Are there any astrological misconceptions that you'd like to dispel?

Question

Are there things that you see written on this forum time and time again that make you want to reach through the monitor screen and shake the person or people who keep writing them? Any ideas or attitudes that you wish would just crawl under a rock and die because they're just not based in astrological fact? Well, feel free to vent here:-D What are the things which people say about astrology (even people who seem to "know" astrology otherwise) that make you wonder if these people have ever even bothered to crack open an astrology book?

Personally, I've got a few of them, which I'm not going to go into here for the most part, because I don't want to influence anyone's answers. There is one that's bothered me for some time though that I just need to address:

There is NO one branch of astrology which will work for everyone and is "more correct" than all the others. Anyone who says this IMO is really missing the point of astrology which is to find *your own path* through this lifetime. Since the human experience is so diverse and varied it only makes sense that astrological practise should be as well. Anyone who tells you that there is only one correct astrological method forgets this:-( It's only important that you find the one which is right for *you*. It's a very personal decision which needs to be respected once that decision is made. Now, there are correct and incorrect ways of using those different branches, but there is no one method of astrology which is more correct than the others. It all comes down to how you choose to read and interpret the symbols, and what works best for you.

There are others, but I'll leave it at that for now.

Would anyone else care to vent?

Thanks for answering:-D

Answer 1

I had a strange feeling about the recent 'new' person who claimed that sidereal astrology was accurate and western astrology is only for stupid persons. Call it a hunch, but red flags went up and I'm not so sure that is a new person. Maybe a new profile. I'm not a regular here, but I read this section every evening after work.

The categorizing by our sun sign doesn't make me angry, but it seems to defeat the purpose of those of us trying to explain that there is more to astrology than just sun signs.

It's hard to put into words what I feel when I see all the questions about which sign is strongest, sexiest, weakest or smartest. I feel sorry for them, I guess? At the same time it's annoying.

They have to have low self-esteem to need that validation and constant reassurance that their sign is smartest, meanest or strongest.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

Answer 2

Hey Restless!

I get tired of explaining how Astrology is different than being a psychic. I have no idea what is going to happen to you on March the 24 at approx. 11:00am. Or how many children you are going to have or when you are going to get married. Astrology is my hobby, I'm not a Psychic. And yes, Horoscopes from a newspaper is different than Astrology. Astrology is more precise and accurate. Some guy in a office isn't making this up. Like the newspaper horoscopes.

Answer 3

Hi r_a,

I'm sure there are many of them and most of them have already been mentioned...but I'd like to bring attention to a particular one, which is also related to the way this forum is constructed.

First off, Y!A is not, by ANY means, a source of totally reliable information...The vast majority of answers posted here is literally of no use since it is subject to several factors such as subjectivity, ignorance, a lack of a relatively "bigger picture", etc. and can therefore only be fertile when someone has a highly critical mind (which is something rare to have and even harder to cultivate-in case you don't have it). In other words, every little piece of information posted here, is up for a lot of questioning and analyzing.

Since Horoscopes is only a part of Y!A and a relatively small one, it is normal and reasonable for it to maintain this typical characteristic. In addition to that, Astrological answers are partly influenced by every person's views on particular controversial ( or not) subjects. So even though there may be people who ARE knowledgeable enough, their answers are bound to differ simply because their viewpoints are different.

This does NOT happen because Astrology is inaccurate or because it doesn't have some strandard "rules" for us to obey. Even the so-called "sciences", which are basically influenced by "laws", allow their practitioners to have different opinions as to which method to follow.

By the same token, Astrologers or plain observers of Astrology may have different views WITHOUT that implying that Astrology should be condemned as a fraud. I think most people here have realized that Astrology requires a CONSTANT study...just because some people cannot live up to its requirements, that doesn't mean anything about the subject itself.

Just that one...and another which basically doesn't have as much to do with Astrology as with common sense. Simply because someone has been practising Astrology for "years", that doesn't mean anything about the *quality* of those years of practice. Let alone that everyone is able to claim anything they want on the net.

If people really want to discover who is worthy of being called an Astrologer, they'd better start having a mind of their own rather than wait for "Astrologers" to appear as soon as they call for them.

It's sort of sad, actually, but WE have caused it...It's the price of being able to have an unlimited and, therefore, uncontrollable source of information, also known as the Internet.

That's all for now...

PS I have to note this is not merely about astrological misconceptions, but also about the way they are applied in this particular forum.

Answer 4

I'm a Taurus.

Misconception:  A  lot of people say that all Taurus are boring and introverted.

Truth:  We are laid back and easy going. We enjoy being at home, but also like to get out from time to time. Taurus are usually very diplomatic. All of my friends are constantly inviting me out, because i have the ability to get along with anyone and i'm pretty flexible and light hearted. I can also add something to pretty much any conversation.

Answer 5

I vented here some time back about some of this:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

It's a shame because this could be a great forum if some type of moderation was allowed.

