Astrology and Fortune-Telling -- Windows to the Future?

Astrology is a form of divination that holds that the stars, the moon, the planets significantly influence the lives of people on earth.  Astrologers claim that the position of these celestial bodies at the time of one's birth shapes his or her personality and future.

Though the roots of astrology can be traced to ancient Babylon, it remains popular.  According to a 2012 survey in the United States, one third of those surveyed  thought that astrology was "sort of scientific," and 10 percent said tat it was "very scientific."  Is it? No.  Here is why.

* The planets and stars  emit no force that could affect humans the way astrologers say they do. 

* Often predictions are so general that they could apply to anyone.

* Astrological calculations today are made according to the ancient belief that the planets revolve  around the earth.  In fact, the planets revolve around the sun.

* Predictions made by different astrologers for the same individual do not  match.

* Astrology classifies people under one of 12 categories, or zodiac signs, according to their date of birth.  Because of changes in earth's position in space over the centuries, the dates associated with the signs of the zodiac no longer correspond to when the sun passes through the constellations for which the signs were named. 

The zodiac signs are said to give clues to a person's character.  In reality, people who have the same birthday do not have the same traits one's birth date reveals   nothing about his or her personality.  Instead of seeing people as they really are, astrologers judge a person's behavior and character by a set of assumptions.  Is this not a form of prejudice?

Next time:  Conclusion of Astrology and Fortune-Telling--Windows to the Future? 

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