Compendium of Kerala Horary Astrology

If the seeker is a devotee, humble, or in distress, then the astrologer's knowledge becomes fruitless if they do not answer the question. Therefore, the question of such a person must certainly be answered. || 5-7 ||

In these three verses, the qualifications and disqualifications of the questioner are indicated. Those who are wicked in their conduct are called "vile persons." Those who have flaws in their conduct but wear a cloak of goodness on the outside are called "hypocrites" original: pakhandi; those who are cunning are called "shrewd." For those who have no faith in astrology, ancient knowledge, or the scriptures composed by the Sages, and who make fun of all these (the mockers)—the answer given to their questions does not turn out to be correct; because such people come only to test the astrologer or with the intent of mocking them.

The consultation of an astrologer, a physician, and a lawyer is confidential, but the person to whom the question relates is either the seeker Prichchhaka: the person asking the question themselves or a person or object related to them. Therefore, answering a question in front of others violates that confidentiality, which may cause some kind of harm to the seeker. Suppose a person is contesting a general election for the Central or Provincial Legislature; they are asking a question about their victory or defeat in the election, and according to the scriptures, the answer is received in the form of defeat. Now, if the astrologer announces that answer in front of many people (in an assembly), then that information may reach the seeker's rival, which will undoubtedly harm the seeker; because this will increase the rival's morale. For this reason, the astrologer is cautioned:—"It should never be spoken in an assembly." original Latin/Sanskrit equivalent: Sabhyayam naiva vaktavyam

Prohibition of Nighttime for Declaring Answers—Firstly, the twilight hour and then the early evening original: pradosh-vela, the period just after sunset are prohibited for answering questions. Even after this, the nighttime is such that the astrologer Daivagya: one who knows the divine/fate; an astrologer is tired from the day's work, and thus at that time, their mind cannot function properly. Therefore, do not answer questions at night. Similarly, in the afternoon period after the midday meal, there is a tendency toward rest and laziness; therefore, there is a possibility of error in the answer.

Untrustworthy Persons—An untrustworthy person refers to a questioner whom you consider suspicious. Thieves, pickpockets, smugglers, and persons with anti-social or criminal backgrounds are untrustworthy. They can misuse the astrologer's answer after asking a question. Therefore, a complete stranger should be thoroughly examined to see if they fall into the category of the untrustworthy. Suppose a person is in the business of theft; now if they go to the astrologer and ask whether their "work" will be successful or not—without even disclosing the nature of the work—then in the event of the astrologer saying "there is a combination for success in work," that person will commit theft with greater enthusiasm. The amount of suffering this would cause to the victim or victims...