Astrology, a practice that has evolved from ancient astronomy, has been debated for its scientific validity. However, recent mass data collection has allowed researchers to determine the validity of zodiac signs. Astrology is traditionally viewed as a metaphysical and symbolic practice, but contemporary scientific exploration has sought to understand the potential mechanisms behind it.
The scientific theory behind astrology is that the positions of planets and stars at birth influence our personalities and destiny. This is known as the “Pisces, Virgo Rising” theory. Astrology has not demonstrated its effectiveness in controlled studies and has no scientific validity, making it regarded as pseudoscience.
However, there is a fascinating history behind humans attaching meaning to the stars. Astrology has been scientifically tested many times, despite the slipperiness of adherents’ claims. Numerous scientific studies have disproven that astronomical bodies affect people’s lives according to their beliefs. Astrology is not a very scientific way to answer questions, and astrologers often fail to critically examine the natural world. As a result, astrology is considered a pseudoscience due to its lack of progress and refusal to deal with a large body of critical scientific studies.
📹 Astrology isn’t science, but your horoscope is more real than you think
Astrology isn’t real science, but there’s more to the zodiac than ancient superstition. Before horoscopes were popularly debunked, …
Is astrology true or false?
Astrology is a belief system that suggests a connection between astronomical phenomena and human events or personality descriptions. However, it has been criticized by the scientific community for lacking explanatory power and scientific testing has found no evidence to support its premises or effects. The most famous test, led by Shawn Carlson, concluded that natal astrology performed no better than chance. Astrology has not demonstrated its effectiveness in controlled studies and has no scientific validity, making it regarded as pseudoscience.
There is no proposed mechanism by which stars and planets’ positions and motions could affect people and events on Earth in the way astrologers claim, which contradicts well-understood aspects of biology and physics. Modern scientific inquiry into astrology focuses on the correlation between astrological traditions and the influence of seasonal birth in humans.
Why is astronomy scientific but astrology not scientific?
Astronomy is a branch of science that studies everything outside Earth’s atmosphere, including celestial objects like the sun, moon, and other planets, as well as distant galaxies, distant stars, and black holes. Astronomers may also research subatomic particles and theoretical things in space, such as dark matter. Astronomy often involves the use of scientific equipment like telescopes and satellites.
Astrology, on the other hand, is a nonscientific practice that uses celestial objects’ positions to make conclusions about people or future events. Astrologers believe that celestial objects are linked to human behavior, such as a person’s personality traits aligning with the zodiacal constellation at birth. Astrology also uses a horoscope to predict a person’s future.
In general, astronomy is accepted as a science, relying on the scientific method and scientific research to make verifiable conclusions. Astrology, on the other hand, makes predictions or conclusions that cannot be proven or disproved and uses logic based on cultural traditions rather than scientific research or understanding of the universe.
Why do people believe in astrology?
Astrology is a tool for understanding one’s self-identity and self-conception. According to Jennifer Freed, PhD, it serves as a validation for one’s unique gifts and provides confirmation and encouragement. Astrology is likened to a beautiful staircase, where one must walk mindfully and hold onto a solid foundation. Humans tend to remember positive feedback that validates their self-conception over negative feedback, making it easy to accept the ambiguous and positive aspects of astrology. This approach helps individuals develop their unique gifts and take mindful steps towards self-discovery.
Is there any truth to astrology?
Astrologers argue that Sun-sign predictions, such as “Virgoans will meet someone new and exciting today”, are nonsense. However, they still maintain that our personalities are influenced by the location of the Sun, Moon, and planets at the time of our birth. A 2003 study by former astrologer Geoffrey Dean and Professor Ivan Kelly of the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, compared the results of personality trait tests of over 2000 “time twins” with indistinguishable astrological birth charts. The researchers found no significant correlations among the twins, contradicting the claims of astrology.
Is astrology a pure science?
The practice of astrology, which encompasses a sophisticated system of mathematical and astronomical calculations, has been employed for millennia in diverse cultural and societal contexts to gain insight into and interpret the world. Additionally, it can be utilized as a means of self-discovery and personal growth. Although it may not offer empirical proof in the same way as some scientific disciplines, it is still regarded as a valid form of knowledge.
Is astrology a true thing?
Astrology, a long-standing scientific field, has been criticized for lacking clear evidence that stars and planets affect us. Astrology relies on stories and ideas that are difficult to prove with science, as it relies on guessing about patterns in the sky rather than conducting experiments. Additionally, astrology’s workings are based on old ideas about the universe, which have evolved over time. This has led to some astrologers’ predictions not aligning with current knowledge.
