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This page looks up at the stars to see the basis of the first two groups — because clearly, the best place to look for life advice is several million miles away.
Both Western and Eastern astrology are deeply entwined with ancient celestial observations. Where the main Western zodiac places strong emphasis on constellations and planetary aspects, the main Chinese zodiac ups the ante with animals, philosophical yin-yangs, and The Five Agents (the classical planets Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn)
But here’s a question: Do celestial bodies - planets, moons, stars, etc. - conveniently align themselves to reveal who would be your best soulmate?
Astrology says "Yes!". Reality says... “Are you serious?”
Let's look at some fundamental flaws:
Astronomers in ancient times believed Earth was the centre of the Universe; a bold claim by people who thought bathing caused disease.
Today we know Earth is just one space rock spinning aimlessly through the void, yet astrologers cling to the old geocentric model when postulating their predictions.
The zodiac used today was formulated some 2,500-3,000 years ago and since then, the Earth has wobbled (technical term: axial precession), shifting its tilt by about 30° westward as it revolves around the sun. Its axis no longer points to where it did when the Babylonians and Chinese mapped the heavens.
So if the solstice points were remapped when you were born, your birth date's "star sign", calculated millennia ago, might actually be a “whoops, we were off by a month” sign. Happy birthday Leo. Or maybe Cancer. It’s a guessing game now.
When is a birth date? When do we become living beings? Or souls? Why should the zodiac be based on the time we take our first breath of fresh air? Are we not a being before that? At conception perhaps?
And if time of birth is so crucial, how do twins end up being so different?
Why should the positions of gas giants light-years away, have any effect at all on our lives? Why not genetics, the weather, the local level of xenon gas in the air, or any other of the countless components of our very first environment?
Yes, stars and planets do exert gravitational pull, but it’s so weak. Your microwave has a greater influence on you than Mars. And at least the microwave heats your lunch.
Horoscopes are based on astrology, which claims that the positions of celestial bodies influence human personality and events. But there's no evidence supporting this idea. Numerous studies have tested astrology's claims and found no measurable correlation between zodiac signs and personality traits, life outcomes, or behaviour. Unlike scientific theories, astrology doesn’t follow the scientific method — its predictions aren’t testable, repeatable or falsifiable.
Horoscopes often rely on something called the "Barnum effect". This is where people believe vague, general statements apply specifically to them. For example, “You are a kind person, but sometimes you feel misunderstood.” and you think, “Wow, it’s like it knows me!”
Spoiler: It knows everyone.
It's natural to focus on parts that resonate, and ignore the rest, making horoscopes feel accurate even though they're designed to be universally applicable.
Astrology is not even consistent within itself. Different cultures have different zodiac systems.html (Western, Chinese, Vedic, Kabbalistic, Celtic...), each assigning different traits based on different calendars and celestial interpretations. If astrology were universally true, these systems would logically produce similar results. But they don’t.
With that in mind, since horoscopes rely on vague language, unproven claims, and outdated systems, taking them seriously as a guide for life decisions lacks rational, scientific grounding, and let's be honest - our common sense.
See also the Japanese zodiac.
... and Astro doodles: ♄ ☉ ☽ ♂ ☿ ♃ ♀ - Where do they come from)
An elegant system, especially for an era when the known universe ended just past your neighbour’s rice field.
Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson go on a camping trip.