2008 Woodie Awards
Astrology doesn't stand up to scientific scrutiny
Keenan Havey
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: Opinion
Originally published: 4/3/08 at 4:03 PM EST
Last update: 4/3/08 at 4:01 PM EST
"What's your sign?" Many believe this question holds a profound insight into personality and lifestyle. It's really no more insightful than asking a person "boxers or briefs?"
What I'm referring to is astrology. Astrology and horoscopes are based on the long-held belief that the alignment of stars at a crucial time in one's life has a measurable effect on a person's future. Astrology also suggests individuals may be placed into categories of distinct personally traits based on birth dates. I can't stand when people say "oh I can't date him/her; they're a Taurus/Virgo/etc." Why is it necessary for some people to rule others out like this?
You won't find your horoscope in Cardinal Points. The reason: We don't like to waste ink.
Many believers in astrology assert that it's not magic, but a very real and powerful area of study. But there is one problem: No one has ever proved it's legitimate. Without any tangible evidence, it's pretty much pure fiction to me.
One might think "I know Cancers that are artistic and Leos that are headstrong and my horoscope said I will meet someone new today and I did." But the daily assertions your horoscope makes and the qualities certain star signs are said to have are deceptively vague. Who doesn't the adjectives "artistic" or "headstrong" apply to? Who won't meet someone today?
Even if astrology wasn't as vague as it is, who would want to "know" everything about a person before meeting them? Who would want all the surprises taken out of their day? If I can get philosophical for a second, isn't this contrary to living life, no matter what you believe? I suppose I can see how thinking you know what's going to happen or thinking you're able to predict how people behave could be attractive; not everyone thinks surprises are the stuff of life. But if all you go by is the vapid predictions your horoscope makes, don't be surprised if you find yourself needing more out of life.
There is no way such predictive abilities are possible. Oh sure, many "scientific" ways are posited, but they never seem to stand up to serious scientific scrutiny and probably never will.
What I'm referring to is astrology. Astrology and horoscopes are based on the long-held belief that the alignment of stars at a crucial time in one's life has a measurable effect on a person's future. Astrology also suggests individuals may be placed into categories of distinct personally traits based on birth dates. I can't stand when people say "oh I can't date him/her; they're a Taurus/Virgo/etc." Why is it necessary for some people to rule others out like this?
You won't find your horoscope in Cardinal Points. The reason: We don't like to waste ink.
Many believers in astrology assert that it's not magic, but a very real and powerful area of study. But there is one problem: No one has ever proved it's legitimate. Without any tangible evidence, it's pretty much pure fiction to me.
One might think "I know Cancers that are artistic and Leos that are headstrong and my horoscope said I will meet someone new today and I did." But the daily assertions your horoscope makes and the qualities certain star signs are said to have are deceptively vague. Who doesn't the adjectives "artistic" or "headstrong" apply to? Who won't meet someone today?
Even if astrology wasn't as vague as it is, who would want to "know" everything about a person before meeting them? Who would want all the surprises taken out of their day? If I can get philosophical for a second, isn't this contrary to living life, no matter what you believe? I suppose I can see how thinking you know what's going to happen or thinking you're able to predict how people behave could be attractive; not everyone thinks surprises are the stuff of life. But if all you go by is the vapid predictions your horoscope makes, don't be surprised if you find yourself needing more out of life.
There is no way such predictive abilities are possible. Oh sure, many "scientific" ways are posited, but they never seem to stand up to serious scientific scrutiny and probably never will.
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