On the demonization of astrological planets

I am extremely sympathetic to the Sassanian Persians who conceptualised that planets are evil demons and mercenaries of Arhiman, the evil one.

Having followed Astrology for a few years there is some truth to their claims. Even the most beneficial of all planets Jupiter sometimes can create all the pain in the world in one’s life. In fact it’s said Jupiter destroys the house where it sits in. Even Sun and Moon can be evil and give miserable results to individuals.

We don’t even need to mention Saturn, Mars, Rahu and Ketu who inflict all the pain in the world to human beings. Gayamard, the first human died when Saturn was in exalted position. The belief of Hindus and other western astrologers that Saturn is a task master and he pays our past debts of Karma is bullshit. I don’t believe in theory of karma. When we don’t even have free will to do anything then where’s the point of committing sins and Karma. Saturn represents delay, hard work, slowness, misery, diseases, pain etc. i.e. all the things humans hate.

The Conceptual Image of the Planets in Ancient Iran and the Process of Their Demonization: Visual Materials and Models of Inclusion and Exclusion in Iranian History of Knowledge - External link

Based on my own life experience I am extremely sympathetic to the Zurvanism view that planets are pure evil and they are the commanders of the evil being Ahriman.