Astrologer: “What’s your sign?”
You: “I’m a Gemini.”
Astrologer: “Whoa! You say you don’t believe in astrology, but can’t you see you’re a perfect Gemini? There are twins inside you. You enjoy travel but also like to stay home. You like your freedom but also the security of a relationship. You have a split personality. You’re a classic Gemini!”
And then you feel like a jerk, with no rebuttal. So instead, tell a little white lie. Now the conversation changes:
Astrologer: “What’s your sign?”
You: “I’m a Taurus.”
Astrologer: “Holy Toledo! Can’t you see how you’re a perfect Taurus? You’re stubborn about science and inflexible about ancient wisdom — a classic Taurus personality!”
You: “I’m just kidding. I’m not a Taurus.”
Astrologer (flustered): “You’re not? Well, um, what’s your real sign?”
You: “Scorpio.”
Astrologer: “I knew it! The way you just tried to exercise power over our conversation. A control freak. You’re a classic Scorpio.”
You: “I lied. I’m not a Scorpio either.”
At this point, you’d think the astrologer might question his craft, since you’ve effectively demonstrated how they make signs fit anyone. In practice, however, astrologers usually resist all forms of logic.
How can we be sure astrology is bogus? Countless studies. For example, astrology says that a person whose horoscope shows Mars in Aries is inclined toward a military career. So one study looked at 5,000 people who’d re-enlisted in the Marines. It would be unfair to demand they all have Mars in Aries. But if that concept has any meaning at all, that pattern would occur more than would be expected randomly. Turns out, just one in 12 Marines have Mars in Aries — exactly what’s dictated by chance. Sadly, after studies such as this are published, the next astrology textbook editions continue with the same Mars/Aries/soldier business. Apparently, reality is of no interest to them.
One clever study even showed why astrology can
seem to work. So if any reader is into it (you never know), well, have fun, but don’t imagine it has any scientific support.
Despite all this, planets
can influence your behavior. They’ll make you get up before dawn this month, won’t they?
Anyway, forgive this anti-astrology tirade. I can’t help it. I’m an Aquarius, and we Aquarians tend to be skeptical.
Contact me about my strange universe by visiting
http://skymanbob.com.