Throughout my research, I used a tried-and-true strategy of asking a series of questions about attitudes and activity while omitting any reference of belief. The image that emerged is far more complicated than the basic division between belief and doubt suggests.
In one of my groups of predominantly male students aged 18 to 21, I discovered that 70% of them read a horoscope column once a month and valued its advise 51% of the time. Other questions revealed a wide range of responses: 98 percent of people knew their sun sign, 45 percent said it reflected their personalities, 25% felt it can make accurate forecasts, and 20% believe the stars have an impact on life on Earth. The higher percentages are comparable to prior study that revealed 73 percent of British adults believe in astrology, while the lower ones are comparable to Gallup polls.
Other questions about the pupils’ behavior and attitudes were also posed. Nearly half (45%) admitted to researching possible or actual partners’ sun signs in order to better manage their relationships, and 31% admitted to reading their astrological predictions for the coming year.
What became clear from all of my surveys is that when we ask questions about personal experience, meaning, and behavior (such as valuing an astrologer’s advice or learning about partners’ signs), positive responses are roughly twice as high, if not more, than when we ask for statements of objective fact (such as “I value an astrologer’s advice” or “I value an astrologer’s advice”) “Is astrology a reliable source of predictions?).
My samples were limited, and each one offered a snapshot of a certain group, making generalization impossible. However, they all suggest that when we ask a range of questions, we get a diversity of answers. How many people do you know that believe in astrology? It’s possible that it’ll be 22%. It’s possible that it’s 73 percent. What I refer to as the difference between the two figures is what I refer to as the “The zone of doubt and uncertainty between deep and shallow commitment is known as the belief gap.
So, what is it that makes people believe in astrology? The issue we have is establishing trustworthy research. If we can’t get to first base and figure out how many people believe in it, attempts to figure out why they find it significant a better word than belief will be fruitless.
In This Article...
Is it true that many believe in astrology?
Christine Smallwood’s fascinating piece, “Astrology in the Age of Uncertainty:
Astrology is currently experiencing widespread popular acceptability that has not been seen since the 1970s. The transition began with the introduction of the personal computer, was expedited by the Internet, and has now reached new levels of speed thanks to social media. According to a Pew Research Center poll from 2017, about a third of Americans believe in astrology.
Astrology, like psychoanalysis before it, has infiltrated our collective vernacular. At a party in the 1950s, you could have heard someone talk about the id, ego, or superego; now, it’s normal to hear someone explain herself using the sun, moon, and rising signs. It isn’t just that you are aware of it. It’s who’s saying it: folks who aren’t kooks or deniers of climate change, who don’t find a conflict between utilizing astrology and believing in science…
I ran a short Google search and discovered the following Pew report from October 2018:
The religion breakdown was the only thing that surprised me about this table.
I had the impression that mainline Protestants were the rational ones, but they believe in astrology at the same rate as the overall population.
But, hey, I guess they’re ordinary Americans, so they have average American ideas.
Only 3% of atheists believe in astrology, which is also unexpected.
This makes sense, yet it seemed reasonable to me that someone may not believe in God but believe in other supernatural things: in fact, I could see astrology as a type of replacement for a traditional religious system.
But it appears that is not the case.
Brian Wansink has been compared to an astrologer who can make astute observations about the world based on a combination of persuasiveness and qualitative understanding, and then attributes his success to tarot cards or tea leaves rather than a more practical ability to synthesize ideas and tell good stories.
Does Brian Wansink, on the other hand, believe in astrology?
What about Marc Hauser, Ed Wegman, Susan Fiske, and the rest of the bunch who call their detractors “second-string, replication police, methodological terrorists, Stasi, and so on?”
I doubt they believe in astrology because it symbolizes a rival belief system: it’s a business that, in some ways, competes with rah-rah Ted-talk science.
I wouldn’t be shocked if famous ESP researchers believe in astrology, but I get the impression that mainstream junk-science supporters in academia and the news media feel uncomfortable discussing ESP since its research methods are so similar to their own.
They don’t want to be associated with ESP researchers because it would devalue their own study, but they also don’t want to put them under the bus because they are fellow Ivy League academics, so the safest plan is to remain quiet about it.
