At one time I believed in astrology, palmistry, and more. It can be difficult to admit that we have been wrong, but I have learned to follow the truth wherever it may lead. I have also found that to admit my error is another way of saying that I’m better-informed now.

Here’s a simple test that you and anyone can conduct to test astrology:

1. Make (or have a trusted astrologer make) horoscopes of four people.
2. Make four copies of each of these horoscopes. (It should be obvious, but remove names, birth dates, and other identifying information before making copies.)
3. Give one copy of each horoscope to each person.
4. Everyone has four horoscopes but only one describes their life -- it should be easy for them to identify which one is theirs.

If you believe in palmistry, numerology, phrenology, etc., you can do a similar experiment there. Over the years I have met many people who were very confident in whatever pseudo-science they believed in, but for some reason none of them were willing to do this simple experiment. Perhaps deep down they knew how it was going to turn out.

James Randi did an experiment like this (video, 1.5 min.). You can replicate it too. See also this summary of studies done to determine the validity of astrology. Required reading, for astrology believers and non-believers alike.

By the way, ever notice companies employ people in research, development, sales, marketing, HR, and so on, but not one person in astrology? They do not decide product launch dates based on the position of Venus and Pluto. They do not consider birth charts when identifying best recruits.

Some readers wrote that astrology can be harmless fun. It’s not. It can result in unconscious prejudice, and worse. I have seen astrologers in magazine Q&A columns prescribing astrological nonsense for serious problems relating to health, work, relationship, and beyond:

Magazine reader: Sometimes I feel suicidal. Please help!
Astrologer: That’s because your Saturn is in the third house. Wear a silver ring with a topaz.

Magazine reader: I don’t have a job and am having money problems.
Astrologer: Mars is in a difficult position. Wear a gold ring with a sapphire to pacify Mars.

On second thoughts, I stand corrected -- astrology can be harmless fun, in a comic strip: Star Battleship Astrology.

-Anu Garg

PS: When I said astrology is bunk, I wasn’t talking about any specific flavor of astrology. But since you asked, they all are bunk.

I had a mother who read to me
Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea.
Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth;
‘Blackbirds’ stowed in the hold beneath.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: