Death Prediction in Astrology (Part-1): Exploring Techniques and Myths

Presenting the first part of an in-depth analysis on Death Prediction in Astrology, covering Parasara's teachings, longevity techniques, and remedies ⏳

Death Prediction in Astrology has always been an inquisitive and thought provoking issue. It is a topic that frequently intrigues and captivates our minds. Exploring this topic deeply involves not just the core principles of Astrology but also insights from Spirituality to examine the question comprehensively.

In my two decades of astrological journey, I have dedicated considerable time and effort to this question, as it frequently arises in my interactions with people. Due to the abundance of astrological and spiritual material on this topic, I propose dividing this article into two parts to maintain manageable lengths for readers.

In the first part of this article, we will cover core astrological concepts, including Maharshi Parasara’s views as detailed in the Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra. In the second part, we will explore the concepts of marakas (the killer planets), the Punya Chakra (a horoscope cast at the time of death), and the spiritual perspective on death. This broader view will provide a deeper understanding of the topic. I will also share my perspective based on studies of various horoscopes to test astrological concepts and assess their accuracy. Ultimately, we aim to logically deduce an answer to the critical question: Can we predict death?

I apologize for the technical nature of much of this article. Quoting exact slokas is crucial to avoid misinformation, as Maharishi Parasara’s teachings hold immense significance in the context of death prediction. I encourage readers to skim the sloka sections and focus on the accompanying explanations for better readability.

Many of us have heard stories about individuals predicting their own death accurately. Whenever I encountered such stories, I probed further to verify whether the teller had first-hand knowledge or had heard it from someone else. Invariably, these accounts were second hand. Despite my best efforts, I could never trace the original source of such claims.

Astrology and the Misuse of "Prediction" ⏳

In astrology, the term "prediction" is often misunderstood and misused, even by intellectuals and seasoned astrology practitioners. Over generations, astrology has become widely regarded as a tool to "predict" the future, a notion that oversimplifies its true essence.

In an earlier article, we explored the intriguing question of whether the future can truly be predicted. At a fundamental level, the question of death prediction is similar to predicting the future. However, as we delve deeper, the two subjects diverge significantly at intermediate and advanced levels.

What Astrology Says About Death and Its Prediction ⏳

Numerous classical astrology texts on death have explored the concept of predicting longevity. However, much of the material from the post-medieval to modern era is misleading and unauthentic. Astrology is often surrounded by myths, particularly about death. Some believe the Sade-Sati (the seven-and-a-half-year Saturn period) brings death, while others claim malefic planets like Saturn, Mars, Rahu, and Ketu can cause death during their periods, regardless of their strength. Some even claim that if a child is born under a weak nakshatra, the chances of survival are alarmingly low. These notions are overly simplistic and misleading. It’s essential not to accept such interpretations blindly without deeper analysis and understanding.

To avoid inaccuracies, it is best to rely on the authentic classical text, Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra (BPHS), authored by Maharishi Parasara.

For this article, I refer to Ranjan Publications' BPHS Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, comprising 45 and 52 chapters, respectively. The first volume has been translated, annotated, and edited by Shri R. Santhanam, while the second volume is credited to Shri G. S. Kapoor.

In Chapter 5, Maharishi Parasara introduces the concept of Varnada Dasa (Period) in astrology, explaining its role in longevity calculations.

varnadakhya bhanam kathyamyath teapratah
yasya vigyanmatren vadedayurbhavam phalam (BPHS Vol. 1, Sloka 5.10)

"I now detail Varnada Dasa, just by knowing which, one can deal with the longevity of a native."

In subsequent slokas, Parasara explains how to calculate the Varnada rasi (sign) for the natal ascendant and describes the effects of Varnada and its trine in causing evils to the native.

In Sloka 17 of Chapter 5, Maharishi Parasara compares the influence of Varnada with that of Rudra in the Soola Dasa:

rudrashoole yathevayurmaranadi nirupyate,
tathaiv varnadasyapi trikone paapsangame (BPHS Vol. 1, Sloka 5.17)

"Just as Rudra (the stronger planet among the 2nd and 8th lords) in Soola Dasa is capable of causing evils, in the same manner, planets related to Varnada’s trine should be treated."

It is crucial to note that Parasara uses the phrase "causing evils" rather than "causing death." This distinction underscores the idea that evils do not necessarily equate to death but rather represent adverse effects on an individual.

Parasara places significant emphasis on evils and their impact on human life. Chapter 9 of BPHS discusses evils at birth, while Chapter 10 elaborates on remedies for these evils.

Restrictions imposed by Parasara on Longevity Calculations ⏳

Parasara specifically advises against predicting longevity for individuals before they reach the age of twenty-four years.

chaturvinshativarshani yavad gacchanti janmatah

janmarishtam tu tavat syadayurdayam na chintayet (BPHS, Vol 1, Sloka 9.2)

“Evils causing premature end exist upto the age of 24 years for all of us. As such, no definite calculation of life span should be made till the native crosses this age.”

