Sage Asita:

Shortly after the birth of Prince Siddhartha in the groves of Lumbini, his father, King Shuddodana, consulted with the Sage Asita regarding the future of the child.

Asita proclaimed that there were two possible paths: he would either become a great emperor or he would become a great sage and savior of humanity.

During the course of their conversation, Asita's noticeable joy turned to sadness and weeping. The king asked whether the sadness was due to seeing some misfortune befall the child. Asita replied,

"Among men, he is unique. I foresee no harm to the boy. He will achieve the highest knowledge. He will become a Buddha, a sage of unequalled purity. Through compassion for the many, he will spread his teaching. Little of my lifespan remains and I shall die soon. I shall not hear his good teaching. This is what saddens me."

Why Name This Site In His Honor:

Sage Asita embodies the qualities I try my best to emulate as an astrologer:

1) Even if you are nearly 100% sure of the course events will take, remain humble enough to know that nothing is set in stone. There are always two paths, or more, a person may take. Free will is always there. Things are not predestined.

2) Realize that your predictions and assessments may outlive you. Therefore, your duty is to the accuracy of the predictions and the realistic hope they give to others.

3) Realize that those who call upon your services may be greater than you, and it is an honor to be given a small role to guide them along their path. Make sure it is correct advice. There is no room for error.

4) Realize that leaving your name in the minds of others, either while alive or dead, is irrelevant. Your deeds are all that might remain. Make sure it is worthy of outliving you.

There is no evidence that Asita cared about building a name for himself or leaving a legacy. We only know he served well in the present moment and left it up to others what would be recorded and passed on over time.

While remaining ever aware of free will, he did not let this possibility of multiple directions be an excuse for ambiguity and excuse making. Be as specific as possible, refraining from "may" and "might" language. Make your prediction and let time bear you out or prove you wrong.

Let me clarify this apparent contradiction. Even though Asita saw two possible paths, he still managed to plainly say, "If he lives the life of the householder, he would become a an emperor, but if he adopted the religious life he would become a Buddha, removing from the world the veils of ignorance and sin..." This is specific while recognizing individual choice.