The greater point, however, is not astrology believing in and of itself, but the mental state that allows individuals to believe in something so contrary to our scientific understanding of the world.
(OK, I apologize to the 29% of you who don’t agree with me on this.)
When I return to writing on statistical graphics, model verification, Bayesian computation, Jamaican beef patties, and other topics, you can rejoin the fold.)
It’s not that astrology couldn’t be correct a priori:
We can come up with credible hypotheses under which astrology is real and amazing, just as we can with embodied cognition, beauty and sex ratio, ovulation and voting, air rage, ages ending in 9, and all the other Psychological Science / PNAS classics.
It’s just that nothing has come up after years of rigorous research.
And the existing theories aren’t particularly convincing: they’re speculative world models that may be good if the purpose was to describe a real and enduring occurrence, but they’re less so without actual data.
Anyway, if 30% of Americans are willing to believe such nonsense, it’s no surprise that a significant number of influential American psychology professors will have the kind of attitude toward scientific theory and evidence that leads them to have strong beliefs in weak theories with no supporting evidence.
Indeed, not only support for specific weak theories, but support for the fundamental principle that pseudoscientific views should be treated with respect (although, oddly enough, maybe not for astrology itself).
P.S.In defense of the survey respondents (but not of the psychology professors who support ideas like the “critical positivity ratio,” which makes astrology appear positively sane in comparison), belief in astrology (or, for that matter, belief in heaven, gravity, or the square-cube law) is essentially free.
Why not believe these things, or not believe them?
Belief or denial in evolution, climate change, or unconscious bias, on the other hand, can have social or political consequences.
Some opinions are purely personal, while others have a direct impact on policy.
I have less patience for famous academic and media elites who aggressively support junk science by not just expressing their trust in speculative notions supported by no real data, but also attacking those who point out these emperors’ nudity. Furthermore, even a hypothetical tolerant, open-minded supporter of junk sciencethe type of person who might believe in critical positivity ratio but actively support the publication of criticisms of that workcan still cause some harm by contaminating scientific journals and the news media with bad science, and by promoting sloppy work that takes up space that could be used for more careful research.
You know how they say science corrects itself, but only because individuals are willing to correct themselves?
Gresham’s law is also true, but only when people are willing to distribute counterfeit notes or money they think is counterfeit while keeping their lips shut until they can get rid of their wads of worthless stock.
P.P.S.Just to be clear:I don’t think astrology is a waste of time, and it’s possible that Marc Hauser was onto something real, even while faking data (according to the US government, as mentioned on Wikipedia), and the critical positivity ratio, ovulation, voting, and all the rest…
Just because there isn’t enough evidence to support a theory doesn’t mean it’s untrue.
I’m not trying to disprove any of these assertions.
All of it should be published someplace, along with all of the criticism.
My issue with junk science proponents isn’t simply that they advocate science that I and others perceive to be rubbish; they can also be wrong!
However, they consistently avoid, deny, and oppose valid open criticism.
P.P.P.S.Remember that #notallpsychologists.
Of course, the problem of junk research isn’t limited to psychology in any way.
Professors of political science, economics, sociology, and history, to the extent that they believe in astrology, spoon bending, or whatever (that is, belief in “scientific paranormalism as describing some true thing about the natural world, not just a “anthropological recognition that paranormal beliefs can affect the world because people believe in it), this could also sabotage their research.
I suppose it’s not such a big problem if a physicist or chemist believes in these things.
I’m not attempting to shut down study into astrology, embodied cognition, ESP, beauty-and-sex-ratio, endless soup bowls, spoon bending, the Bible Code, air anger, ovulation and voting, subliminal smiley faces, or anything else.
Allow for the blooming of a thousand blooms!
Given that a sizable portion of the populace is willing to believe in scientific-sounding notions that aren’t backed by any good scientific theory or evidence, it should come as no surprise that many professional scientists hold this viewpoint.
The repercussions are especially evident in psychology, which is a vital field of study where theories can be hazy and where there is a long legacy of belief and action based on flimsy data.
That isn’t to say that psychologists are awful people; they’re merely working on difficult challenges in a field with a long history of failures.
This isn’t a critique; it’s just the way things are. Of course, there is a lot of excellent work being done in the field of psychology. You’ll have to work with what you’ve got.