For example, the zodiac sign may not be accurate due to precession, which has caused stars to move since the first invention of astrology. Furthermore, astrology lacks a clear explanation for how stars and planets could affect us, with some astrologers suggesting it is due to the stars, but scientists argue these theories are too weak to have a significant impact on us.
What does Islam say about astrology?
The earliest Islamic stance against astrology can be traced back to individuals such as Abd al-Jabbar and Abu Ma’shar al-Balkhi, who sought to justify the causal influence of celestial beings on terrestrial life forms. Historical texts like Kitab al-Daraj provide evidence of the presence of astrology in early Islam. However, even before these individuals, historians and theologians like Al Hashimi sought to justify the role of astrology in influencing Islamic adherents’ religion.
Al Hashimi, through philosophers like Masha Allah, explored the possibility of the influence of stars on one’s morality and religion in general. He cited Masha Allah’s idea that the Islamic prophet Muhammad’s birth was a result of a coming together of celestial objects, essentially pointing to the inherent birth of Muhammad as a result of astrological events. Both Masha Allah and Al Hashimi draw upon similarities but draw upon their inherent stance in pointing to the planets, stars, and other celestial beings as the primary means by which divine rule is exercised, i. e., how God emanates control over all life forms.
Early Muslims relied on the sun and moon to determine important things such as the direction of Mecca, fasting times for Ramadan, and the beginning and end of each month. They used astrology and the position of the planets to predict the health and well-being of individuals, with eclipses in Libra, Aquarius, or Gemini being predictions of worldwide plagues, and comets or shooting stars being predictions of famine and sickness.
Many interpretations of the Quran point to astrology as that which goes against the fundamental principles preached by the Islamic religious tradition. Astrology ultimately points to the role of celestial beings in influencing terrestrial life and the everyday lives of individuals, ultimately hindering their destiny. Various excerpts from the Quran are interpreted to disprove this theory, with the Quran in Surah Al-Jinn suggesting that any such presence of extraterrestrial influence on mankind is not plausible and is therefore haram (forbidden) in Islam.
The Hadith, a reference to the instructions and practices of Muhammad, encourages adherents of the Islamic faith to embody the concept of astrology. Muhammad made various claims regarding the legality/illegality of astrology with regards to the Islamic religious tradition, such as the belief that rain is a bounty bestowed only by Allah (God). The Hadith makes specific mention to the stars, suggesting that those who suggest rain originates as a result of a star are a disbeliever in Me (Allah).
This works to fundamentally embody the concept of astrology and the consequent belief in the idea that celestial beings have an influence on anything other than what enshrined in the Quran and Hadith as shirk (blasphemy), leading one to leave the fold of the religion.
Who created astrology?
Astrology, a branch of divination, originated in Mesopotamia around the 3rd millennium BC and spread to India. It developed its Western form in Greek civilization during the Hellenistic period. Astrology entered Islamic culture as part of the Greek tradition and was returned to European culture through Arabic learning during the Middle Ages. According to the Greek tradition, the heavens are divided according to the 12 constellations of the zodiac, with bright stars casting spiritual influences on human affairs.
Astrology was also important in ancient China, with horoscopes being cast for newborns and life-changing events. Despite the Copernican system eradicating the geocentric worldview required for astrology, interest in astrology has continued into modern times, with astrological signs believed to influence personality.
What does the Bible say about astrology?
In Matthew 28:18, Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Note that he says all authority. Believing in the power and authority of astrology goes directly against biblical wisdom and Scripture clearly states that chasing after false gods is a sin (Matthew 24:24, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Exodus 20:3). There is no biblical evidence that God has given authority to the stars or astrologists.
Pursuing predictions about our destiny or personality takes power from God and gives it to something other than God, and that is biblically sinful. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.”. A horoscope cannot change what God has already ordained before we were even created.
How to Talk to Teens About Astrology and the Bible.
Did God believe in astrology?
In Matthew 28:18, Jesus asserts that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. This contradicts biblical wisdom, as chasing after false gods is a sin. There is no biblical evidence that God has given authority to stars or astrologists. Pursuing predictions about our destiny or personality is biblically sinful, as it takes power from God and gives it to something other than God. A horoscope cannot change what God has already ordained before we were even created.
Is astrology based on God?
Astrology is based on the belief that the patterns and positions of celestial entities, such as stars and moons, influence a person’s life and actions. This contradicts the biblical belief that God is sovereign and all-knowing. No star patterns or charts can determine a person’s future, as God has already ordained it. Ephesians 2:10 states that we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. No zodiac sign or horoscope can alter this.
Jesus in Matthew 28:18 states that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. Believing in the power and authority of astrology goes against biblical wisdom, as chasing after false gods is a sin. There is no biblical evidence that God has given authority to stars or astrologists.
