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Astrology is the study of distant celestial objects and how or whether they impact your life.
It’s based on the activity of planets and stars, and based on the belief that these alignments have some kind of bearing on the outcome of various events.
When you get a reading from a psychic using this method, the psychic will likely tell you how moons and planets will affect your future. Is it true?
The Argument For
The argument for astrology rests on the idea that lack of proof is not proof against.
Many astrologers are quick to point out that there is no scientific explanation for how astrology works, but that that doesn’t matter.
What matters are results and there are apparently many of them.
There are also many arguments for astrology that rest on the idea that experience trumps pure deductive reasoning and that those who dismiss it do so for spurious and fallacious reasons.
Many psychic readings, for example, cannot be scientifically validated. But, according to supporters of astrology, this does not mean that the end-result is any less valid.
If a person takes a new job, for example, and benefits from it, and that move was motivated by an astrological reading, the person still benefits. The job is still a positive effect in the person’s life.
Some astrologers note that many things in the world work, but there is a lack of explanation for how they work.
For example, the lodestone (compass) was used for almost 2,000 years before anyone discovered Earth’s magnetic field and the explanation behind why compasses work.
Similarly, Semmelweis introduced hygienic practices in surgery, like hand washing. He was ridiculed by other scientists of his time because he couldn’t prove any mechanism of action for why hand washing worked.
At the same time, it did work and reduced mortality rates.
It wasn’t until Pasteur discovered germs that Semmelweis was vindicated.
The Argument Against
The argument against astrology is a simple one: there is no proof. While the proponents of astrology do acknowledge this, the critics point out that Astrology fails the reality test.
For example, if the distribution of the heavenly bodies which astrology relies on has important implications for the life of a child, then twins should have virtually identical futures, interests, talents, and even personalities.
At the very least, there should be some important commonalities between then. Yet, this is not the case. Most twins lead very different lives, even identical twins.
Another argument against astrology has to do with the precession of the Earth’s axis - the star positions relative to our planet have changed since astrological calendars were first created.
This means that, even if astrology were true when it first started, it’s not now.
Finally, the gravity of stars, planets, and moons and other celestial bodies are the only forces that are known to affect Earth. Even still, the effect is negligible with some important exceptions like the moon affecting the tides on Earth.
Some important consequences are also brought up in regards to astrology.
If it were true, then no one would or could be held responsible for their actions, good or bad, because there would be no “right” or “wrong” - they would be doing what they had to do based on their astrological “sign.”
It would render choice meaningless and, in important ways, life as well.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe in Astrology?
Beverly Johnson likes to learn about topics like astrology and horoscopes. When she finds out something new or interesting, she blogs about it online to share with others who are searching for answers.
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