interesting thought on astrology

[memnoch]

I was sitting here thinking about astrology due to another thread...I decided to put this here for stronger debate as my opinions are likely to piss people off. Astrology basically says you will have certain characteristics based on the alignment of the stars when you were born. So, because you were born in a certain month you have certain traits. How is this not considered bigotry. Lets replace your sign with other random traits. If I were to say because you were born black you will love fried chicken, that is bigoted. As if I were to say you were born latino you would be lazy. Or if you were born with red hair you lack a soul. Or if you were born with blonde hair and blue eyes you were of a master race. All of these are considered not only bigoted, yet ignorant...why are we more lenient on astrology?

[aranarose]

Actually, it's born on a certain day, at a certain time, in a certain place...

Pop astrology is crap, I'll give you that. The broad strokes of, "Ooh, he's a Gemini, he must be a two-faced bastard," don't quite cover it. Although the Gemini in my life is a two-faced bastard, but that's beside the point...

I struggle with Western Astrology. It does not work for me. At all. My chart, according to Western Astrology, does not describe me at all. Not even in the broad, general sense. Not even close. I'm so far off the chart that it's hilarious. But for some people, the Western chart is extremely accurate.

Indian Astrology (as in India Indians, not Native Americans) is much more accurate in its description of me, right down to my freaking body type. (So not fair, stars, making me a short, fat chick...)

So yes, Mem, if we look at the broadness of the Sun signs, basing judgments of a person only on the sign of the month they were born, it is a type of discrimination. Because it's generalized and stereotypical. In the details, looking at not only the Sun sign, but all of the signs in a person's chart, it's very much more specific, because that gets to the nitty-gritty of a single individual, and not 1/12th of the population, which is what happens with the newspaper horoscopes. I mean really, am I supposed to believe that this applies to 1/12th of the world's population:


Today you might decide to sequester yourself at home, catch your breath, get your thoughts together, and recall the events of the past several days. You will also plan for the future, Virgo, as you feel especially optimistic and energetic enough to pursue whatever goals you have. At some point you're likely to share this with a close friend and seek his or her support and opinion.

LMAO That's an awful lot of people who should have been hiding at home today!

[memnoch]

Actually, it's born on a certain day, at a certain time, in a certain place...

Pop astrology is crap, I'll give you that. The broad strokes of, "Ooh, he's a Gemini, he must be a two-faced bastard," don't quite cover it. Although the Gemini in my life is a two-faced bastard, but that's beside the point...

I struggle with Western Astrology. It does not work for me. At all. My chart, according to Western Astrology, does not describe me at all. Not even in the broad, general sense. Not even close. I'm so far off the chart that it's hilarious. But for some people, the Western chart is extremely accurate.

Indian Astrology (as in India Indians, not Native Americans) is much more accurate in its description of me, right down to my freaking body type. (So not fair, stars, making me a short, fat chick...)

So yes, Mem, if we look at the broadness of the Sun signs, basing judgments of a person only on the sign of the month they were born, it is a type of discrimination. Because it's generalized and stereotypical. In the details, looking at not only the Sun sign, but all of the signs in a person's chart, it's very much more specific, because that gets to the nitty-gritty of a single individual, and not 1/12th of the population, which is what happens with the newspaper horoscopes. I mean really, am I supposed to believe that this applies to 1/12th of the world's population:



LMAO That's an awful lot of people who should have been hiding at home today!

okay, even getting more specific you are still applying it to smaller groups but are still hitting on stereotypes...while it may be accurate for a certain percentage, it certainly isn't true for everyone...kind of like liking fried chicken.

[aranarose]

okay, even getting more specific you are still applying it to smaller groups but are still hitting on stereotypes...while it may be accurate for a certain percentage, it certainly isn't true for everyone...kind of like liking fried chicken.

Meh, I don't see it as that. I do have a bit deeper of an understanding of Astrology than just the basic, "Oh, Taurus? You must be really stubborn!"

