Defenders of astrology will tell you that we are subject to so many other influences that it is impossible to be one hundred per cent accurate, but in what way CAN they be accurate? If you gather a crowd of people together and ask them details of their lives certain remarkable coincidences will occur. The likelihood of two people having the same birthday for instance. Of the thousands of people who read a particular magazine’s horoscope of course some are going to feel that the horoscope was accurate. There are also likely to be thousands who might notice the occasional uncanny coincidence between their lives and the horoscope, and there are all those people who habitually read the horoscope as part of their daily routine and have not found it to be particularly accurate.

James Randi once conducted an experiment with some college students who gave him some details about where and when they were born. He then had horoscopes done for each student. The result is on this video.

Technorati Tags: astrology, horoscope

But then everything is subjective:

“I do not believe in astrology; but then, people of my sign never do.” Dr. Charles Tart, psychologist
The Scientific Evidence Suggestive of Astrology

Here is a list of scientific validations for astrology. After the reading the detailed article that follows this list, I am confused about what these points are supposed to prove. This is on top of the fact that some of the “evidence” is not evidence at all.

“The following are some of the scientific discoveries that have validated astrological concepts:

(1) Serial killers can be identified through a person’s astrological birth chart.
(2) There is a correlation between a person’s chosen profession and their astrological birth chart.
(3) Mental illness can be predicted by astrology.
(4) Fetuses might be affected by the movement of the sun, moon, and planets as they interfere with the Earth’s magnetic field which may have an influence on the fetuses occupation later in life.
(5) Women can use the lunar cycle for purposes of contraception.
(6) Many terrestrial phenomena are influenced by electromagnetic and gravitational effects originating within the solar system.
(7) Sun spot activity affects the molecular structure of water.
(8) Sun spot activity affects the molecular structure of blood.
(9) Potatoes, rats, fiddler crabs, and oysters are all governed by lunar periods.
(10) A theoretical model using principles of mathematics and physics may account for human consciousness and process as it relates to the zodiac.
(11) The concept of karma was demonstrated to be a reality in a study which confirmed that acting selflessly has rewards.”

Now read the full article at http://www.near-death.com/experiences/articles012.html

A statement typical of the astrology believer’s attitude to scientific dismissal is this one:

“Unfortunately most Astronomy books don’t even mention the existence of Astrology. Most Astronomers just ignore the subject with no true examination ,only a scientific holier than thou attitude. It should be noted that many of the early accepted unquestioned ideas of Astronomy have been proved wrong in the past.”

http://www.phact.org/e/astrolgy.htm

I can’t see where there would be a place for astrology in a book on astronomy. As I understand it, astronomy is a study of the physical world and has very little common ground with astrology. But the link I quoted above has a variety of points of view and is worth a read.

The Skeptic’s Dictionary has a comprehensive article on astrology. Unlike articles written by believers in astrology, it has an abundance of scientific evidence. Here is a statement that I can’t find a convincing rebuttal to in any argument for astrology:

“Defenders of astrology are fond of noting that ‘the length of a woman’s menstrual cycle corresponds to the phases of the Moon’ and ‘the gravitational fields of the Sun and Moon are strong enough to cause the rising and falling of tides on Earth.’ If the Moon can affect the tides, then surely the Moon can affect a person. But what is the analog to the tides in a person? We are reminded that humans begin life in an amniotic sea and the human body is 70 percent water. If oysters open and close their shells in accordance with the tides, which flow in accordance with the electromagnetic and gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon, and humans are full of water, then isn’t it obvious that the Moon must influence humans as well? It may be obvious to some, but the evidence for these lunar effects is lacking.”

Here is a video clip from the “Cosmos” TV program. It’s called “Triumph Of Modern Science Over Medieval Superstition”.

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