Indian astrologers view coming eclipse as a sign of potential doom

[G_j]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090720/sc_afp/scienceastronomyeclipseasiatourismsuperstition


by Phil Hazlewood – Sun Jul 19, 10:23 pm ET

MUMBAI (AFP) – Indian astrologers are predicting violence and turmoil across the world as a result of this week's total solar eclipse, which the superstitious and religious view as a sign of potential doom.

But astronomers, scientists and secularists are trying to play down claims of evil portent in connection with Wednesday's natural spectacle, when the moon will come between the Earth and the sun, completely obscuring the sun.

In Hindu mythology, the two demons Rahu and Ketu are said to "swallow" the sun during eclipses, snuffing out its life-giving light and causing food to become inedible and water undrinkable.

Pregnant women are advised to stay indoors to prevent their babies developing birth defects, while prayers, fasting and ritual bathing, particularly in holy rivers, are encouraged.

Shivani Sachdev Gour, a gynaecologist at the Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, said a number of expectant mothers scheduled for caesarian deliveries on July 22 had asked to change the date.

"This is a belief deeply rooted in Indian society. Couples are willing to do anything to ensure that the baby is not born on that day," Gour sai

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. This belief that pregnant women should not be out

is not just limited to India...

Oh well...

[RedCloud]

2. Astrology needs one more sign: STOP!

[Journeyman]

3. I'm certain Tuesday (and the rest of the week) will bring violence & turmoil across the world . . .

and I don't even know when the eclipse will happen.

[Odin2005]

4. I can't believe people still believe in that primitive BS.

[JuniperLea]

6. Odin... had to chuckle...

That's ok... I still believe in you... LOL!

[SammyWinstonJack]

10. +1

:thumbsup:

[SpiralHawk]

5. "Perfect opportunity for more Republicon FAIL." - Ronald Reagan's Dead Republicon Astrologer*

"Our Republicon Homelander brand is synonymous with Epic FAIL & DOOM. Thus, our Republicon Homelander strategery is to spread our genius for FAIL further and wider and deeper in time with this Awesome Eclipse. Smirk." - Republicon Homelanders



* Courageously channeled by the intrepid SpiralHawk from the vast netherworld of Republicon occultism.

[G_j]

7. LOL

bout time they got hip to Indian astrology!

[BlooInBloo]

8. Indian astronomers I'll listen to. The astrologers, not so much.

[JonQ]

9. Argh, are people still doing this?

Really, in 2009?

I could understand it back when we had no idea what was going on, but now it's just foolish.

[G_j]

11. you must visit India some time

you'll find they have a treasure trove of 'strange' beliefs!

edit: I am not mocking the culture at all, 'strange', indeed, is in the eyes of the beholder.

[SpiralHawk]

12. One entity's 'strange beliefs' are another entity's daily reality

"One man's curse is another man's song." - Hank Williams

[JonQ]

14. But it's not reality

it's fiction.

[SpiralHawk]

22. ...for those who believe in fiction

fer sure.

[G_j]

18. absolutely

I loved my visit to India, the culture itself is like an incredible, rich tapestry.
There seems to be room in the consciousness of many, for both science and miracles.

[anigbrowl]

13. The literacy rate in India is only 61%

There's a lot of people whose beliefs haven't changed much in the last few centuries, even before you take the whole different spiritual attitude into account.

[Forkboy]

15. That's just dumb.

Everyone knows the true sign of the apocalypse is the Cubs winning the World Series. Get with the times, India!

[Chisox08]

17. No the world would end

in the 9th inning of game 7 while the Cubs lead the Royals 7-0 with 2 outs.

[Catherine Vincent]

16. Children of the damned?

[piratefish08]

19. crazy ancient beliefs!! next thing you know they'll be worrying about a flood

lasting for 40 days. or locusts from the gods......

they're just so silly with their beliefs over in Mumbai.......


:sarcasm:

[Rex]

20. Of course, so do many other groups.

[dysfunctional press]

21. religion is the bane of intelligent civilization...

and it will ultimately be our ruin.

[csziggy]

23. "Astrologers wouldn't know reality if someone hit them over the head with a Klein bottle."

Bob Berman, "Strange Universe: Facing Reality" Astrology, July 2009

[Liberal In Texas]

24. Probably be the lead on Fox News Channel tonight.

Complete with dire animations, swooshing text and experts LIVE from India.

[JitterbugPerfume]

25. The Indian culture is rich and interesting

but it is also superstitious and repressive. How can anyone believe this stuff in the 21st century?