A chart is not so much saying, "This is exactly how this person is," as it is saying, "This is the circumstances that life has presented this person." It's up to each individual to react to the circumstances of their chart, so even two people with the exact same chart will lead very different lives.

[memnoch]

Meh, I don't see it as that. I do have a bit deeper of an understanding of Astrology than just the basic, "Oh, Taurus? You must be really stubborn!"

A chart is not so much saying, "This is exactly how this person is," as it is saying, "This is the circumstances that life has presented this person." It's up to each individual to react to the circumstances of their chart, so even two people with the exact same chart will lead very different lives.

It offers up to circumstances? So, where and when you are born has more to do with one being poor than being born into poverty? Or more to do with the likelyhood of obesity than if your parents shove happy meals down your throat every day of your childhood? Hmmm...I bet I could do better on a mass scale than even the best astrology. Let me give it a try. If you were born in Ethiopia any time in the past 30 years you will be skinny, likely have a dark complexion, and be uneducated. Maybe that is too simple. Let me get more specific...if you were born at a hospital in India in the 70's you are going to be wealthy, you are likely to work in medicine or technology fields (including technical support).

[Æon Flux]

I agree with you, memnoch. How many times haven't you heard people say "Oh, but I can't stand those *insert astrology sign* they're way too *insert quality*"?
Makes me want to scream.

[memnoch]

I agree with you, memnoch. How many times haven't you heard people say "Oh, but I can't stand those *insert astrology sign* they're way too *insert quality*"?
Makes me want to scream.

that is because as a cancer you are overly emotional :p

[Æon Flux]

that is because as a cancer you are overly emotional :p

Oh yes, and very family orientated and need to stay close to home... which is why I moved to the other side of the planet... oh, wait. :hyper::thumbsup:

[Caitlin.ann]

Most Sag guys I've known have been absolute dillholes. I think it means something.

[Æon Flux]

And almost all Taurus men I have met have had issues with fidelity, hmmm.

[StarlitNox]

I'm wondering just how many people have conformed to their star sign stereotypes, without even knowing it.

The fact I'm a stereotypical Virgo makes me wonder, though... I haven't changed much since I was about 17, and I only heard of this sort of thing recently (at 20 when I began exploring my path, actually). Still, I wonder if I did without meaning to. I hope not, I like how I am... stereotypical or not. :P

Back to the point, I think that people who judge "obvious Leos" and the like based on their star signs are ... silly. That's my word of choice. :P

:hahugh:

[FiresSong]

I get more annoyed with the other way around - that is, explaining something scheisty a person did away with their astrological sign. "Oh, of course she cheated, she's a Scorpio!" or "Oh, of course he lost his temper, he's an Aries!" Seriously?

[Delphiluna]

I love it when people fall into stereotypes, it makes me laugh! Stereotypes are apart of peoples observations and experiences. I understand that it may not be correct to say that ALL of a certain type of person are the same but if in their experiences it has been that way then what is so wrong with them thinking that? They just need more people to prove them wrong in order to see differently.

Don't get me wrong here, I'm not saying it's right and that people should believe all the stereotypes they hear. I just think that people categorize for a reason and no matter what side you are on a person should not judge but have an open mind these days.

This is coming from a Taurus who also happens to be Mexican/ Italian. And yes, I am stubborn and have a temper! :tongueout

[mouseytalons]

I admit it! I am a stereo-typical pisces! I suck at being in leadership positions, appear to be indeciscive, and yes, I do appear to have a "take life as it comes" attitude. This is the traditional astrological sign for me.
The chinese zodiac says I am a dog. Loyal, family oriented, and viscious. This is only partially true.
My personal experience says: If you must consult astrology, follow it up with numerology reading, and/or an I-Ching reading to get the best information.
I hope this helps, mem.

[wingedthing]

I typically just giggle when someone says something like that, largely because people rarely say the opposite. "Oh, Wing, you're so sexy! You must be a Scorpio!"

No. They never say that. And they usually get it completely wrong, too, which amuses me further.

