Dr Y Rakhi on Nidhi Vasandani's Podcast: Black Cats, Guru Chandal Dosh, and the Secret to a Happy Life

In a wide-ranging conversation on former journalist Nidhi Vasandani's podcast, astrologer Dr Y Rakhi didn't mince words. On tarot, planetary cycles, the myth of lucky directions, and what it truly takes to be happy - she had something to say about all of it, and she said it with conviction.

The episode opened with what may be its most quoted moment. When Vasandani pressed her on whether tarot cards can genuinely predict the future, Rakhi leaned into an analogy that was equal parts philosophy and poetry. "If you believe, then I am Ganga Maa. If you do not believe, then it is just flowing water," she said. She went further: "Tarot cards can predict the future - not 100 percent, but 1000 percent. The 78 tarot cards can reveal the secrets of the future. But more important than the cards is the belief of the person, their questions, and their energy."

It was a statement that set the tone for the rest of the conversation - one where belief, karma, and personal agency took centre stage alongside planetary transits and horoscope readings.

On one of astrology's most debated questions - whether destiny is written at birth - Rakhi drew a distinction that surprised even the host. "Our destiny is not decided at birth. Our birth is decided. Destiny is created by us," she said plainly. To illustrate the point, she didn't reach for mythology. She reached for reality. "How does a watchman become a film star? How does someone selling vada pav end up on Bigg Boss? Every day, through your hard work, you write your own destiny."

Rakhi walked listeners through the planetary system with the ease of someone who has spent decades studying it. Mars, she explained, is the planet of battles and challenges. Mercury governs intelligence and speech. Jupiter guides you toward your guru. Venus connects you with your partner. Saturn - the one that keeps everyone nervous - rewards through discipline but can, if badly placed, take a person "all the way to jail."

Of all planetary combinations, she reserved her strongest caution for Guru Chandal Dosh, the conjunction of Jupiter and Rahu. "Especially for women, Jupiter plays a very important role," she said. "If Jupiter and Rahu are badly placed in a girl's horoscope, there can be delays in marriage, problems related to children, and emotional distress."

But she was equally quick to warn against treating any yoga - good or bad - as a guaranteed outcome. "I have seen horoscopes with excellent yogas, yet the person is working as a plumber and breaking walls every day," she said. "Why? Because karma is important." On the flip side, she described women with difficult planetary placements who are living full, happy lives abroad - not despite their charts, but because of their daily spiritual practice. "They recite Sundarkand every day," she noted.

The conversation also touched on manifestation, a topic Rakhi approached with practical optimism rather than wishful thinking. She said she makes it a point not to feel jealous when she sees others succeeding. "I think, wonderful - one day I can reach that level too. I connect my energy with positive energy, and things begin moving in that direction."

She also took a swipe at some of the more rigid superstitions people carry. The idea that south is an unlucky direction? Rakhi wasn't having it. "Look at the respect and success people achieve in South India. In Delhi, some of the most expensive areas are in the south."

The podcast wrapped with a rapid-fire round that revealed Rakhi's warmer side. Lizards? Auspicious. Black cats? Also auspicious - "a cat is a form of Lakshmi Maa." Owls? Auspicious in every condition, no exceptions.

And her advice for happiness was perhaps the simplest thing she said all episode. "By making others happy. Put a smile on someone's face. Say something kind to a broken person." She closed with a morning ritual she swears by: "Wake up, thank the earth, and say - today is the best day of my life. I have received what I wanted. I love myself. Start your day like that."