From Algorithms to Astrology: A Computer Scientist’s View

Astrology is one of those topics that people either swear by or roll their eyes at. Growing up in India, I’ve always been surrounded by it—after all, it’s deeply woven into our culture. But let’s be real, in today’s world, it’s hard to figure out who’s a genuine astrologer and who’s just running a business.

People often turn to astrology when they’re overwhelmed with uncertainty, fear, or hope. This is my brief perspective. They’re searching for some sign that better days are ahead. While I understand why it appeals to many, I’ve always approached it with skepticism, especially since I’m a computer scientist now, who believes in logic and evidence.

But here’s the funny thing—there’s a story from my childhood that still makes me pause and question my beliefs.

The Prediction That Seemed Impossible

When I was about three or four years old, my mother took me and my brother to visit a family priest. He wasn’t just a priest; he was also known for his astrology skills—someone who could predict our futures based on our birth details like date, time, and place.

At that time, our family’s financial situation was quite modest. Flying on airplanes or traveling abroad? That wasn’t even a thought. But during this visit, the priest made a bold prediction about me:

“This child will travel the world and take many flights.”

It sounded ridiculous. No one in my family or even our extended relatives had ever taken a flight. Traveling abroad was a dream too big to imagine, given our circumstances. Still, my parents clung to those words as a source of hope.

Growing Up with Doubts

As I grew older, my parents would occasionally remind me of the priest’s words. They would say,

“Remember, one day you’ll travel the world.”

I would laugh it off.

I was a decent student, but I wasn’t a genius or anything but yes hard-working for sure. My dreams were simple: finish my studies, land a good job in an IT company, and help my family live a better life. Moving abroad or flying around the world wasn’t even on my radar.

But life had other plans.

A Turning Point

Fast forward to my Ph.D. days. I was doing research in Artificial Intelligence, and my supervisor came to me one day and said:

“You should submit your work to an international conference. If your paper gets accepted, you’ll go to Istanbul, Turkey.”

It hit me like a bolt of lightning. Suddenly, that priest’s prediction didn’t seem so far-fetched. My paper was accepted, and before I knew it, I was on my first international flight.

Today, I live in Europe, and my work requires me to travel frequently for conferences, collaborations, and personal trips. I now take around 10–14 flights a year. Looking back, it’s almost unbelievable how that prediction, which seemed so impossible at the time, has become my reality.

My Take on Astrology

Even now, I can’t say I fully believe in astrology. There’s no scientific proof behind it, and as someone who works in a field rooted in logic, that’s a big deal for me. But I can’t ignore how that one prediction stuck with me and eventually came true.

For me, astrology isn’t about believing everything it says. It’s about how people use it. Positive predictions can give us hope and push us to work harder. Even negative predictions can challenge us to prove them wrong and keep moving forward.

Final Thoughts

This story isn’t about whether astrology works or not. It’s about how life can surprise you in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes, all it takes is a little spark of belief to push you toward a future you never thought possible.

So, if someone shares a prediction or dream about you, don’t brush it off entirely. Who knows? It might just be the nudge you need to dream a little bigger or take a step outside your comfort zone.