Who says that the profession of Astrology, Vastu Shastra, and Palmistry is restricted to a person or religion. Meet this scholar who has set up a true example of astrology having transcended boundaries of religion. A Christian by faith, he has not only mastered the art of astrology, but he has even made it his profession. Today he’s a popular and successful astrologer, consulted by several people from different religions and regions. Presenting an interview of a very unique persona, Mr. Valerian Saldanha.
Portraits Of Shri Krishna And Jesus Christ Together
Rigveda states “Aano Bhadra Kratvo Yantu Vishwatah”, which means “May good thoughts, ideas, and inspirations come to us from all directions.” I respect every religion and I sincerely follow my faith, Christianity. I always request people who come to consult me to follow their respective faiths, and never to look down upon any other faiths. I have been writing to ‘Sugunamala’, run by Puttige Swamiji, and I also keep guest lecturing on astrology and the Vedas at Geethamandir of Shri Krishna Mutt, Udupi.
Today, all major fights, difference of opinions, killings, and oppressions are mainly due to castes. Biggest disease of this world is hatred among castes. We, the educated people should live beyond that. The time has arrived!
Legacy Of Astrology
Look, among the basic texts of Hinduism, the six Angas or limbs of the Vedas are next in line to the Vedas. The six Angas are Siksa (Phonetics), Vyakarana (grammar), Nirukta (lexicon, etymology), Kalpa (manual of rituals), Chandas (prosody), and Jyotisa (astronomy-astrology).
We can track the existence of Jyotisa or astronomy-astrology even in Greek, Egypt, Roman, and Chinese traditions. Basically our ancestors were worshippers of the Sun. Starting of the Makara month may have been marked as Christmas 2000 years back! You never know.
Turning Astrologer
How I got inclined towards astrology and palmistry is interesting. I was probably in class 10th. I remember certain incidents like going to meet an astrologer at Moodubidri with a friend of mine. That particular astrologer asked my friend to collect some flowers and place it in front of him. By just looking at it, he started predicting and went on to an extent that he told that there was an owl sitting in my friend’s bedroom! That astrologer was seeing us for the first time and had no idea where we lived or have come from, and there existed no phone to inquire if an owl entered a bedroom!
M.A In Sanskrit
I was lucky to have right peers and the blessings of Gurus to pursue astrology. Once I finished graduation in 1978, I went to Bombay and worked as a travel agent. I came back to Udupi due to some family issues and started a cassette shop. During my spare time, I started attending classes on the Vedas and astrology, and finished my M.A in Sanskrit. I faced lot of oppositions. Faced boycotts due to bad mouths. Thankfully, by God’s grace, everything was solved and I have been a professional since then.
Heyam Dukham Anagatam
Astrology is a unique art, which demands equal involvement of both consultant and the one who has come to consult. It gets deeper as you get involved. Basic rule of any form of astrology is that it should not be told unless asked. Yogastura says- “Heyam Dukham Anagatam”, which means “The suffering that has not yet come can be avoided.” Astrology requires lot of learning. A good astrologer requires a minimum of 6-7 years to begin understanding the basics. It’s a very wide domain. It’s not fast food!
Ideas: Ideals: India
According to my experience, astrologers can infuse confidence in people. When astrologers tell people which career is the most suitable for them, the chances of succeeding in that stream is more, because he/she believes that it’s written in his/her destiny to succeed. It’s like a doctor offering a patient sugar pills to cure a fever! I agree that there are some bad ailments in our profession also. Some use this art for their own benefits, to build their own business.
I meet minimum of 20 people daily, who come to me with their own set of problems or seeking guidance. They come hoping for a solution. Astrology shows people the light at the end of a tunnel. It gives people the confidence to achieve something or fight his/her troubles.
I like my profession and I enjoy consulting. It’s all about the science, stars, and spirituality. To discover how geographic location, movements of stars with respect to the sun, moon and earth impact the behavior of a person is very interesting. Sixth sense does work at times. Every day is a new challenge for me!