Why do so many people believe in horoscopes? I, with wholehearted shame, admit I use to read mine [...]]]>

“Wo/Men are like horoscopes. They always tell you what to do and are usually wrong.” – Anonymous (I added the Wo so you can pick one)

Why do so many people believe in horoscopes? I, with wholehearted shame, admit I use to read mine daily; especially, when my relationships would end. I wanted to see if I could find a sign to see if he would return like in the movies, or use it as a mental tool to ease my broken heart because my astrological forecast said, “Pieces and Libras were not compatible.” No, I couldn’t believe he was just a normal dick…

From what I’ve seen and heard, there is no proof that horoscopes can work. So why do people allow it to lead their lives? So I went in search of some research. I’ve found many people saying something along the lines of fear. We are afraid of the future, the unknown, and those things which we can’t control. According to an essay, Popular Horoscopes and “The Barnum Effect” published in The Journal of Psychology, stated that 60% of the US population admits to some belief in astrology. And, mostly “females were likely to read and believe” in horoscopes.

So why women? The essay say’s it’s an escape from passive powerless lives and careers – being less educated, and/or have low-level jobs. Or, we may simply believe because astrology is found in many women’s magazines. Well, astrology has been around (earliest writings date back to 1600 B.C.) basically, a long time. Therefore, I believe, though more readily available in magazines, it’s more about the women’s interest/personality. And, based on my own experience and the people I’ve read about or spoken too, it’s more logical to me that fear is the deciding factor not a publishing policy.

The essay goes on to say that water signs are more likely to believe in horoscopes (Pisces, Cancer and Scorpio). According to The Barnum Effect water signs tend to have a similar personality trait psychology calls Neuroticism – which is “an enduring tendency to experience negative emotional states… Individuals are often self-conscious and shy, and they may have trouble controlling urges and delaying gratification.” I am a water sign, and though I may be “a little” self-conscious (who isn’t), and I do have trouble prolonging an urge to gratify myself (hmm), I’m not shy, and I don’t believe in horoscopes (anymore).

In my findings, all agree, horoscope predictions have little reliability. If you really pay attention, the wording is vague and has “theoretical formulations.” And, the forecast is similar to those with similar readership (based on personality). I challenge you to pickup three women magazine and compare the predictions. In my naïve days if I didn’t like what one magazine forecasted, I’d pick another.

Sometimes we walk through our lives thinking that everything is going to be mapped out for us. But in reality, life is full of surprises in our journey, and when it’s not a smooth paved road, we become fearful – not knowing what to expect.

Since we are in the sun of Pisces, the following is my forecast.

On Character: Pisceans are compassionate and emotional people. Which means, a pushover and can be persuaded into anything.

On Love: “Research says” that Pisceans only take a bath once a week. This could be the problem.

On Money: Pisceans are generous with money. Hell yes, with other people’s money.

Best Career: Gopher

I do private readings for $150 per hour. Give me a call.