Is it necessary for a devotee who has developed faith in God to still follow astrology and perform important activities at auspicious times?

[An online spiritual discussion was conducted on November 29, 2020, in which several devotees participated. Some of the questions of devotees answered by Swāmi are given below.]

[Reply to a question asked by Śrī Hrushikesh.] Swāmi replied: Becoming a devotee and developing faith in God is not sufficient to become close to God. There are so many theoretical and practical steps to reach the climax state of close devotion. Unless one has reached that state, one should not reject the astrological planets (deities of the planets). After all, these planet-deities are also the executive powers of God working to run this universe. The power and its possessor are not different (Śakti śaktimatorabhedaḥ). While worshipping the planet-deities, you can very easily think that you are worshipping God Himself. Why should you unnecessarily neglect the planets and pick a quarrel with them? God never said that you should not worship the planets. When God is silent on this topic, why should you unnecessarily meddle with the planets? Even when you worship God, think that you are worshipping God, who is the possessor of the nine planets. Similarly, when you worship the planets, think that you are worshipping God. Suppose you possess the power (skill) of preaching well. Can I isolate that power from you? God is also said to be the collective form of the planets (Graharūpī sanātanaḥ…—Āñjaneya Sahasranāma Stotram).

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