Astrology vs Science
Astrology: Science or Superstition
On January 14, 2010, it was announced by mass American news media CNN, that a 13th astrological sign, Opheceius was added to the western zodiac, causing the astrological signs of those born after 2010 to differ from those born on the same date in latter years (Carroll, 2010, January, 14). The report went on to explain that the current formulas did not account for new movements and shifts the earth as made in recent years (Carroll, 2010, January, 14). Immediately, mass confusion, disgust, outrage and even pride were noted on social sites like Facebook and Twitter as people responded to the news. Responses ranged from, “I was born an Aries, I will die an Aries” to “I never felt like a Sagittarius, I’m definitely an Ophiuchus”, and “I don’t care what they say, I’m doing it the old way”. But why would people be so concerned with such a change? Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines astrology as “the divination of the supposed influences of the stars and planets on human affairs and terrestrial events by their positions and aspects” (Merriam-Webster, 2011). Although described as divination, astrology was certainly important enough to be explained by CNN national news and it certainly caused a stir among Americans who believe that the positions of the stars and planets can be used to predict and understand life and events. Although widely accepted enough to appear in most newspapers, astrology is not accepted by the western scientific community as accurate or scientific. While astrology cannot seem to be explained or believed by science, people seem to believe otherwise. The most damning piece of evidence that astrologers have is the sheer believability and the fact that so many people will attest that it is accurate to their lives or personalities. In the preceding paragraphs, a careful analysis will be offered in the hopes of categorizing
On January 14, 2010, it was announced by mass American news media CNN, that a 13th astrological sign, Opheceius was added to the western zodiac, causing the astrological signs of those born after 2010 to differ from those born on the same date in latter years (Carroll, 2010, January, 14). The report went on to explain that the current formulas did not account for new movements and shifts the earth as made in recent years (Carroll, 2010, January, 14). Immediately, mass confusion, disgust, outrage and even pride were noted on social sites like Facebook and Twitter as people responded to the news. Responses ranged from, “I was born an Aries, I will die an Aries” to “I never felt like a Sagittarius, I’m definitely an Ophiuchus”, and “I don’t care what they say, I’m doing it the old way”. But why would people be so concerned with such a change? Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines astrology as “the divination of the supposed influences of the stars and planets on human affairs and terrestrial events by their positions and aspects” (Merriam-Webster, 2011). Although described as divination, astrology was certainly important enough to be explained by CNN national news and it certainly caused a stir among Americans who believe that the positions of the stars and planets can be used to predict and understand life and events. Although widely accepted enough to appear in most newspapers, astrology is not accepted by the western scientific community as accurate or scientific. While astrology cannot seem to be explained or believed by science, people seem to believe otherwise. The most damning piece of evidence that astrologers have is the sheer believability and the fact that so many people will attest that it is accurate to their lives or personalities. In the preceding paragraphs, a careful analysis will be offered in the hopes of categorizing
References: astrology. 2011. In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved February 23, 2011 , from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astrology Carroll, J (Reporter). (2010, January, 14). In (Executive producer), American Morning. CNN., from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miirS_o2jXU Vyas, H. (2011, February 3). Astrology is a science: bombay hc. The Times of India, Calypso, G. (Writer). (2008). Understanding astrology charts [Web]. Available from http://www.ehow.com/video_4401704_understanding-astrology-charts.html