Predicting life has now become a lucrative way of earning money among not just small time astrolegers but even with popular TV channels, with many gaining popularity over the years beaming programmes on astrology from morning 6 am till 10.30 am.
A couple of channels have such programmes in the afternoon too.
These days youngsters too have become ardent followers of these astrologers and watch their daily dose of horoscope reading, which predict their future.
A dozen of astrologers who make themselves comfortable on channels give long broadcasts on people’s future and have more or less turned counsellors by inviting people to their shows.
A well-known Gem stone dealer in Jayanagar on the condition of anonymity said, “Astrology has become more like public service now. We have around 12,000 astrologers in and around the city and only around 200 to 300 have learnt the tradition and studied in the old time universities of astrology.
A few among them like to gain popularity by coming on television, which has become a money making business.”
He further added, “Even we have an astrologer whom people consult and irrespective of how poor or rich a person is, we charge them just `250. Astrology has to be treated as doctors treat patients behind closed doors.
But with a lot of astrologers doing counselling on TV, private matters have become public.”
Nadi Astrologer, RaviShankar in Rajajinagar feels that it creates a positive feeling among people.
He says, “Psychologically it does work to a certain extent for people who have medical issues. Though such counselling on TV does not give 100 per cent results, at that particular moment they feel satisfied hoping to see something good in future.”
Today, astrologers are making brisk business with all kinds of people, including politicians, celebrities and commoners approaching them.
“It is also very common to see astrologers making predictions on famous people on various channels. I know a few astrologers who come on TV channels and charge per question, by minute and by hours. The consultation fees is `500 per question while some charge from `10,000 to `50,000,” S K Sharma, an astrologer told City Express.
For homemaker Vatsala, it is a relief which she can’t get from doctors and that too on a daily basis.
“Every morning, I watch almost all the predictions particularly about my star. This tells me, whether my day will be good and whether it will be a good idea for me to step out. We can’t go to astrologers every day nor can we call them often.
So when we are getting some sort of counselling sitting at home, why not take advantage? Not that we will follow every thing said by each astrologer. At least, it gives some solace,” she says.
Online astrology is another way which provides comprehensive reports on people’s future.
One can avail the same through computer horoscope by paying an amount or `300 to `500.
There are some cyber cafes which provide 20 to 30 page detailed prediction for people. Even the internet has innumerable sites predicting about countless followers.
Whatever said and done, astrology is here to stay and for some astrologers, it is brisk business and popularity too.