During the New Year period, newspapers and the media devote considerable space to horoscopes and astrological predictions. Questions are raised about the meaning and usefulness of relying on what many consider pseudoscience. Astrology continues to exert enduring fascination despite the lack of scientific basis recognized by the academic community.
Origins of Astrology
Astrology has ancient roots, dating back to the Mesopotamian people who first hypothesized a connection between celestial movements and earthly events. Their collection of writings, the “Enuma Anu Enlil”, divided astronomical observations into different categories associated with various deities. Over the centuries, this practice spread throughout the Mediterranean, and as early as the third century BC the Greeks began to formulate horoscopes to predict individual destiny based on planetary positions.
Psychological Perception
Many wonder why there is a continued interest in zodiacal characterizations and often generic predictions. Psychology offers an explanation: the tendency to seek reassurance in identifying with the typical profiles of the zodiac signs. This psychological function of reassurance also occurs in the interpretation of character traits through astrology, preferring vague but personal descriptions that adapt to the reader.
A significant example is given by the figure of Michel de Notre-Dame, known as Nostradamus, famous for his predicted prophecies. Despite the enigmatic nature of his writings, various posthumous events have been attributed to him over time.
Autosuggestion and Expectations
One of the most interesting dynamics related to astrological predictions is the effect they have on people who firmly believe in them. These people tend to experience situations in a way that is congruent with what the planetary responses suggest, thus altering their experiences in a way that confirms the predictions. This mechanism of autosuggestion is comparable to the mechanisms of the perception of luck hypothesized by some psychologists: people who perceive themselves as unlucky often behave in ways that generate negative experiences, an effect that is also found in adherence to horoscopes.
In short
During the New Year period, newspapers and the media dedicate ample space to horoscopes and astrological predictions.
- One wonders about the meaning and usefulness of relying on what many consider pseudoscience.
- Astrology continues to exert enduring fascination despite its lack of recognized scientific basis in the academic community.
- Origins of Astrology Astrology has ancient roots, dating back to the Mesopotamian peoples who were the first to hypothesize a connection between the celestial movements…
Key questions
What is the main point of the news?
During the New Year period, newspapers and the media dedicate ample space to horoscopes and astrological predictions.
Why is this news relevant?
One wonders about the meaning and usefulness of relying on what many consider pseudoscience.
Which detail helps us understand the case better?
Astrology continues to exert enduring fascination despite its lack of recognized scientific basis in the academic community.
The article talks about astrology and horoscopes but they don't explain well how it works. Many people believe in these things, but I don't know if it's right. Maybe it's just to feel better, but it's not scientific.