No I don't believe in astrology. My earliest understanding of it as a child was as a malicious con used to trick people out of their money, whilst trading on a name similar enough to astronomy to confuse lay-people. Having seen first-hand how devasting it is to love someone completely duped by an astrologer (who conned literally thousands of dollars from someone who didn't have that money to spare), I grew up with a very healthy amount of scepticism for things like this.
In high school I gained some perspective and realised not *everyone* offering astrology services is a con artist, and that many - even most - believers see this stuff as either harmless or beneficial to their lives. In the years since then I've met some more con artist astrologers, and sadly no small number of people clinging to astrology when other avenues of help would be both more affordable and (arguably) more productive. I've also seen plenty of other types of con artists, and of course no end of people turning to destructive/unhelpful methods to cope and/or grow.
Ultimately, I've come to realise that astrology isn't any more likely to bankrupt someone than any religion is - there are frauds aplenty in every faith, that's just human nature. But the entire faith shouldn't be blamed for the acts of con artists amongst them (though trying to minimise opportunities for cons to thrive is the only ethical thing to do in my opinion). I think of astrology as being akin to a religion, for those who get really into the star charts and books and such. I know some people working in science fields who are (practicing) religious and they find no conflict between their beliefs and science. There some notable experts in their fields who are religious, and I've always been intrigued by how they personally reconcile those beliefs. I've seen some awesome documentaries on this topic. I don't know of any scientists who put any stock whatsoever in astrology, and by nature it's not really compatible with science to my knowledge. But I might be wrong, and maybe there is a way to reconcile the two.
I'm not religious myself (I was an atheist and am now basically agnostic), but I have no issue with someone believing what they like so long as it doesn't impact anyone else negatively. So while I don't 'believe' in astrology, I certainly mind if others do! Horoscopes are fun to read if I come across them - I still like to cover the star signs and count how many times the same sentence appears, how many times the same point gets rewritten, and so on. I loved learning about the psychology behind why horoscopes get written the way they do - and why people are so susceptible to them - back in high school. It's fascinating stuff, and great information to know to avoid a lot of basic marketing tactics actually, too!
i think it's really interesting - especially when you look at your whole natal chart rather than just sun signs (which is what most people think of when they think astrology / horoscopes)
i don't think of it as science by any means, but the things i have read are super accurate about me tbh! but yeah it's fun and interesting to think about - and many cultures have astrology of some kind!
also if you want to take a look at your natal chart just for funsies here is the site i use that's super detailed!
http://astro.cafeastrology.com/natal.php
anyways no h8 pls, we can all talk about our beliefs without making personal attacks
I've looked at my natal chart in the past, and did it again with the link you shared. Sadly, as much as I adore all things space, I still don't get anything out of reading these charts. I found some things that were accurate; but these were the most general and benign of statements that would apply to any neurotypical adult. I was impressed at how well written the whole thing was, with only a few repetitions of exact wording, and very few clumsily-worded sentences. There were lots and lots of contradictions (happy family life/troubled family life, happy childhood/troubled childhood, et al), but that's par for the course with these computer generated things. Apparently I'll die peacefully of old age whilst overseas or at least on a "long journey" - I've not heard that prediction before but it sounds a lovely way to die!
I'm glad it works for you! And thanks for sharing - I enjoy learning about these kinds of things!
