Jyotiṣa, or astrology is one of the six limbs of the Vedas. It is common practice in India to consult an astrologer after a child is born, or before a marriage is arranged. However, some individuals become too dependent on astrologers and many of these astrologers are not trained well enough.
In the recent years, many shortcut techniques to learn Jyotiṣa have been invented, and many so-called astrologers just study a book or two and start making a business out of astrology. In the śāstra, it is said — 'ati sarvatra varjayet' (too much of anything is to be avoided). This includes over-dependence on astrologers. Sometimes people end up taking an incorrect decision in life just because they did not depend on Krishna, but rather depended on an astrologer.
The Sanskrit term for astrologer is "gaṇaka". A person once went to a pseudo-astrologer on seeking some financial advice and invested some money according to the advice given. The astrologer charged a hefty fees. After a few months, the money was lost and the astrologer refused to give a refund. The person who was cheated of his money, thus composed the following subhāṣita-verse:
gaṇikā-gaṇakau samāna-dharmau
nija-pañcāṅga-nidarśanāv ubhau
jana-mānasa-moha-kāriṇau tau
vidhinā vitta-harau vinirmitau
"A gaṇaka (pseudo-astrologer) is actually similar to a gaṇikā (prostitute). Both are expert at showing pañcāṅga — The so called astrologer shows his pañcāṅga (five astrological charts) whereas the prostitute shows her pañcāṅga (five secret body parts — two breasts, two buttocks and genitals). In this way, both bewilder and deceive the ordinary simple-minded souls and have been created by Lord Brahmā for snatching away the wealth of such ordinary people."
— (Subhāṣita-ratna-bhāṇḍāgāra, ku-gaṇaka-nindā, page 44, verse 2)
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