Answer 6

Yes:

the notion that people close to the cusp of two signs will have the characteristics of both signs.  

the notion that sun sign alone will describe what is a person's personality.

tropical astrology is not accurate because the positions of the signs have changed over the years and only sidereal or Vedic astrology has any truth to it.

Answer 7

As you know about me, I absolutely love a question where I can rant about what makes me upset. Particularly about misconceptions concerning myself. However, whenever the actual opportunity to vent is presented to me, I can never think of what it was I wanted to say!

I know that I am not experienced enough to criticize experienced astrologers on their advice. I only know what I have picked up on my own, so I can't say that what makes me angry is necessarily wrong. I will still vent for the purpose of this question, because there are plenty of things that make me want to, as you put it, reach through the computer screen and shake them until their blue in the face.

The thing I hate to see the most on here is poor Sun sign interpretations. I see many different versions of the same sign, with completely contradicting view points. I'll take my own sign for example. Some places I see that Libras love to argue, and will often play Devil's Advocate. I hear that they are strong beneath their sweet exterior and while they enjoy peace making, they will often cause a bit of conflict themselves to have a way to make peace in the first place. Sometimes I see people describe Libra as absolutely terrified to confront anyone with anything, unable to form their own opinions, and extremely emotional and clingy, wearing their hearts on their sleeves. Yet Libra is an air sign, and also has the ability to remain detached. So which one is it? Are we detached and objective, or emotional and subjective? I have heard opposing views as to whether Libra is judgmental or not. I just feel that it gets to a point where there are so many disagreements with what constitutes the personality of a sign, that it loses it's meaning. I notice this with Libra because it's a prominent sign for me, being both my Sun, Rising, Mercury and Mars, but I see this with the other signs as well. Of course, basing anything off the Sun sign alone is foolish in the first place, but if you can't even determine what the personality of the Sun sign is, then you are bound to have disagreements. Of course, I realize many people on here are beginners, and don't take astrology very seriously. Most of the time they use their Sun sign as some form of attention or ego trip. Who is the smartest, etc., etc. Just so they have something to boast about. I understand that those with limited knowledge may be inclined to do this, but I have seen some stereotyping with the people who are a bit more knowledgeable as well. I have had people describe my chart in different ways, and some I agree with, some I don't relate to at all. I guess it makes me a bit mad when others don't look into different interpretations, because they base their opinions off of one source that may not even be reliable.

I agree with exactly what you say. Each person must decide what they believe, and how you choose to take things should be left up to you personally. There is no right or wrong way, and no way to completely prove or disprove anything. What matters is that you have faith in something, and are willing to follow through with your own convictions. I have my opinions about my chart, and I understand enough about myself to know who I am, regardless of what I see on here. However, there's always that part of me that gets angry when I see ignorant stereotyping, and yes, sometimes I feel that raging urge to strangle someone. So while I admit that I don't have all the answers, and certainly have a lot to learn about astrology and all of it's incarnations, I am open minded and willing to admit that I might not be correct. What drives me insane are those that are completely stubborn and unwilling to look at things through a different view point, and you can imagine with all that Libra in my chart, nothing sets me more off balance.  

Answer 8

I am tired of generalities about the sun signs, and all the questions about which sign would be able to beat up another sign.

I'm fed up with the announcements that either tropical, sidereal, vedic or Chinese is THE best system. Especially by someone who has been studying astrology for two and a half days.

I'm tired of the skeptics who make a fanatic religion of posting the same copy/paste, and spew their venom about how we are idiots and therefore can't possibly have any knowledge or background in science or math.

There are several other things, but I would be happy if those were eliminated. Not that I wouldn't mind a positive discussion of those subjects, but when people post that we are all stupid morons if we don't believe like them, then there won't be any room for positive discussion.

Edit: Thank you, Kramer's Half Sister.

Answer 9

I can understand how a strong believer and follower would get disgusted with people thinking they know it all when they have no clue. There is no reason to get mad at these people though....not everyone has the time or cares enough about astrology to dig as deep as some of you who have answered this question have. I LOVE astrology...do I know everything about it...no...I do not have time in my busy schedule to study it all the time...but I can tell you one thing I have learned a lot from people in these forums about it and I appreciate it...Everyone who responds to questions are at different places in their study...why don't you educate instead of complain

Answer 10

I have one actual book at my house that i have read(I only own one astrology book...need to get more)....The Inner Sky by Steven Forrester.  It was good and detailed about the basics.  Now when it comes to the aspects and the meanings of those and the meanings of the planets in the houses...most of my knowledge has come from the internet and I have to say that many websites have confusing information on that.  Some websites will repeat the same things but some websites will totally go in the opposite direction so it's hard to say for sure.  That's why I  come on here to get more knowledge.

Anyways, what I don't like when people come on here is how they say that "Horoscopes" are c**p and not real...when if they took the time to know what we were talking about it is more in depth than stupid Horoscopes....it is Astrology....but Y/A  does not have a section titled "Astrology".   Horoscopes is just c**p i agree, but Astrology is not c**p :)

Answer 11

That people who are into astrology are freaky and weirdos. We are just normal people, every group has its "quirky" person.

