There’s always this blanket accusation that astrologers exploit the weak and the gullible. Sure, that may be true for some — just as it is in any field where belief meets commerce. But after 22 years of practicing Hindu Vedic Astrology, let me offer a more nuanced view.
Humans, contrary to popular belief, are not that easy to exploit. They are far more intelligent than we give them credit for. In fact, they are more emotionally attached to their money than even to some of their anatomical organs. You cannot simply con them — not in this age, and certainly not for long.
I’ve been writing my blog since 2004, when I was 30. Many of my readers were around the same age. Over the years, they’ve sent mails, left comments, and expressed appreciation — often saying, “Someday I’ll consult you for sure.” Two decades have passed. These same readers have gone on to become VPs, CEOs, COOs. They’ve built houses, bought cars, travelled the world. But they never parted with their money for an astrological consultation — not because they doubted me, but because human beings always weigh their problems against the cost of solving them. And very often, the money wins.
Some of them, tragically, passed away during COVID-19 — still holding onto the intention to consult me “one day.” That, if anything, should reveal how “gullible” the average human is.
Now, let’s talk about those who did consult me. 100% of my clients are highly educated — MBAs, IITians, doctors, scientists. They work in top MNCs, hold government office, live in first-world nations. A few are even Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Members. A couple are known names in Tamil cinema. Do you think these are gullible people?
In 22 years, I have never done a single reading for a poor, illiterate person — if that’s your working definition of gullible. They probably couldn’t grasp my blog posts, and certainly couldn’t afford my expertise.
I’ve never sold a single gem, yantra, or “remedial solution.” I’ve only survived — and thrived — on the precision of my predictions. And by God’s grace, 90% of my clients are repeat customers. You cannot sustain “gas” for two decades. At some point, the hot air runs out.
Now, let’s indulge a wild assumption: say I am more intelligent than all the MBAs, IITians, scientists, and bureaucrats who consult me. And let’s say I’ve been successfully “exploiting” them for over 20 years. Well then, that itself is a talent — a rare gift. One that perhaps deserves a Bharat Ratna. Or a Nobel Prize.