Several classical texts, including Sarvartha Chintamani and Phala Deepika, echo the sentiment that age-related calculations should not be made before the age of 21, as such predictions are deemed futile. Parasara himself revisits longevity prediction techniques in Chapter 44, specifying 20 years as the minimum age before longevity prediction calculations can be attempted:

janairvinshativarshantmayurgyatum na shakyate (BPHS Vol. 1, Sloka 44.12)

"It is impossible to determine longevity until the child attains 20 years of age."

While Parasara cites 20 years here, instead of 24 as mentioned earlier, the reasoning behind this variation remains unclear. Perhaps he implies that some evils can be assessed more accurately between 20 and 24 years, but no definitive sloka supports this interpretation. Regardless, we can conclude that death prediction should not be undertaken before the age of 20.

In Chapter 9 of BPHS, Parasara lists combinations associated with short life spans. Why would he provide these combinations if death predictions for children are discouraged? The most plausible explanation is that recognizing these evils early allows for the implementation of appropriate remedies. Parasara underscores this concept in Chapter 10, where he outlines various remedial measures for addressing such evils. This highlights the essential debate of free will vs fate in astrology, emphasizing the role of remedies to counteract evils. We have discussed this interplay between fate and free will in detail in a previous article.

Parasara's Perspective on Longevity and Its Challenges ⏳

Parasara places immense importance on longevity, dedicating the entirety of Chapter 43 in Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra (BPHS) to the subject. This chapter addresses not only human longevity but also that of other living beings. At the very beginning, Parasara acknowledges the profound difficulty of predicting longevity, even for divine beings:

saadhupushtam twaya vipra jananam cha hitechaya
kathyamyayusho gyanam durjaiyam yat surairapi (BPHS Vol. 1, Sloka 43.2)

"For the benefit of mankind, I narrate methods of ascertaining longevity, but do know that determining longevity is extremely difficult, even for the Gods."

Parasara outlines three systems for calculating longevity: Pindayu, Nisargayu, and Amsayu. He also details numerous combinations to consider in these calculations. In Sloka 52 of Chapter 43, Parasara categorizes longevity into seven distinct states:

balarishtam yogarishtmalpam madhyanch dirghkram,
divyam chaivamitam chaivam saptadhayuhu prakirtitam

(BPHS Vol. 1, Sloka 43.52)

"Age can be categorized into seven classes: Balarishta, Yogarishta, Short, Medium, Long, Supernatural, and Limitless longevity."

He further clarifies these categories in Sloka 53:

• Balarishta: Less than 8 years

• Yogarishta: Between 9 and 20 years

• Alpayu (Short): Between 21 and 32 years

• Madhyamayu (Medium): Between 33 and 64 years

• Dirghayu (Long): Between 65 and 120 years

Parasara concludes that 120 years, referred to as Paramayush (maximum life span), represents the ultimate human longevity. The first three stages are typically regarded as instances of premature death. The question of premature death in astrology finds its solutions through remedies outlined in the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS) by Maharishi Parashara.

Challenges in Longevity Calculation Systems ⏳

I devoted significant time to studying the astrological methods for longevity calculations such as the Pindayu, Nisargayu, and Amsayu systems outlined by Parasara to assess their accuracy. Applying these methods to numerous horoscopes, including my own, I found that none of these systems consistently produced accurate results. There appear to be considerable gaps in the slokas, necessitating numerous assumptions that may account for these inaccuracies.

Astrological concepts should never be interpreted in isolation. Just as a horoscope analysis cannot rely solely on the ascendant, as other references are also crucial for a comprehensive understanding, similarly, concepts related to death must be approached with a holistic perspective, considering all relevant factors. Parasara might have intended these systems to be used in conjunction with additional combinations listed in Slokas 33-40 of Chapter 43. He advises that when the results of two systems align, and the third differs, the majority view should be taken. Even so, my assessment of several horoscopes failed to validate the reliability of these methods.

One plausible explanation is that these systems must be analyzed alongside the influence of Marakas (killer planets) for precise outcomes. This remains a complex area requiring extensive research and calculations. With advancements in artificial intelligence and computational tools, it is possible that future researchers—including myself—may be able to address these challenges.

Thus far, we have examined various combinations and conditions related to longevity. We can confidently assert that predicting life span is inherently difficult, and any such calculations should be avoided before the age of 20 or 24.

Conclusion and Preview of Part Two ⏳

In this first part of the article, we explored key astrological principles related to longevity and the complexities of death prediction. Maharishi Parasara's insights from Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra highlight the difficulty of this endeavor, even for divine beings. We also discussed how evils and remedial measures play a crucial role in understanding longevity. Importantly, predictions about life span should not be attempted before the age of 20 or 24, as outlined in classical texts.

In the second part of this article on Death Prediction in Astrology, we will delve deeper into the concept of Marakas (killer planets) and their effects, the Punya Chakra meaning a horoscope drawn at the time of death. Since Astrology and Spirituality are intricately linked, in the next part of this article, we will delve into the spiritual view of death. Additionally, I will share findings from my studies on numerous horoscopes to evaluate the reliability of astrological methods in predicting death. Ultimately, we will summarize the key takeaways and answer the central question: Can we predict death?

Stay tuned for the concluding part of this article, which will be published next month.

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