HORROR-SCOPES

“I don't believe in astrology; I'm a Sagittarius and we're skeptical.” - Arthur C. Clarke

Do you believe in Astrology? I am interested it in simply because it seems to have so many adherents in the population. It is an interesting psychosociological phenomenon, if nothing else. Believing very strongly in something as tenuous as that, can make it true. Then again, “astrology” is the word that describes the rubbish that people read in their daily horoscopes in the newspaper and the same word “astrology” is used to describe the mystical, self searching exploration that many people embark on when they have their horoscope cast by an experienced astrologer, who uses their art in order to help the person begin a voyage of self-discovery.

I glance at the daily astrology column in the newspaper and have a chuckle. One twelfth of the population is meant to experience the same day that I am going to experience. Can you imagine it, there are twelve sets of occurrences that all of the people on earth are experiencing at the same time each day, as their horoscopes predict:
“You have hopes and dreams that you know you have to work hard to make come true. But you're also going to wish you could have more fun. For some, a child,/creative project/romance will be demanding your attention when you know you really ought to be doing what you can to achieve your aims. Also this coming month, you could find that your wider social circle takes a back seat, as you focus on one person - most likely a romantic partner or prospect. Depending on your personal cycles, a creative project could be planted now - or come to fruition.”

Is this double-talk, speak-slippery, generalised, all purpose hogwash or isn’t it? The sort of thing you read and forget immediately you read it? And yet it’s so popular! Most people would gravitate to the horoscope section in the newspaper and read their star sign (or maybe even their partner’s)!

However, When one’s horoscope is cast, there some interesting concordances that seem to be too close to one’s character to be pure coincidence. For example, here is what my cast horoscope said (amongst other things about me – a friend cast it for me a long time ago at University):
“You like plenty of variety in your everyday activities, in your friends, and even in your diet. Your interests are many and diverse--almost anything will attract your attention if only for a brief time. Truly, this is the sign of the jack-of-all-trades. As the story goes, you may find that unless you can develop your powers of perseverance, you may be the master of none. Your varied interests can result in a tendency for you to spread yourself too thin, sometimes failing to follow through on projects you've begun.”

That was the sun-sign. The moon sign description observes:
“You can be overly optimistic, sometimes looking at the world through "rose colored glasses." Emotionally naive, you continually overlook other people's shortcomings and deficiencies. You are essentially so romantic that you may rarely see life as it really is. You are tremendously unselfish, trusting and open-handed. Sometimes you can be a little too generous, especially with your boundless sympathy. Highly sensitive, you connect with others on an unconscious, emotional level. You actually feel what they feel. Thus, you have a most sympathetic and compassionate nature, and these fine instincts can be invaluable to you in the everyday world. In many situations, you can be too giving and overly-idealistic.”

Apparently, Mercury is in Gemini, my sun-sign:
“Gemini is the natural home for Mercury, and the placement produces pure logical reasoning of the highest order. This Mercury denotes a lightning quick thinker. Your concern is with fact and unbiased understanding, rather than personal preference. Communication is easy, rapid, accurate and often eloquent. You are an interesting and incessant conversationalist. Mercury is at its quickest and best when it resides in Gemini. If given proper training, you excel in mathematics as well as in language. You are very logical, and your mind moves very quickly. You love logic, a fact making you an excellent teacher or reporter. When engaged in arguments, you may miss a basic premise, but you are clever enough to win anyway. The opponent is convinced by your rational remarks. You have a great variety of interests, and your mind may flit from one idea to the next, never digging in very deeply. You have an intense curiosity leading you to want to know a little about nearly everything. This makes you a very interesting person, but rarely an expert in any particular field.”

Venus in Taurus creates an interesting mixture:
“Venus in Taurus produces a practical, stable, and constant persona. Your approach to love and romance is simple and direct. Your sincerity is attractive and often irresistible. You take love seriously and with careful consideration. Yet, you can be so much fun to be around. You are rarely too serious-acting, moody or unhappy. You know how to have a good time and to help others to do the same. You are easygoing and cheerful most of the time. There is an attraction to the luxuries of life, and often a tendency to overindulge in sensual pleasures. You may have a weakness for good food, good wine, fine furnishings and clothes, and many more objects and activities that delight the senses. The best of everything will be yours if you can figure a way to afford it all. This large appetite extends to love-making and romantic involvement. This sign produces the most earthy sex drive. When you fall in love, it is usually permanent and dependable. Your nature is faithful and permanent. You require a deep commitment from your partner and you are willing to give the same in return. You are loyal and a one-love person. But your demands on that one lover can be great. If you feel insecure, you may become jealous and overbearing with your mate. Just as you are loyal and dependable, you are very possessive and jealous if your emotional security is threatened.”

Hmmmm, so the word of the day:

horoscope |ˈhôrəˌskōp; ˈhärə-| noun
Astrology: A forecast of a person's future, typically including a delineation of character and circumstances, based on the relative positions of the stars and planets at the time of that person's birth.
• a short forecast for people born under a particular sign, esp. as published in a newspaper or magazine.
• a birth chart. See chart .
DERIVATIVES
horoscopic |ˌhôrəˈskäpik| adjective
horoscopy |həˈräskəpē| noun
ORIGIN Old English: via Latin from Greek hōroskopos, from hōra ‘time’ + skopos ‘observer.’

So you’ve read my blogs, now what do you think of my cast horoscope, is it accurate…?