Robert Hand's take on science and astrology. Hand however is more into
tropical or western astrology:
http://www.astro.com/astrology/in_astrobyhand1_e.htm
On 03/06/2015 03:32 PM, [email protected] [FairfieldLife] wrote:
*/I think what you are talking about, s3raphita, is "self-fulfilling
prophecy":/*
*/
/*
Well, if going to an astrologer means your marriage is more likely to
be a success that nicely makes my point. Which is? That skeptics ask
"is astrology true?". The more interesting question might be "does
astrology work?". In certain, limited applications it probably does.
---In [email protected], <turquoiseb@...> wrote :
*/I think what you are talking about, s3raphita, is "self-fulfilling
prophecy." /*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*From:* "s3raphita@... [FairfieldLife]" <[email protected]>
*To:* [email protected]
*Sent:* Friday, March 6, 2015 3:26 AM
*Subject:* [FairfieldLife] Re: Maybe this is why things get so screwed up?
I've never found astrology a convincing science and have had little
time for such shenanigans. There are always exceptions. I think most
readers would find the book How To Spot A Bastard By His Star Sign an
amusing (and sneakingly apologetic) approach to the subject. And there
is a certain *aesthetic* appeal in astrological symbolism - as also
with Tarot cards - which appeals to my sensibilities.
However, there is one approach to astrology that does strike me as
positive and defensible. Here's an example: consider a couple who are
arranging their wedding. They go to an astrologer who casts their
horoscopes. After the usual examination said astrologer decides on a
fortunate date and time for the wedding which has positive aspects of
the planets. No date can be 100% positive; perhaps Mercury and Mars
have a troubling relationship. But, says our astrologer, not to worry:
if the bride wears an emerald necklace on the day that will nullify
the baleful influence.
So complete baloney, no?
But if the couple really believe in astrology won't this give them a
strong psychological boost on the fateful day? And I'd even claim
there's something more going on here. The whole business of the
consultation and the follow-up action means that the couple are
performing a ritual. A ritual performed with appropriate seriousness
bypasses the conscious, superficial self and activates (through
imagery) the deeper - more powerful - unconscious self. So it's not
(just) a case of the gullible following the unscrupulous. The couple
*really are* aligning their core selves with the flow of Life all
around them. Their marriage vows are now supported by the inertia of
the universe.
I would wager serious money that statistics would show that those
couples who do consult an astrologer are more likely to have
successful marriages than those who don't.