Are there any billionaires that believe in astrology?
Everyone aspires to be wealthy and wealthy. It is true that becoming a billionaire is difficult, and that one must work really hard to achieve this status, but have you ever considered whether your zodiac sign plays a role in your fortune? If you are a firm believer in the stars, you must realize that this is correct. Astrology offers unmistakable proof. The majority of events that occur around the world are predetermined, such as the coronavirus pandemic.
Astrology isn’t a form of magic. It is a science, and it is a vital factor to consider while making key life decisions. Why? Because astrology and zodiac signs not only forecast your future or alert you to significant occurrences in your life, but they also point you in the correct direction at the appropriate moment. One of the other predictions is to become a billionaire. It helps predict if you will become a millionaire or not. And even if you are, when are you going to do it?
You’ll be surprised to learn how much your zodiac sign might influence how much money you earn if you look at some of the wealthiest people in your area. Every wealthy person on the planet makes the news. You admire them and follow in their footsteps, but have you ever wondered what their zodiac signs are? That is not how we think.
These zodiac signs are likely to be at the top of the list of considerations when it comes to becoming a millionaire. Well, it’s not only about which zodiac signs produce the most billionaires; it’s also about how much money they make. If you share the same zodiac sign as these wealthy, well-known billionaires, you might want to consider following in their footsteps. Every week, publications and newspapers publish articles about billionaires, taking into account a variety of elements such as the media, the arts, businesses, publishing, and more. These articles are based on a variety of investigations and analysis.
When it comes to billionaires’ zodiac signs, Cancer is at the top of the list. That isn’t all, though. Other signs, such as Scorpio, Aries, and Capricorn, have the highest amount of billionaires. Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Industries, was born in the sign of Aries on April 19th. He is the richest Indian on the planet. Cancer, on the other hand, is at the top of the list, accounting for 10.5 percent of the total. Gautam Adani, the Adani Group’s Founder and Chairman, is a Cancerian. The star signs Virgo and Aries stand in second and third place, with 9.7% and 9.3% of rich persons born under these signs, respectively.
It is important to remember, however, that the number of billionaires based on their zodiac sign changes with time. Cancers are thought to be the wealthiest of the zodiac signs. Whether you believe in astrology or not, keep in mind what J. P. Morgan famously said: “Millionaires don’t utilize astrology; billionaires do.” Now that you know which signs have the most billionaires, it doesn’t imply you can follow in their footsteps. You must work as hard as they do to join the league and find your place among them. When it comes to reaching the top, hard effort is essential, but your star sign is your right-hand man.
Do you believe in astrology’s ability to provide explanations?
It’s a whole science that revolves on the positions of stars and planets. A large number of people believe in astrology. Many astrologers’ forecasts have come true. Astrology can aid with future planning.
Why do so many people think astrology is true?
Human beings are always looking for narratives to help them connect their past, present, and future aspirations and expectations, and this is where astrology comes in.
Is astrology considered a religion?
There have been certain themes that have confused even the sharpest minds on the planet since the birth of human civilisation. The link between the cosmic realm and our daily life is one such topic. Astrologers are specialists who work with the positions of the stars and planets. They turn what they’ve learned into what’s known as prediction.
While each religion is essentially a system of laws based on a set of beliefs, astrology is a perfect marriage of science and art that uses celestial body placements. So, whether Christians believe in Jesus Christ’s good works and teachings or Hindus believe in ‘the science of light,’ or ‘Jyotish Shastra,’ fortune telling is still the bottom line.
Surprisingly, these prophecies or foretellings may be found in many civilizations and religions. The tactics may change, but the outcomes remain consistent. Have you ever considered how these ideas can be related despite the fact that the belief ecosystem is so dissimilar? So, here’s a no-brainer: everyone is, and will continue to be, concerned about their future and seeking to be their best selves, capable of overcoming problems. Almost everyone else aspires to anticipate what will happen ahead of time and to act as efficiently as possible when events do occur. People of all faiths and cultures may agree on this.
Calculations are performed by all religions, albeit the methods used may differ. The outcomes, on the other hand, are the same. Almost everyone else aspires to anticipate what will happen ahead of time and to act as efficiently as possible when events do occur. People of all faiths and cultures may agree on this. There are various viewpoints on the matter, but it all boils down to education. Look for an astrological institute that teaches you everything you need to know about the various astrology courses that are accessible online. Online astrology classes are available, as are astrology courses offered through distance education.
