The 12th Asian Astrologers' Conference in progress at the Micahel John auditorium.Picture by Animesh Sengupta

Jamshedpur, Jan. 17: Soldiers, beat a retreat! The stars do not foretell war. Astrologers have ruled out any possibility of a conflict between the US and Iraq despite apprehension among the people, despite President Bush gunning for it.

Astrologer Kripakant Jha Matpati made the prediction at the 12th Asian Astrologers’ Conference that began in the city today.

While addressing the technical session, Matpati said growing tension between the two countries would subside and there will be no war. “Astronomical calculations and planetary effects indicate that the war between the two countries is a remote possibility. The war-like situation would instead turn to peace talks between the two countries,” he said.

For the past 30 years, Matpati had predicted several natural disasters that rocked the country, including the Orissa super-cyclone.

Khilanath Bastakoty, a Nepal-based star-gazer and vice-chairman of the Asian Astrologers’ Congress said more than 80 per cent astrologers in Nepal use the Indian astro-system and about 10 people follow the the Tibeto-Chinese astrological system.

Bastakoty, who visited several parts of the world to propagate astrology and palmistry said Nepalese astro-science is based on Indian astrology. Besides, Indian astrology is also popular in south Asia.

Addressing the astrologers and palmists who had come from different parts of the globe including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Australia, Bastakoty stressed the need of propagating astrology and palmistry with accuracy.

According to him, this was the purpose of the establishment of the Asian Astrologers’ Congress in 1985, which has been successful in fostering co-operation and a better understanding between astrologers of different countries.

He added that since its inception, Asian Astrologers’ Congress has been working towards sustainable development of astrological practices, Vastu and Feng Shui.

Theja Hettiaratchi, an expert from Australia, stressed on the practise of spirituality, which according to him is the root of all art and science.

Theja, a scientist by profession gave up his academic career to disseminate the knowledge of Indian vedic astrology. “The conference would provide an opportunity to share my views with the astrologers who had come from different parts of the country,” he said.

The three-day conference will deliberate on the practical aspects of astrology and palmistry. It would also throw light on astro-science, a study of heavenly bodies including different planets, constellations and asteroids. The conference is organised by Centre of Astrological Study and Research (Casar).

Astrologers from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will speak on medico-palmistry and astrology on the second day. A special lecture will be delivered by Theja on the subject.