First-time visitors to India are likely to be impressed by how profoundly astrology influences almost every of life on the subcontinent. In fact, the belief that the motions of remote heavenly bodies can affect events on Earth is so widespread that several Indian universities courses in the subject. It is not, therefore, surprising that many people will consult an astrologer before they take any important step. For example, Indian marriages are arranged with the aid of an astrologer, who will cast the horoscopes of the bride and groom, and also out the best date for the wedding to take place. A few years ago in Delhi, thousands of couples rushed to get married on a particularly auspicious day, with the result that priests, brass bands and wedding photographers were in short supply.
The role of astrology is not only to the social aspects of Indian life. Few people conduct business without resorting to their astrologer. Major films are only on auspicious dates. Even of state are not exempt from its influence: when India her independence from Britain in 1947, the of power was carefully timed to take place after a particularly inauspicious period had passed.