January 8, 2022

"For people without solid structures of existential certainty, the predictable nature of the interlocking cosmic clocks of astrology can provide a scaffold..."

"... upon which to build meaning, purpose, and focus.... For me, the astrologers I spoke with for this article, and a majority of those I consider to be colleagues, responsible astrological prediction has several key factors: it is either helpful, compassionate, or (preferably) both, and it repeatedly re-emphasizes the inherent and unavoidable uncertainty of any prediction. By deliberately trying to be helpful and humble, the harms and hubris that are possible within astrological prediction are immediately minimized. There’s responsibility here, sure, but there’s also relief—by making room for what can be considered chance, we leave the door open for what some call fate."

Pick a structure, any structure. It's better than chaos. Any meaning is better than meaninglessness. Is that the idea? 

But I don't believe that what passes for astrology these days has gone on "for millennia." My understanding is that it was trumped up to write an amusing story about baby Princess Margaret!

62 comments:

rhhardin said...

Douglas Adams in "Mostly Harmless" explains astrology that way. Its method slows you down so that you start noticing things that a quick take won't give you, about any situation.

typingtalker said...

Thoracic Surgeon: Mrs Jones, you have a blocked artery in your heart. We're going to perform a surgical procedure to clear the blockage. In our experience, this procedure is successful in more than 95% of cases. Four percent of such procedures may be less than 100% successful and about one percent of our patients die.

Astrologer: Mrs Jones, don't worry. The stars tell me that you will probably be OK. I know this because I have studied the solid structures of the interlocking cosmic clocks of astrology.

Fernandinande said...

Coyne had a long rant about that article.

Loren W Laurent said...

On any given night there are two skies above you: the sky on your left and the sky on your right.

The sky with the moon provides a sense of wonder and stability, while the moonless sky provokes isolation and existential despair.

By choosing which way to look you can strongly affect your internal psychological balance. This effect is also informed by whether you orient yourself physically with the moon to your left or the moon to your right.

It is obviously understood that looking to your left inspires introspection, whereas looking to your right invokes suspicion.

Thus, look at the sky with the moon on your left, and your future will be improved by the choice that you have made.

Let me know if I can help you further.

-Loren

Narr said...

Benson Bobrick's "The Fated Stars" is a good read on astrology.

Astrologists don't know their asses from asterisms.

NorthOfTheOneOhOne aka Doug Emhoff's Pimp Hand said...

Pick a structure, any structure.


I prefer The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch, myself.

William said...

Unless people believed in astrology, there would never be such a thing as astronomy, and the science of chemistry is founded on the rock of the philosopher's stone. It's our irrational beliefs that keep us in the game. The only existential certainty is death. There is more solace in religious and other kinds of certainty.

wildswan said...

Most current astrological charts relate the position of stars to the date on the assumption that the position of the stars today is the same as it was thousands of years ago. That is, they are using old charts developed in India which have become integral to the astrological tradition because of influential astrologers. But, due to a slight wobble in the earth's axis and to their own motions, the stars have changed their apparent positions in the sky and so the whole astrological enterprise can be shown to be false - if you can get the deluded dear one to look at where the stars actually are. This mostly works out as well as arguing the science during a pandemic or opposing the Salem witch hunt. But it's safer. For now. The collapse of the New England mind suggests that astrology will make a comeback, starting with Harvard, and then being unable to distinguish astrology from astronomy will be required thinking.

Kevin said...

My Theory of Knowledge professor in college would make short work of this nonsense

Rollo said...

If I'd been around 70 years ago I would have kept talking about horoscopes and jazz with Theodor Adorno until he ran back to Germany in disgust.

Ficta said...

"Sun Sign" horoscopes, like you find in the newspaper, are, as you say, a recent invention, but the sort of astrology practiced by the people in that article is quite old.

tim in vermont said...

It’s like any other ideology, rigid, but sometimes useful, and always there with an authoritative answer for those who have difficulty with the uncertainty that is our lot.

YoungHegelian said...

