Vedic Astrology is based on Astronomy.
Hindus have Panchanga which is transmitted by oral tradition .
It predicts Eclipses accurately to the second.
Vedic Astrology indicates 28 Nakshatras ,that is the Star Sign.
Each Star has sub-divisions.
Follow the Link for character description and other details.
Though an Agnostic in Astrology, I find the Character part to be reasonably accurate.
http://www.findyourfate.com/indianastro/nakshatras.htm
People do have rough patches in Life when they are convinced that they are facing problems for no fault of their own.
In those circumstances,prayer helps.
Not that the situation has changed, but you get enough courage to face the challenges.
As Tennyson puts it’Prayer does not change God, but changes the Man who prays’
In Vishnu Sahasranama,The Thousand Names of Vishnu, it is stated that Vishnu is’Dukka Bukh, Dukka Sadhanaha,-He is the repository of Grief and The Instrument to overcome Grief.
For the Faithful and Believers I provide a Link below, which indicates the Sloka or Hymn one should recite.
For the Non-believers-well..they came into this world on their volition,they control circumstances and decide their Death….every thing is known to them.
Audio and Text.