The Danger of Horoscopes

Debunking astrology and establishing its place as a pseudoscience

Horoscopes. For some of us, horoscopes are an important source of information about ourselves and our futures. For others, it’s the section of our newspaper or Cosmo magazine that we skip. But whatever your stance is on horoscopes, it’s important to understand that their place lies firmly in the land of pseudoscience. I want to offer the disclaimer that I’m not arguing that we should never look at horoscopes. What I’m advocating for is that we consider horoscopes to be, at most, a source of fun. Because while horoscopes can be amusing, considering astrology to be a form of science or placing them in the same category as rigorous and well-researched scientific disciplines is not only misleading — it can actually be dangerous.

Arguments for Astrology — Debunked

First, let’s take a look at two of the most popular explanations that have been used to argue the scientific basis of astrology.

1. Just as the moon exerts a tidal force on the oceans, the planetary and stellar objects at the time of birth exhibit a similar force on the body and can therefore influence development.