A simple question?

Can one "test" astrology? 

This is one of the questions I have been pondering since the start of looking at horoscopes. In more simplified terms: When one compares the predictions made by astrology, do they come true? I decided to do some research and look at what studies have been conducted on testing the reliability and accuracy of astrology.

Naturally, many tests of this caliber have been done. I am definitely not the only one to ask this "brilliant" question. One of the most famous tests of astrology was performed by Shawn Carlson. His paper, “A Double-blind Test of Astrology”, was published in the peer reviewed scientific journal Nature, in 1985. The test went like this:  An expert astrologer draws up your detailed chart based on your accurate natal data. You are given this horoscope, and those of two other different people. Can you accurately tell which one is belongs to you?

Test #1: Astrological charts were prepared for 83 subjects, based on natal data (date, time and place of birth), provided by the subjects. Each subject was given three charts: one chart based on their own natal data, and two charts derived from natal data of other people. Each subject was asked to identify the chart that most correctly described them. In only 28 of the 83 cases, the subject chose their own chart.  This is the exact success rate expected for random chance. The astrologers predicted that the subjects would select their own chart more that 50% of the time.

Test #2: 116 subjects completed California Personality Index surveys and provided natal data (date, time and place of birth). One set of natal data and the results of three personality surveys (one of which was for the same person as the natal data) were given to an astrologer who was to interpret the natal data and determine which of the three CPI results belonged to the same subject as the natal data. In only 40 of the 116 cases, the astrologers chose the correct CPI. As with test #1, this is the exact success rate expected for random chance. The astrologers predicted that they would select the correct CPI profiles in more that 50 per cent of the trials.

Carlson's conclusion:
We are now in a position to argue a surprisingly strong case against natal astrology as practiced by reputable astrologers. Great pains were taken to insure that the experiment was unbiased and to make sure that astrology was given every reasonable chance to succeed. It failed. Despite the fact that we worked with some of the best astrologers in the country, recommended by the advising astrologers for their expertise in astrology and in their ability to use the CPI, despite the fact that every reasonable suggestion made by advising astrologers was worked into the experiment, despite the fact that the astrologers approved the design and predicted 50% as the "minimum" effect they would expect to see, astrology failed to perform at a level better than chance.
My conclusion: The simple question comes with a simple answer. Astrology, and horoscopes, are bogus, bullshit, and phoney. Want to give them your own name, go ahead.

So how does this affect me? Not so much. I leaned in this direction from the beginning. However, I guess I chose to deny it because I thought it would make sense for me to never read a horoscope again after learning that they are basically FAKE. Then I contemplated some more and realized I have not been reading horoscopes to learn about what my day is going to consist of, what to expect, how to live my life. Horoscopes are fun, interesting and I would rather sit and waste my time on them than refreshing the comments tab on Facebook.

- the Astro-LOGICAList

In the valentine spirit...

Love horoscopes. Have you even wondered why you are so attracted to that handsome or pretty boy/girl you always argue with? The main (or obvious) reason is CHEMISTRY, but it might have something to do with personality. And there is one thing I am sure about; your astrological sign has allotted each and every one of us very different and unique characteristics. Do you believe me?

Let's examine my sign: Libra.
Libra's are said to be very indecisive and I can assure you that if I was given a question of any magnitude and/or difficulty, I would be sure to ponder it as if my life depended on it. Let's not even discuss the big decisions, it is simply a horrible process. We are said to be artistic. What do I love to do in my free time? ART. And to my happiness, many people like my artwork and give me very positive critiques. How convenient. Also, most sites say that Libra's do not like conflicts and are exceptional at looking at both sides of a story because let's face it, we can't make up our mind.

So, here is a nice summary of some of the main qualities in ALL the astrological signs. It also lists astrological compatibility. Take a look and comment. Do you agree with what the site says?


Aries (Mar 21 to April 19): Aries people love strong and courageous personality. They encourage intellectual conversations. Aries born people are dominating but they do not love to be dominated.
Most compatible sign: Aries, Gemini, Scorpio

Taurus (April 20 to May 20): Taurans love entertainment and they even take fun and banter on them. They always need attention. You can win a Tauran's heart by spending some light moments.
Most compatible sign: Capricorn and Cancer

Gemini (May 21 to June 20): Gemini people are easily attracted to you, if you throw them any challenge. They love jokes, fun, and lighter conversation. You always have to be unpredictable to lure them.
Most compatible sign: Leo

Cancer (June 21 to July 22): Do not try to flatter any Cancerian. They like genuine and polite people. They are born romantic and they look for romantic people. Sometimes, they are very unpredictable, so you need to have lots of patience with a Cancerian.
Most compatible sign: Pisces

Leo (July 23 to August 22): They are the rulers of their life. They are social people. They adore attention. You can impress a Leon, if you praise him/her.
Most compatible sign: Libra

Virgo (August 23 to September 22): Virgos are intelligent and love intellectual people. You can attract them, if you talk logically.
Most compatible sign: Pieces and Cancer

Libra (September 23 to October 22): Libras always welcome new ideas and thoughts. They love healthy conversation, but consciously avoid arguments, even with their closest ones.
Most compatible sign: Leo, Aquarius, and Cancer

Scorpio (October 23 to November 22): They are social people and love to make new friends. They love success in life. They are passionate lovers, and sometimes possessive about their belongings.
Most compatible sign: Aries and Taurus

Sagittarius (November 23 to December 22): Sagittarians are obsessed with their pets. If you cannot love animals, you should not date any Sagittarian. They love their freedom and do not interfere in other' life.
Most compatible sign: Aries, Leo, Aquarius, and other Sagittarius

Capricorn (December 23 to January 22): Capricornians are intelligent and quiet. They love to spend money. If you can spend enough money on them, they will be loyal to you.
Most compatible sign: Aries and Leo

Aquarius (January 23 to February 18): Aquarians are always attracted towards opposites. They are creative and imaginative, and love the people, who can boost their creative urge.
Most compatible sign: Libra

Pisces (born February 19 to March 20): Pisceans are spiritual and they believe in supernatural elements. They love strong people, who keep on praising them.