Have you ever observed how our celebrations are organized when it comes to astrology and religion? The celebrations highlight the connection between astrology and religion. If you look closely, you’ll notice that all of the festivals are based on the position of the stars/moon and the sun. This is true of all religions, to the extent where astrology has become an integral part of religious rituals.
So, if you look at data from the beginning of time to the present day, you’ll discover a wide range of astrological systems, all branching out of different systems but ultimately pointing to an astrological-religious tie. In India, one of the most prevalent forms of astrology is Vedic astrology.
Astrology is the foundation of Hinduism. People hurry to their astrologer as soon as a baby is born to get his ‘Janam Patri’ made and to choose the best name for him. The Mahabharata, for example, mentions astrology in several Hindu epics. Only the ‘Brahmins’ had access to astrology knowledge at first. Then they would sit in the temples and predict the future. As a result, a relationship was created between astrology and Hinduism.
The concept of Astrology became increasingly available to the general public in the area as time passed. In 2020, everyone with even a passing interest in astrology will be able to find lessons and research. Astrology is a ‘pseudoscience’ that calculates and interprets the movement of planets. It isn’t predicated on wild guesses. Several Hindu households consult their astrologer before making major decisions.
In Islam, astrology is also a belief. Their forebears believed that the movement of the stars, sun, moon, and other heavenly bodies might influence the lives of individuals who lived on the planet, as seen through the eyes of India’s best astrologer. Their faith in astrology has waned over time, and just a few people still believe it. It is entirely dependent on the individual. While a conservative Muslim may not believe in astrology, someone who does not believe in any religion may have faith in it.
Christianity is the only religion that is known to believe in astrology. People should not trust astrology, according to the Bible. Despite this, there are numerous astrologers in the Western world. They claim that the Bible has been misinterpreted and that it warns about specific sins committed by specific persons. Western countries have much fewer astrologers than countries like India. This also reveals how little astrology is believed in Western countries. People were already skeptical about astrology, and the Bible only adds to their concerns. As a result, astrology is only believed by a small number of Christians.
India is a top country in terms of astrological believing, as may be deduced. At least once throughout their life, more than half of the population has sought the advice of an astrologer. Because Hinduism and Islam are both widespread in India, astrology devotees are likely to be as well. Astrology does a fantastic job of predicting the future and providing solutions to difficulties.
Individual belief systems differ, and it is up to them to decide whether or not to believe in something. Despite its 5000-year history, astrology continues to thrive. This confirms our belief in astrology.
Here are some crucial details:
- The hostility of some devout religious believers dates back to a time when priests and religious leaders attempted to interpret and mediate all religious experiences from their positions of authority. Before the development of male-dominated organized religion, our predecessors sought heavenly inspiration directly from the stars and thought themselves to be an intricate part of an active universe unfolding.
- Anyone could use astrology as a tool and a belief system based on an enchantment with the divine orchestrations of the heavens. Astrology presupposes the existence of an unlimited and purposeful mind that pervades the skies and the earth in a grand symphony of meaning, rather than the worship of a particular deity or leader.
A client’s confidence might be boosted with the help of a trustworthy, neutral astrologer. I’ve helped several customers reclaim and activate their religious roots through a chart analysis, guiding them toward the power that comes with following a religious path.
For some people, religion is a cornerstone of psychological and mental well-being. Astrological principles and practices are free of sexism, racism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression, unlike many organized faiths. Even the classic astrological metaphors of masculine and feminine planets and energies have been reinvented as non-gendered receptive and active energies. Every individual, like every planet and star in the sky, has a firm seat at the table of the universe.
This is a large issue, and I’m not sure if I’ve offered enough material to tie everything together. Please keep an eye on my column for more information on this topic in the future.
Which zodiac is the most unlucky?
Pisces are the kind of people who would gladly give their last few dollars to a homeless person, even if it meant going without for a few days. Pisces are selfless and constantly put others first, even if it is monetarily inconvenient. They are always donating to charity and helping the less fortunate. Their favorite aspect of money is what it can accomplish for others.