[Kaylara]

Heh, I'm a cock in Chinese astrology. I love that.

[Caitlin.ann]

Heh, I'm a cock in Chinese astrology. I love that.

I'm a dragon..I eat cock.

[memnoch]

Heh, I'm a cock in Chinese astrology. I love that.

People regularly tell me I'm a cock, but in Chinese astrology I'm a sheep if I remember my chinese placemats correctly


I'm a dragon..I eat cock.

oh, you just want me to get in trouble

[Caitlin.ann]

People regularly tell me I'm a cock, but in Chinese astrology I'm a sheep if I remember my chinese placemats correctly



oh, you just want me to get in trouble

Lol yes, yes I do.

[blithespirit]

I'm a snake in Chinese astrology. I can bite people.

[Sequoia]

I'm a dragon..I eat cock.

There's a Furrie fandom for that.

[Twinkle]

I'm a monkey. I play with cocks.

[memnoch]

I'm a monkey. I play with cocks.

Damn it...you are all wanting to get me in trouble

[Caitlin.ann]

There's a Furrie fandom for that.

Really? Hmm...

[Caitlin.ann]

Damn it...you are all wanting to get me in trouble

Yesss....and I like to watch you squirm. Haha one of the reasons I told you I eat cock. If I could top it I would.

[Kaylara]

Moved to the Astrology Forum.

[Æon Flux]

In Chinese astrology, I am a tiger. Natural leader, charismatic and fun to be around. Charming. Can pounce without warning. They need to learn moderation in all things.

In the western Zodiac, I am a cancer/crab. Complex, fragile and unpredictable, in need of constant support and encouragement. Cranky and clingy and sulky.

So I am a natural leader who is charismatic, charming, fun to be around, complex fragile and unpredictable in need...

See how this just doesn't work? Loner or social? Natural leader or clingy? Fun to be around or unpredictable and sulky?

Astrological signs can describe everyone. People are more complex, and I have honestly seen people being discriminated against because of their star sign. In all and any way. And guess what? It's not right. Just like any kind of discrimination isn't right. Sure, everyone can be clingy and cranky at time, and anyone can be fun to be around at times, anyone can be charismatic. AND, even if YOU think you fit your description doesn't mean others do.

Gah, astrology is just another way to judge people based on unsubstantiated preconceived notions. And it can go both ways.

Taurus is supposed to be a loyal, dependable and a fine choice as a partner. HAH. I have met a myriad of Taurus men who are neither loyal nor a fine choice in partner, at least not for women who want loyalty and stability. Unless you enjoy having your partner seeing a woman less than half his age on the side.

I've met Virgos who are supposed to be tidy, analytical and observant who are clueless, messy and way too lacking in analytical skills. Many of them.

Astrological signs are just about as correct as judging people because of their hair color. Blond is dumb and slutty, brunette is uptight and boring, redhead is fiery and a demon in the sack, mousy blond/brown is boring and a bookworm... which one is you?

Are people born under the dark moon infertile and people born under the full-moon extra fertile?

All of this is dependent on thinking there is an objective truth to star signs which were attributed to the heavens by human beings. And there are a bunch of different star signs from different cultures, and they don't match up. If there was an objective truth to it, shouldn't your different star signs match?

I dunno... it's all so... zodiacist.

[ClareJulissa]

My sun sign is Taurus. All I have to say is: of COURSE I'm stubborn, just watch me have a conversation with one of the many people who think I should have a dull, high-paying job/a job that requires a lot of intelligence/et cetera. :D They usually shut up rather quickly.

However, I DO know a lot of people with the same sign as me who are absolute pushovers. So I don't really think I'm stubborn merely because of my sun sign.

[Sharizzy]

Yesss....and I like to watch you squirm. Haha one of the reasons I told you I eat cock. If I could top it I would.

I'm a dog. I chase cocks.

[Caitlin.ann]

Or humps cocks?

[Sharizzy]

That too :D