat, fish, eggs, garlic, onions and mushrooms.These foods will keep one under the influence of the modes of passion and ignorance (Rajas and Tamas), which is unfavourable for making correct predictions with clear consciousness. One should offer his food to God and thus eat sanctified food.
2. Avoid using intoxicants and drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea. These substances will also contaminate one’s consciousness and prevent him from getting the correct intuition from Param§tm§ (God in the heart).
3. Avoid any illegal activities and try to live a virtuous life. It is best to avoid gambling and sex outside of marriage as well.
4. Make a daily regular study of the Vedas and Jyotisha Shastra, preferably starting at a time when Jupiter is in the Ascendant.
5. Pandita Harihara emphasized the importance of the Jyotisha Mantra received from the Guru. Therefore it is recommended that you chant at least 1 Mala (108 times) of oneof the following Mantras:

Om Krishna Guru
Om Hum Ram Caitanyayai Namah
Om Gurave Namah
Om Hrim Klim Dattatreyaya Namah
Vyam Vyasadevaya Namah

In summary, the qualifications of an astrologer are as follows:
1. He has accepted and practiced regularly the Mantra received from his Guru.
2. He studies astrology under the guidance of his Guru.
3. He has thorough knowledge of the classical Jyotisha Hora Sastras.
4. He has sufficient practice and experience in predictions.
5. He has good intuition, derived from a pure lifestyle and spiritual practices.