The other day I went to Metaphysics Depot looking to buy a Structure of Existential Certainty. Oh, the sales guys will tell you they're all "solid", but don't be fooled! Don't get the "lifetime" warranty; get the one with the "eternal" warranty.

It's just too expensive to get your Structure of Existential Certainty repaired otherwise!

Rollo said...

Your source is British. The Columbia Journalism Review says that horoscope columns were appearing in US newspapers before that, and the CJR is "the Voice of Journalism" so you know that whatever they say is bound to be untrue.

effinayright said...

It was pointed out long ago that the ob-gyn who delivered you as a baby had more gravitational influence on you at your moment of birth than any or all the planets did.

Only the weakest of minds, or Democrats---but I repeat myself---believe such nonsense.

traditionalguy said...

Astrology was man’s first scientific study in every culture. The best and the brightest wanted to know the secrets of the heavens. That included the elite Chinese, Hindu, Sumerian , Egyptian and successor tribes.

The science of Geometry got created by astrologers seeking knowledge. And then along came Sir Isaac Newton who mansplained away those secrets in mathematical terms. (Then Newton returned to his first love which was determining the date of the return of Jesus.)

Our ridicule comes from the side line business of astrologers which offered to sell divination services for a fee. That predictive astrology was a popular religion that sold knowledge of the stars positions as magic powers to those in need of knowing the future. That was especially to kings and military men in wars; such as, Ronald Reagan negotiating the end of the Cold War. But we now rightly ridicule and dismiss divination astrology, as do the Judeo-Christian scriptures.

Freeman Hunt said...

I'm always amazed when someone tells me that he believes in astrology. It's like he just said he sacrifices chickens or casts spells or that lizard people walk the earth.

Howard said...

I'm always amazed when someone tells me that he believes in Jesus. It's like he just said he sacrifices chickens or casts spells or that lizard people walk the earth.

Richard Dillman said...

Maybe we are devolving into a pre-scientific, medieval-like zeitgeist. In the European Middle Ages, astrological beliefs and references coexisted with medieval Catholic doctrine as modes of understanding. Books of devotion, called books of hours, seamlessly integrated astrology with Christian dogma and theology. The very famous “Tres Riches Heures de Jean Duc De Berry” is a prime example. Back then,
Zodiac signs were associated with specific months. These two philosophies blended nicely with the top down, thomistic nature of the feudal system with its elites at the top and it masses of deplorables at the bottom. Look at how politics, superstition, and science have now been
blended into a toxic brew. Just do what the elites say, and you will be safe and happy. “The Canterbury Tales” (c.1390) is full of references to astrology, Catholicism, and feudal/hierarchical thought. Chaucer, however, was boldly critical of the elites of his time. A quick reading of his “General Prologue” will illustrate his piercing satire. In fact, the prologue may serve as a distant mirror for our own times.

Original Mike said...

"Thus, look at the sky with the moon on your left, and your future will be improved by the choice that you have made.

I only go out stargazing when I can actually see the stars (i.e., when the moon is down).

Guess I'm doomed.

Original Mike said...

Blogger Freeman Hunt said..."I'm always amazed when someone tells me that he believes in astrology. It's like he just said he sacrifices chickens or casts spells or that lizard people walk the earth."

Yeah, I'm always shocked. Internal dialogue; "well, scratch this guy off the list…".

gilbar said...

if people don't believe in GOD, they will believe in Anything

gilbar said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
gilbar said...

the i ching (like horoscopes) has such incredibly vague advise, that it isn't telling you Anything that you don't already know; just helps you see what was already in your mind

i think it was Heinlein (i blame Most Things in Heinlein) that said:
Don't know which path to take? Toss a coin.
While it's in the air you'll find yourself hoping Heads (or Tails): THAT'S the path to take
The act of tossing the coin helps you realize what you already wanted
IF coin falls without you wishing one side or the other, then might as well listen to the coin


Joseph Henrich (in The Secret of Our Success) says that in Many endeavors (like picking where to hunt), randomness is Good; predictability is Bad (if you Always hunt by the creek, eventually the animals will shun that area). However, humans (unlike other primates) have a Hard time being random.

