When Astrologers Fail To See Their Own Future

Astrotalk and its astrologers have had a lucrative partnership so far, but the relationship has begun to fray

- Samiksha Goel

Congratulations, you got a free chat! says the message on the screen after this writer signs up with Astrotalk, an astrology app. Above the text is an illustration of a bright yellow circular platform on which people in colourful western attire are perched, engrossed in their handsets and laptops. At the bottom is a button with the words 'Start free chat'. Clicking it opens a texting window with an astrologer, with a two-minute countdown timer at the top.

Asked a bunch of career-related queries, the astrologer doesn't answer but instead asks follow-up questions. Finally, just as the two-minute timer runs out, she says, "Your kundli (birth chart) is very good. Please recharge once, so I can help you."

A recharge of ₹50 is duly made to buy an additional six minutes or so. And with that, the astrologer has turned this writer into a paying customer. This conversion is how the astrologer and the platform make money—the longer the conversation, the more the customer has to recharge, and the more they earn.

Astrologers have been an integral part of life in India since Vedic times and are revered members of the community. Their presence looms large in many Indian households and they play an outsized role in influencing the decisions people make, from whom they marry and the auspicious date to begin a new job, to changing homes and naming newborns.

Astrologers base their advice on planetary positions and movements and perform pujas to appease various deities. They also recommend remedies, such as wearing gemstones to enhance positive influences or neutralize negative ones. Beyond predictions, they often act as counsellors, fostering hope when people approach them in uncertain times.