Perhaps you’ve noticed – astrology is all the rage! But is it real knowledge or a scam? Do the stars really have any power over us? Astrology-skeptics, stay with us as we untangle the truth from the falsehoods that surround this subject.
Dinner with friends: someone is complaining that none of his projects seem to be moving forward.
“Obviously, Mercury is in retrograde,” exclaims one of your friends. “What is your sign again? Libra?! You don’t need to look any further: it’s even worse for you, because Mercury is in retrograde in Libra right now... Just be patient, things will stagnate for a while, but they will get better soon.” This whole discussion might seem slightly surreal to you, but it might make you curious enough to ask a friend who seems to be well versed in astrology to talk you through some popular ideas – and misconceptions - about astrology.
Astrology is not a science
True… and false.
Astrology invites you to get to know yourself better through the study of your unique astral chart (calculated using your date, place, and time of birth). However, the art of reading and interpreting these charts is still the subject of much debate, especially concerning the status of astrology as a ‘science’. With theories based on more than three millennia of observations, astrology could be thought of in this way – the word ‘science’ generally refers to a body of organised and transmissible knowledge - but it is difficult to scientifically prove the influence of the planets on a character trait...
Although some people relegate astrology to the status of a belief system and give astronomy higher status, these two fields are less opposite than they may seem, as they use the same data in their calculations. The only difference is that astronomy essentially observes and predicts the movements of the planets, whilst astrology goes further, using this information to draw more precise conclusions about an individual, based on hypotheses developed from experiments conducted over the centuries. Pseudoscience for some, the science of the soul for others - the question remains open for debate!
Astrology is for the naive
False
Today, the practice of astrology is no longer taboo. Enthusiasm for astrology is growing among the younger generation, and it’s far from simply being a fascination for the most gullible. Astrology has (many!) serious followers around the world who want to learn how to interpret their natal chart and use the knowledge it contains wisely: Japanese business leaders looking for the best moment to negotiate a contract, Indian or Chinese executives hoping to buy a house under the best conditions, and even celebrities, such as Gisele Bündchen!
Fashion – from Sézane to Septem Paris – is also bringing astrology back into the limelight, with creations that pay tribute to the astrological signs. Even people whose feet are firmly on the ground are interested.
Astrology is just the horoscopes in the newspaper
True… and false.
Technically, horoscopes are only a small part of astrology – which is much more complex. Since a horoscope is a reading of the sky on a given day, based solely on the zodiac and sun sign, it can only incorporate around two percent of the information that can be found in a sky chart! There is very little chance that such a generalised prediction for the day will come true for each individual. Moreover, the astrologer who writes these horoscopes (if they are a real astrologer and not just a charlatan) has to choose to talk about one astrological event rather than another, despite thousands of events and interpretations being available to them.
This is why a horoscope speaks to everyone and to no one at the same time; they are not representative of what astrology really is!
Astrology is the same as clairvoyance
False
Gone are the days of the fortune teller with her crystal ball: the astrologer does not see the future, but refers again and again to the present and to the subject’s inner self. If what you really want is to know when you’re finally going to get that promotion, don’t bother! Astrology cannot predict the future, but it can help you understand what to expect in your present situation. A good astrologer will be able to tell you if you have the potential to get that promotion, but the result depends on how you use that information!
Above all, astrology – in its true form – is an excellent tool for personal development. Specifically, it can help us to understand who we are and how to take full advantage of our abilities... but it cannot make predictions, nor can it do the work for us. So, let’s get to work!