He postulates that The Purpose of divining entrails, etc. is to provide randomness
Which, is Good.

ps don't like my hunting example? There are MANY places (covered in the book) where randomness is good. I wasn't sure Which to pick; looked up to see where the moon was

Howard said...

gilbar: I get it, now. Disbelief in one bullshit myth is an indication that someone is suspectable to believe in all the other bullshit myths.

Stick to your theory of randomness, that makes an infinitely more sense. They say Einstein didn't believe in Quantum Mechanics because he didn't think G_d played dice... maybe you're a closet pagan, nttawwt.

robother said...

I am reliably informed that determining someone's astrological sign in 70s fern bars was a good way to predict one's chances of getting lucky that night. It always struck me as less intellectually dishonest than pretending to care about feminist theory or liberal causes.

Richard Dillman said...

I wonder if the Chinese zodiac is as popular in China as deterministic communist party “philosophy.”

Freeman Hunt said...

"I'm always amazed when someone tells me that he believes in Jesus. It's like he just said he sacrifices chickens or casts spells or that lizard people walk the earth."

All non-materialistic beliefs are not equally coherent.

Ignore Christianity. Would you really argue that belief in Islam or Judaism is equivalent to belief in astrology and lizard people? I give you the benefit of the doubt and doubt it.

Fernandinande said...

if people don't believe in GOD, they will believe in Anything

If people believe in god(s), they already believe in anything.

Anywho, you got it backwards according to this Pew survey:
% people who believe in astrology -
Protestants: 24%
Catholics: 33%
Atheists: 3%

Mary Beth said...

Of the things mentioned in the article's first paragraph, we had to go with astrology? Why not morning vodka pick-me-ups or four-course lunches served in an informal manner?

Narr said...

As a Taurus, I stubbornly resist nonsense.

Original Mike said...

I recently had an over-the-phone security quiz ("which, if any, of the 4 car-makes have you owned in the last 10 years") in order to withdraw money from a retirement account. First question was, "which, if any, of these astrological signs are you?"

SERIOUSLY?!?!?! I was so shocked/pissed I almost reamed the guy out. WTF kind of organization is administering my money? Keeping the goal in mind (it's my money and I want it now!) I answered the question, but sheesh.

Dave said...

I practice sustainable astrology.

TheDopeFromHope said...

If you're thinking of dating a woman, ask her what she thinks of astrology. Does she read her horoscope? Has she ever been to a tarot card reader or a psychic? Does she think certain "signs" are compatible or not with others?

It's an easy, quick and very cheap way to identify the crazies.

tim in vermont said...

"lizard people walk the earth."

I saw a jungle runner in my Florida backyard. I can see where people get the idea, except it was only about the size of a squirrel.

Iman said...

Born under a bad sign:

**Feces**

Dave said...

====================
If you're thinking of dating a woman, ask her what she thinks of astrology. Does she read her horoscope? Has she ever been to a tarot card reader or a psychic? Does she think certain "signs" are compatible or not with others?

It's an easy, quick and very cheap way to identify the crazies.
===================
And the fastest way in the world increase your odds of getting a date! Astrology, Tarot, numerology, Jungian psychology, Archetypes, baby that's way in!

Shit, by the time I get to Julian Jayne and the Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind, it's cigarette time.

tim in vermont said...

"It's an easy, quick and very cheap way to identify the crazies."

A little light astrology is not the end of the world in a girlfriend, or even a wife.

Sebastian said...

"it is either helpful, compassionate, or (preferably) both"

Althouse! Slightly OT, but if you read this: what do you think of writing "either x, y, or both x and y," or for that matter of "either x, y, or z"?

I seem to recall a philosopher saying in a class long ago that "either" only worked with "x or y." What say you?

Howard said...

Monotheism is much much worse Freeman. As far as I can tell from reading the Bible, G_d is the devil who condemns all humanity. The largest source of strife and conflict in the modern world is spawned in the Holy Land, so called, among the jealous and bloodthirsty monotheistic Abrahamic religions. When you can claim to speak for G_d, you can get people to do the most despicable deprivations. Most people are good in spite of their childish fairy tale beliefs.