I also agree with you on the fact that there is not one branch of astrology that works for everyone.

Seems like leos and virgos get a bad reputation, but I guess that is true for all signs in a way.

Answer 12

yes what is really the meaning and purpose of astrology apart from fun?

Answer 13

i find odd the fact that western astrology doesn't follow the real positions of the sky.... that's all

Answer 14

Hi Restless =o)

The only thing that bothers me constantly and continues to annoy me is when people assume that astrology is consisted of ONLY horoscopes. Then they assume that since horoscopes usually apply to everyone then astrology as a whole must be hogwash. In my opinion, that's why there are haters that come in here and spout off about how astrology isn't real. They look at one tiny aspect instead of truly trying to dive a little deeper into the more substantial and relevant branches of astrology. h**l, it doesn't even take a tremendous amount of research, just a few minutes to check out some legitimate articles and websites. Most of them don't even know that there are anything beyond Sun signs. I don't know. I guess I just get annoyed when people shoot down something and the people that believe in it when they don't even know the subject well themselves.

Edit: Fly on the Wall, you're so on point it's scary =) I agree with everything you just said.

Answer 15

How about the misconception that there is any truth at all to any kind of astrology?

Answer 16

yes but I do not care.

I just leave it alone.

Life is already complicated so why bother about the internet info ?

Nobody really knows me anyway and i like it that way,

PS: RA..I just think it is fighting a battle which can't be won. One cannot possibly answer all the questions like "do scorpios fit with Aries"  etc..and explain the in and outs etc..the majority of answers anyway are based on one or two experiences only. I remember getting annoyed at one question like that and the asker picked BA because it fitted what they wanted to hear. " yeah I know my ex was like that etc". I had tried to explain.....in vain.

Most people just follow their horoscope and are completely unaware of real astrology and I do not think they want to really listen anyway nor are they interested. They prefer to stay in their comfort zone.

What can you do ??? I read open questions and either leos are awful or great etc etc..same for each sign.

Sag are either awful or stupid etc..I pass...or either great...humour and all.

I read about sag guys but I do not have much experience with my opposite gender of the same sign...so I cannot comment.

I think the biggest mistake about sag is they have no feelings. Afterall we are all humans......regardless of signs and how could a person not have any feelings anyway ?

does not matter about the TD......am used to them by now,

It is like in R and S ( sorry i have a stuck key)....people will always come and say that astrology is c**p and blah blah..I  do not even get upset about it. I do not go into other sections and bash people...I let them do that between themselves..to me it just get boring that is all. I do not report or even said once in my questions "people who are not into astrology , do not answer".

I think one should just let go and relax. It is only a forum afterall, a badly concepted one that is for sure.....too many flaws, archaic and which guidelines do not make any sense at all. Have had 2 very contacts which accounts got suspended recently....they did not harm.

What can you do with such a flawed forum anyway ?? Either get angry or just accept and let things flow.

Answer 17

no

but answer this question

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 18

I agree with all of the other answers, so far (except #2...lol)...

I get really annoyed when some people only post questions to pick fights or wage pointless arguments just so that someone(s) may feel superior from the rest...Just like Rach said, I am the first to admit that I have very little knowledge of astrology...I put information out there (mostly about myself or my family - charts that i am familiar with) because this is what I know....If it is a question looking for theories and/or opinions then I am all too eager to answer...lol...

I also agree about the poor interpretations of the zodiac signs...I am a Sagittarius (as some of you may be aware by now -lol)....I have read up a lot about my own sign from several different sources and am always eager to find more to read!!! Please don't tell me I don't know about my chart or my sun sign...It's true that some of the aspects and houses are still a bit fuzzy for me, but at least I don't try to claim to be 'all-knowing' either...I can be humble and admit ignorance when I have to!!!!! Also have a hard time as well, with the 'which sign is the best or worst of the zodiac?'...or my favorite thus far 'Which one is the weakest in the zodiac?'.....These are not questions for astrology...they are for children who want to fanticise and play games...which is fine but not really what astrology is all about (not for me anyway). I do however, enjoy some of the 'just for fun' questions that mean no harm...it's okay to have fun ....lol  ;)

I always enter this category, hoping to find something informative and useful...sometimes I can and sometimes I almost try to avoid the section...lol...But then again - it can be difficult trying to take anything on Y!A too seriously (the majority of the time at best-lol)

It does annoy me when you get the ones who like to leave statements behind like 'astrology is bull**** and anyone who believes in it is only lying to themselves...blah blah'...get a life already, why do they even bother except to harass others...harassment in any category kind of ruffles my feathers! Uggghghhghg! I either ignore them or TD them...what else can you do? ;)

LOL Janet - I really hate that you do not allow email (LOL), though I understand why you don't....there have been so many times that I would have loved to emailed you with a thought or a question...lol...here's one for you now - since I can't catch you any other way...i have read (from a few different sources) that (in my case) Sag/Cap Cusp is essentially both signs kind of melded together....? i may have been one of the morons you could have been referring to about the cusps deal....? LOL...could you email me and elaborate a bit? Thanks...