Astrology and Horoscopes

• Astrology is the study of

how the planets and
stars affect human
affairs.
• A horoscope consists of
a geocentric map of the
solar system at a given
moment in time based
on a person’s date, time,
and place of birth.
 Astrology and Horoscopes

• The calculations involved in constructing a horoscope

are based on geocentric models of the solar system
(i.e., earth is at the center).
• The interpretation of horoscopes is based on
manuscripts and texts passed down across
generations. Many of these are authored by
respected astrologers.
• Many of the modern horoscopes that we are familiar
with are highly simplified versions based on a
person’s zodiac sign (e.g., Aquarius, Leo, Capricorn).
 How do these methods fare?

• How do astrological methods compare with those discussed in this

course?

• What would it take to establish the validity of an astrological theory?

• Are these methods (or the evidence derived from them) part of what is
advertised?
 Testing Astrology

• What would it take to test astrological principles?

– different astrologers should make similar

predictions
– the person types based on the Zodiac should be
accurate (Aries: high extraversion; Gemini: high
extraversion, high agreeableness; Pisces: high
openness)
– horoscope should be correct
 How accurate are horoscopes?

• Horoscope class exercise

 True
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
Tension creeps into the workday, but
you can turn it around by spending
quality time in the open air (which brings
fresh ideas your way that will make
money later in the year). Tonight, tell a
loved one what he or she wants to hear.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):
There are two ways to get energy
moving forward in your career now. No.
1: Forget about who did what to whom,
and start new. No. 2: Call around before
you make any costly decisions. You
make allies by asking for help.
False
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
There are two ways to get energy
moving forward in your career now. No.
1: Forget about who did what to whom,
and start new. No. 2: Call around before
you make any costly decisions. You
make allies by asking for help.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):
Tension creeps into the workday, but
you can turn it around by spending
quality time in the open air (which brings
fresh ideas your way that will make
money later in the year). Tonight, tell a
loved one what he or she wants to hear.
 7
6
5
Extraversion

4
3
2
1

AquariusAries Cancer
Capricorn
Gemini Leo Libra Pisces
Sagittariu
ScorpioTaurus Virgo

Zodiac sign
 7
6
5
Agreeableness

4
3
2
1

AquariusAries Cancer
Capricorn
Gemini Leo Libra Pisces
Sagittariu
ScorpioTaurus Virgo

Zodiac sign
 7
6
Conscientiousness
5
4
3
2
1

AquariusAries Cancer
Capricorn
Gemini Leo Libra Pisces
Sagittariu
ScorpioTaurus Virgo

Zodiac sign
 7
6
5
Openess
4
3
2
1

AquariusAries Cancer
Capricorn
Gemini Leo Libra Pisces
Sagittariu
ScorpioTaurus Virgo

Zodiac sign