Not surprising as Fredandethelstein points out, religious people are more likely to believe in astrology. You could probably extend that to the belief in lizard people and Agent Provacatour Ray Epps.

tim in vermont said...

If she has a shelf full of romance novels though...

tim in vermont said...

Jesus and St Paul are kinda the ones who shunted aside all of that Bronze Age stuff that was in the "Old Testament." I am not a believer, but the world that the historical Jesus was born into was not some kind of Edenic place that he ruined.

effinayright said...

Born on November 21, the cusp between Scorpio and Sagittarius, I was informed that from an astrological perspective I am "a brash and breezy combination of rebellion and romance."

Fits perfectly.

Freder Frederson said...

Belief in astrology is no less ridiculous than belief in creationism.

typingtalker said...

Related ...

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope team fully deployed its 21-foot, gold-coated primary mirror, successfully completing the final stage of all major spacecraft deployments to prepare for science operations.

A joint effort with the European Space Agency (ESA) and Canadian Space Agency, the Webb mission will explore every phase of cosmic history – from within our solar system to the most distant observable galaxies in the early universe.


I'm sure all the best astrologers will be tuning in.

NASA

Original Mike said...

"NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope team fully deployed its 21-foot, gold-coated primary mirror, successfully completing the final stage of all major spacecraft deployments to prepare for science operations."

I believe their announcement is premature. There are still hard-stops backing up each of the 18 primary mirror segments (these are in place to provide support during launch). Each one needs to be backed off about 1/2 inch or the mirror is unfocusable.

Freeman Hunt said...

"Belief in astrology is no less ridiculous than belief in creationism."

Provided we're talking about young earth creationism and not the simple assertion that there is a Creator, here we can agree!

Howard said...

You're right Tim. The Holy land has been blessed since Christ with endless cycles of war and conquest. I get the distinct impression that G_d likes to play both ends against the middle with his people. Don't worry that life sucks, it'll be heaven once you're dead. Trust Me! Have Faith! We take BitCoin!.

Howard said...

Freeman: What about intelligent design? evolution? ape theory of humanity?

Gospace said...

Well, Howard, are you saying you don’t believe Jesus existed at all or that you don’t believe Jesus is the Son of God and part of the Holy Trinity? They are two entirely different beliefs.

Caroline said...

Yes, it’s been around for millennia…a re-tread of the old heresy Gnosticism. The evergreen desire on the part of creatures to possess special godlike knowledge that makes them divine.

Josephbleau said...

The phrase "Existential Certainty" flabbergasts me. Where is certainty, when you are cast adrift in the face of an uncaring sea? Or are they not talking about real existentialism?

Richard Dillman said...

Dostoevsky is reputed to have written in “The Brothers Karamazov” that without God, everything or anything is possible. This was a prophetic statement. Without God, Lenin, the Bolshevics, Stalin, the KGB, the gulags, and Mao were all possible. Without God, the state too often becomes God. The American left aspires to become the arbiter of all ethics and morality. All standards will flow from the shifting dogmas of
“The Party.”

Howard said...

I don't care if Jesus Christ is or was real. I have more faith in tetrahedrons than triangles.

Dave said...

I think there is a great chance the universe is created, I just have no idea about what that creator would be like.

Tina Trent said...

This blog is being hacked.g

Dave said...

I am with Freeman. I need to write that essay. Today is the day.

farmgirl said...

“When you can claim to speak for G_d, you can get people to do the most despicable deprivations.”

From this statement- one would think u didn’t believe in freewill. All people are sheeple, then?

farmgirl said...

2Loren Laurent:
that’s way cool. Beautiful.
Free will.

farmgirl said...

Howard-
so didn’t the Wise Men-
Until the stars led them to an infant… lying in a manger.

Narr said...

Celestial bodies and events figure heavily in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim scriptures, which to me anyway indicate that the original A/author(s) attributed significance to combinations and alignments too--or at least expected them to impress people.

But that's got nothing to do with astrology.

PM said...

Thought we left all that horseshit behind in the 70s. Talking about someone's 'signs' was only a way to get laid anyway.