📹 Why Astrology Isn’t Real Science
Laci breaks down how and why astrology shouldn’t be considered a real science. Read More: Astrology: Is it Scientific?
How do these Astrologers determine that certain signs produce certain personalities? For example, how do they determine if an Aries is self-centered and energetic? Or a Libra is balanced and fair? Or a Pisces is dreamy and romantic? Did they just pull these personality descriptions out of their ass? Can someone enlighten me on this? Thanks.
For people who believe in that stuff, this info won’t make any difference to them. I knew a girl who believed herself to be a “moon child,” whatever the hell that is, and she got way into herself with that. I told her that zodiac descriptions can apply to anybody and that I don’t believe in them and do you know her response? “That’s because you’re a Virgo.”
Old article but … I remember reading my birthchart for the first time, and I cried because I had some unfortunate placements and I felt that it resonated. Months later it turned out that I had calculated my chart wrong and the placements I then felt resonated and cried over, turned out I didn’t even had. Don’t take it serious. It can be dangerous to let it be a factor in our life, as mentioned.
I didn’t know that people considered astrology as a science. I always thought of it more like a belief since it doesn’t really fall under the general standard of hard facts or theories. Pretty simple rule to think is science helps you live life while religion/morals give you a reason on why/how to live.
My oldest sister blames everything on retrograde Mercury. It turns out that Mercury goes retrograde so often, that if you allow a ten day margin for it’s influence on either side of retrograde motion… every day of the year is influenced by retrograde Mercury. Thus, every bad or confusing thing that ever happens in your life… is the fault of retrograde Mercury.
I’m a Libra. And an interesting fact about Libra is, it was used as an ancient Roman unit of weight. This is where the abbreviation for pound, lb and lbs, comes from. Anyway, back to the point. I’ve been told by many people that a Libra/Libra relationship will never ever EVER work out. But, my fiance’s a Libra and we’ve been together for 4 1/2 years and are getting married in June, so take that Astrology!
honestly, i feel like so many people are still into astrology because it’s manipulative on purpose. these kinds of horoscopes are specifically designed to be broad and unspecific, and generally apply to a large portion of the population. it’s so easy to categorize a sign as a basic personality trait, such as kindness or bravery, that much of the world possesses. they purposefully make these formulaic and simple so that people will be tricked into thinking it’s accurate to them, when actually it’s so broad it could apply to literally anyone. it’s so easy to say “if you’re a cancer you’re kind” or “if you’re an aquarius you’re smart” and fool people into thinking it’s specific and accurate to them.
I view astrology as a look into the human condition. Things that are universally true amongst humans and things that we all feel we are (for the most part). To take it seriously and live one’s life by it is ludicrous, but it is equally as ludicrous to judge others for being interested in doing some self-reflection. It’s a way to encourage people to philosophize about what their life is in relation to others, it’s ignorant to judge people for believing in who they are and being excited about learning about themselves. So before anyone starts calling anyone else an idiot, realize that while yes, this isn’t science, it is a tool to get people to think about others and themselves and we need more of that on this lil’ blue planet filled with zombies; regardless of how inaccurate it is.
I wish more people really put time into extensively studying astrology. It really is a beautiful thing and can be harnessed for many different applications and intentions. The example I use is : Understanding astrology is like having a clock and knowing what time it is. everyone that doesn’t understand it doesn’t have a clock and isn’t aware of time. With that being said time is a made up construct and “linear time” doesn’t exist. But there is an ebb and flow and rythmes or obvious cycles in our reality. Astrology magnifys these paradigms.
I would like to say a few things. First, I believe in astrology and I fully believe and acknowledge that it is not a science. It cannot be definitively proven or disproven. Also, I would like to say that if you don’t believe in it because you read a horoscope or something like that done by some random person that turned out to not be true, your argument seems invalid to me because there are professional astrologers out there who actually know what they are talking about. By the way religion is not science either, but people love to believe that there is someone looking down on us, I don’t know though, personally I am agnostic. People also tend to only know their sun sign which is assigned to them solely based on their date of birth. You have a whole chart made up of all of the signs meaning that a quality assigned to your sun sign may not necessarily apply to you because there is more than just one sign in all of us. In astrology the signs have not changed, they have only changed in astronomy. Astrology is ultimately open to interpretation and I think it is rude to call people stupid or ridiculous for believing in something that you don’t know much about. That wasn’t directed at Laci, but rather at certain disrespectful people. How would you feel if you were a Christian and I told you that you were stupid for believing in something that cannot be proven?