Most compatible sign: Aries, Leo, and Gemini 

Site

-the Astro-LOGICAList

Opinionated

I've decided to review some of the "top" horoscope sites in order to choose one to refer to for the rest of my blog. 

My horoscope for February 7, 2011 from astrology.com was:

Today is all about social relationships — your network, your sweetie, your colleagues and beyond. You should give everyone the time they deserve and then a little extra to make them feel special. They all are!

Overall, the layout of the site is easy to follow and the colors are nice and pleasing. It is very girly and the graphics are also very geared toward females, with all the hearts and pink colors. The horoscope itself SUCKS! Enough said. It is so so so very, very (did I mention very) vague.  I mean every single day is about social relationships, they are a very big part of our lives. There are usually three big components of an individual's life, family life, professional life, and last and surely not least, social life. Most social human beings understand that they must give each part of their life attention and special care. So quite frankly, this post was not very helpful on telling me how I should lead my day. I have learned nothing new from it. 

My horoscope from horoscope.com:

Some upsetting dreams might haunt you today, Libra. They might evoke some uncomfortable emotional issues. You might be a bit edgy emotionally and more likely to overreact when other people quarrel or machines break down. It might be a good idea to analyze your dreams first thing in the morning so you can learn from and release them. That way you will be more balanced throughout your day.

The site is again very feminine. The main color is pink and the cartoons for the different zodiac signs are all female. It even has hearts and stars in the title. That is quite interestingly stereotyping the fact that only the female kind read horoscopes. This might in fact be true because I do not one guy that believes in astrology. They all think it is a mere waste of time. Continuing with the actual horoscope, this one was much more detailed and actually touches upon some of the feelings I have been experiencing lately. These past few days, I have been exceptionally emotional and edgy, even not being able to sleep as much as usual. I have also been thinking about my dreams because last week I had a dream about my uncle and a few days later I found out that he had been in a car accident. Freaky stuff. I was a little scared, I must admit. 

My horoscope from dailyhoroscopes.com:

There is a lot of energy for achieving whatever you set out to accomplish. Depending on your quality of rest yesterday, you could be annoying or pleasant to others at this time. If there are troubles with communication, back off for a while and watch things develop; then you can give your opinions or suggestions. Keep your positive side up because there are many good opportunities to express yourself. You are in a great mood of self-enjoyment this afternoon and can appreciate your own qualities. You could come up with new and interesting solutions. It is almost as thought there is a little magic somewhere between your ears. The flirtations of someone new may be flattering but wisely ignored today. A visitor comes with good news. 

First impression: Much simpler than the other sites. Not as colorful and does not contain the color pink (yay!). I hate that half of the site is just white space and the writing and tabs seem clustered. However, the horoscope itself is very lengthy and detailed. I did not think any of what was said related to me and my day. I am feeling the opposite of what the horoscope said, definitely not in a mood of "self-enjoyment" or feeling the "positive energy". And the comment about the magic between my ears, just plain and outrageously inappropriate. I am not five, I do not get giddy from seeing the word "magic".

Overall, I liked the site horoscope.com much better than the other two and I will be using this site specifically to talk about how my day went compared to how the site says it should have gone. 

-the Astro-LOGICAList

No longer a libra?!

There has been recent worry in the Astro-LOGICAL world. In early January of this year, one Minneapolis astrologer suggested that the Earth's movement has shifted the stars' alignment about a month. This means that there is a shift in Zodiac signs. If you are a Virgo, you become a Leo, etc. Or does it?

To clear the misunderstanding, if you follow the Western zodiac system, your sign remains the same. The latter is following Eastern astrology, which is based on our relationship to the stars, as opposed to the Western zodiac that is based on our relationship to the sun. All is well, for those of us that would suffer a heart attack if we found out that our beloved sign, which, to say the least, fits our personality especially well, has changed. Seriously, people even get tattoos of their zodiac signs. Proud to be a Libra and a firm Western astrology believer, I would be one of those individuals.

Interested in reading more on this topic?
Click here







So what are horoscopes about anyway? A more official definition says that a horoscope is a prediction of  someone's future based on the relative positions of the planets. For me, it is a fun way to learn about myself and analyze my day. One might wonder: Who is crazy enough to believe that their future depends on nothing more than the position of stars? After all, we humans are so powerful we can shape our own futures. Please and thank you. End of story. Willing to take a chance and be entertained and possibly amused, I have decided to look at my daily horoscope regularly and to allow to be named a "horoscope watcher". My purpose: test horoscopes personally and see what effects they may have on me, my life and my beliefs. My underlying question: Are horoscopes really worth the time?

- the Astro-LOGICAList