Why Astrology is More Than Fortune-Telling — A Raw Conversation with Poonam Dutta

What happens when you put a professional astrologer and spiritual scientist in the hot seat and ask the hard questions? In this episode of the Ready Set Do Podcast I sit down with Poonam Dutta — an expert in the Vedas, Sanatan Dharma, and Vedic astrology — for a multi-faceted, super-raw conversation that cuts past clichés and goes straight to the reasoning behind belief.

We start by unpacking what it means to call astrology a “science.” Poonam walks us through the logic, observational roots, and traditions that, to her, make it a disciplined way of understanding human patterns. From there we move into birth charts — not as mystical black boxes, but as layered maps that point to strengths, blind spots, and life timing. If you’ve ever wondered whether your chart is destiny or data, this episode gives you practical thinking, not platitudes.

We don’t shy away from controversy. I pressed Poonam on common myths around Hinduism — including how the caste system originated and how historical practice diverged from spiritual intent. We contrast Eastern and Western approaches to astrology, showing how context, language, and culture shape interpretation. You’ll get thoughtful, no-spin answers about daily sun-sign horoscopes too — why they persist, what they can (and can’t) tell you, and how to read them with nuance rather than superstition.

This conversation also explores the cosmic connection in Vedic thought and whether Hinduism could exist without astrology — a question that surprised me with its depth and subtlety. Poonam’s perspective is at once scholarly and immediate: she blends scripture, lived practice, and a scientist’s insistence on clarity. My favorite moment? When she debunked the endless stream of daily predictions and explained the real value (and limits) of sun-sign forecasting. Don’t skip that one.

If you’re curious about Vedic astrology, spiritual frameworks, or want an honest, critical take on traditions everyone talks about but few explain well — this episode is for you. It’s part myth-busting, part primer, and wholly human.

Listen, reflect, and decide for yourself. Full episode and links at readysetdopodcast.com.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction + Background

02:25 What is a Spiritual Scientist?

04:07 Is Astrology Real?

09:32 The Role of Birth Charts in Determining Potential

11:32 Contrasting Eastern and Western Astrology

14:54 Daily Predictions: Truth or Myth?

18:15 Can Hinduism Exist Without Astrology?

21:12 The Cosmic Connection in Vedic Astrology

24:42 Understanding Sanatana Dharma

28:05 The Caste System and Its Misinterpretations

34:36 Astrology Predictions for 2025 and Shocking Anecdotes

38:39 How to Practice Sanatana Dharma

39:00 Outro + Conclusion