Astrologists try to make astrology seem legit by fitting the “traits” to all by saying general things for every sign, that would very possibly happen to everyone. For example sign 1 would say “you will die.” Sign 2 would say “you will not live”. Sign 3 would say “you will lose your life.” That way the prediction will come true with any zodiac sign you are. I’m dying inside
Laci is a libra sun with a gemini moon which in ancient astrology is known as the academician. this is what it says about her. Expressiveness is one of your best talents. Because people feel your basic sincerity they react positively to your refined and easygoing manner so you are able to convince others of almost anything. Most people like your frankness and know your intentions are always the best, even though you frequently alienate some with your keen wit. You have to struggle against tediousness and lack of interest. When joined with a Gemini Moon the social consciousness and mental strengths of Libra are finely tuned. Restlessness and inquisitiveness push you to discover the world, to seek answers and hidden truths. You are a real intellectual who stands apart and is objective and it is hard for you to comprehend those who are satisfied with outside impressions or who choose to settle for the shallow parts of life. You have a love for thrills and diversity and are passionate and excitable. Half of you is spent getting yourself into trouble while the other half is attempting to get out of it. You can easily slide into the trap thinking that the world provides no comfort or promise because you are inclined to see life from a removed perspective,. You may seek out transcendental experiences through spirituality and the occult arts, rather than placing your faith in the here and now. No matter how much you attempt to conform and adjust to the world you reside in, you will never stop sensing that you actually belong in another other time and place.
I don’t see astrology as a science, but I do find that it helped me understand who I am. Right or wrong, I found out a lot of things about myself using astrology. It’s really the same as having a “disorder,” like autism or adhd. It’s not really the entire truth, it’s just a character description, and you can use that description to become a better person.
I love you Laci, but unfortunately, like many, you’re misguided. Randi was an illusionist and if you do a mini-research you’d see an interesting thing about his tests: “Randi insists on results that are much higher than generally accepted in scientific research. Scientific convention operates with P-values of less than 0.05 for results to be considered statistically significant within the social sciences. Up until Randi made a ‘drastic change to the rules’, candidates for the test claimed that Randi required P-values ranging from p < 0.005 to p <= 0.0000001!". The infamous Carlson's experiment also supposedly disproved Astrology to "not better than chance", but a German prof. named Eret actually checked and found a lot of flaws in that experiment and actually by the results he concluded that the astrologers were successful to a level that cannot be explained by chance.
Astrology is actually based off experience, using observation as the primary tool of finding information. Obviously, not everyone born under Aries is going to be a hotheaded, assertive, headstrong prankster. Not every Pisces is going to be a teary-eyed, compassionate, quiet sweetie. But Why? For two reasons. 1) We are not composed of only our Sun sign. We have a Moon, Mercury, Venus, etc. Not to mention the various houses that house the planets. There are even certain points astrologers must take in to account such as conjucts and sextiles. We must then take all of this information together and paint the picture of the person. Not an easy task by any means. As a quick crash course, we all have a sign for every planet and every planet is in a house. The House is the setting, and each house stands for the different parts of life, such as our self-representation, home and family, or finances. There are twelve in all. The planets represent the parts we play and the signs the personality of that part. For example, A person with Venus in Aries in the Seventh House would be passionate, artistic, and independent in relationships. Then we have the different points. Conjucts, Sextiles, Trines, etc. They show how the planets interact with each other. For example, a Sun Leo with a Pluto Conjuct Sun would be the most quiet and secretive Leo ever! The next reason is environment. Obviously factors of the outside world affect our character. I have a friend who is a Sagittarius, and she is ever self-conscious! But, that is not a Sagittarius trait. So why is she self-conscious and always worried about her image? Because she grew up in a Mormon Church with a community that gossiped non stop and any little slip would cause her family great problems. So, she learned to watch herself, always. As for the whole, guess who is the murder thing, that is not what astrology should be used for. You cannot tell what a person is just by their chart, every good astrologer knows that. Astrology should also not be a foundation on how you start your day, your relationships or who you are. Its very hard to do daily horoscopes, because you have to pack the entire chart of that day into a few sentences. As for relationships, there is no telling how you will go with a person. Capricorns are supposed to hate Libras! Yet, I have dated and had wonderful relations with plenty. And although astrology is a great tool on insight as to your basic traits and gifts, it does not represent your whole person. You are the only one who truly knows who you are. Also, the dates are know to fluctuate through the years, so it is best to find your birth natal chart to take into account location and time of birth to find your signs. It may not qualify as a real science, but there is something there right? A lovely Virgo are we? Very intelligent and science based of course, complete with sparkling wit! Keep up the good work, but remember to look a little deeper then just the surface. 😀 P.S I’m not trying to change your views on astrology, but merely point out some facts. Thank you for reading! <3