Belief in Astrology
From Astrowiki-en
"Do you believe in Astrology" is a frequently posed question, usually divorced from any religious or philosophical context. (Belief). What this usually means is do you believe in astrology as portrayed in the tabloid press or the various forecasts and tips given in other newspaper astrology columns.
A neutral understanding of "belief in astrology" would simply mean a belief in the possibility of a connection between celestial patterns and events on Earth, and that astrology can help to understand that connection. But a belief in astrology is usually criticised on the grounds that believers are somehow astrology junkies that are dependent on astrology to run their lives. On this understanding belief in astrology does not just imply a belief in newspaper horoscopes and astrological forecasts in tabloid newspapers, but a need to make astrological prognoses for all kinds of activities and to act accordingly. Such an attitude could then lead to passivity, insecurity and a renunciation of the principle of free will.
According to opinion polls belief in astrology is increasing. A report in the German magazine "Focus" [1] revealed that in 1991 five percent of those questioned had paid for a horoscope interpretation, and that by 1997 this number had risen to eight percent.
- ↑ Focus 30/1997
