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Astrology is probably one of my biggest pet peeves, but I try really hard to not get on ppl’s faces about it. I am much more reliant on emotions and/or logic (not mutually exclusive!) in my life, while spirituality lies at the frontiers of my perception of the universe.
DR, what are the merits you see for Astrology? A long history does not necessarily provide legitimacy—not like Abrahamic religions are a gold standard. Then again, religions attempt to enforce their own moral guidance, but I fail to see the “benefits” of Astrology other than being fun and interesting for some people, which is totally fine.
Why do you think it’s not trying to present itself as science? It absolutely uses pseudo-astronomy to categorize people and prescribe behaviors. Other than its societal context, I hate the fact that I’m being “told about myself.” I’m my own person, my DOB shouldn’t have any bearing on my significant, formative experiences, and I think it is detrimental to individuality. Yet, conversely, it has a very interesting spot in people’s identities as well.
In any case (as opinionated as I might be) I’m just trying to discuss, not out to attack anyone.
I share a bday with Obama which I think is preeettyyy cool hahah.
Bold 1: This is a remarkably self-aware and introspective statement to make. Shalom
Bold 2: Like you said, it's a fun and interesting topic and that's enough merit on its own. Some people are threatened by it obviously but it's usually because they read something about themselves or heard something that they didn't want to read or hear. Nobody likes being told their flaws and weaknesses. It helped me to learn more about myself and you have to take the bad with the good.
Bold 3: I don't know anyone who considers it a science. It is pre-science or proto-science if you insist on categorizing it with those terms. I don't follow anybody who claims it is an actual science in modern terms. I'm sure there are people who do but I know there's a lot of fakers and charlatans in the world, in every field of study and school of thought of every kind
appreciate the reply homie, shalom.
that’s actually a super interesting point I hadn’t considered. Facing a prescribed personality or assumptions about oneself could plausibly effect some moral awareness or a desire for personal change—give one something to work on or maybe feel proud of.
hmm idk man the label of protoscience leaves a door for it to potentially become an “accepted science.” I am definitely rethinking its interpretative merit though. Do you see it more as a hobby or a lifestyle or something else entirely? I guess I’m being whack and keep trying to label things but what I mean is I’m interested in your perspective since you seem pretty into it.
It's important to note that what Astrology says about people is fundamental and not always obvious or specific. You have to look deeper than the surface of one's personality to understand where they are coming from and what makes them similar to other people with their sign. For example, you are a Leo, and you seem to have a curious nature and a gentlemanly demeanor.
Actually, one of the key traits of astrology is that all the descriptions of characteristics etc are very broad and able to be applied to anyone in most cases, such as the one you just used. This is common knowledge, even to many people who follow astrology. You'd be hard pressed to find a human who would say they don't have a curious nature, and the gentlemanly demeanor just means you're respectful/polite, which almost anyone would say about themselves. For example, astrology says I'm a Cancer, which comes with a whole laundry list of supposed characteristics and personality traits that, if I wanted to, I could find a way to relate to my own personality. But interestingly enough, I just went and looked it up and the bulk of the description does not fit me at all... unless I do some real mental gymnastics to make it fit, which is what's required to be a follower of astrology. Twist the meaning of the words or the interpretation of my own experiences to align with a bias to believe in horoscopes.
I apologize for coming in so hot previously, but if you're going to post about it on a skate forum then you have to accept that non-believers are free to chime in as well. Astrology most certainly is a comfort for people who want to find some deeper, mystical meaning for why they do and say the things they do, and it's also largely used as a way to make one feel part of a group - particularly the connection to celebrities. The one thing you will always hear followers of astrology saying is "Oh - so and so is a Libra too - we're so alike!", as evidenced by this thread. The desire to find some way to make yourself seemingly closer to a celebrity is obviously important to a lot of astrology fans. "I'm not just an average Joe - I'm a Libra and so is _______ - we have so much in common!".
Personally, I think society's obsession with celebrities is a very undesirable trait, so that's probably another reason I'm not a fan of astrology. You know when some skater tries to name drop and say he "was skating with Tiago the other day", when he was actually just skating at the same spot, that's the same as saying you share a sign with some celebrity. Desperately grasping for something that makes you feel like you're associated with someone famous. Women tend to be more celebrity obsessed than men, which is why all the celebrity gossip mags are marketed to women, and a large portion of that media is dedicated to making the reader feel connected to celebrities. It's no coincidence that women are also the main followers of astrology.
Hope that all came across a bit more respectful than my previous posts on the subject.
Topic: Astrology and Skateboarding (Read 16593 times)