Horoscopes, Astrology, and Job-Hunting
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008Rebecca wrote a post for the The Rogue’s Gallery yesterday about an incredibly unfortunate article-slash-advertisement at CNN. Basically, CareerBuilder.com wrote an article for the site that states you can find the ideal career for you based on your Zodiac sign. It’s like a horoscope combined with career advice. It’s BS.
Before you read the CNN article, read the blog post - Rebecca listed all the characteristics of each Zodiac sign, but took out the name of the sign - choose the characteristics that most describe you or the job description that’s close to your own, and then see if you’re right by reading the article!
Mine was totally off, but then again I was in more of an Aries mood today than a Capricorn mood. That must be it.
This article is unbelievable. Of course it’s true that (most) people choose their career based on their characteristics, skills, and values, but unfortunately for true believers, none of these things corresponds with your Zodiac sign. I’m sure you instinctively know why this is ridiculous, but for more details, check out the Skeptic’s Dictionary entry or the one in the JREF encyclopedia. Basically, horoscope writers come up with the most typical characteristics possible, and spout the most generic advice which could apply to anyone.
James Randi once debunked horoscopes in a University class of about 60 people by handing everyone a horoscope (he first asked for their signs first so they thought it was a legitimate one) and asking them to read it. He then asked anyone who felt their horoscope was accurate to raise their hand, and everyone present did. Then he asked everyone to hand their horoscope to the person behind them, and read the one from the person in front of them. It turned out everyone had been handed the same one, and everyone felt it applied to them.
The CNN article is very similar. There were several signs that seemed to describe me, but I chose the one that most closely matched (and even it wasn’t 100% accurate).
Doing a quick Google search for horoscopes and astrology, I came across this article at a website called Star IQ: The Future of Astrology. It describes a reading done on Michael Shermer, based on his birthdate and place (to determine which constellations were where at that time). Apparently the author is appalled that Shermer rejected this description of his character, since it so clearly describes him. Honestly, though, this is one of the most obvious fakes I’ve ever seen - if you’re going to do an astrological “reading” on someone, choose someone who doesn’t have a biography plastered all over the internet, it’s much more impressive! Clearly this person read up on Shermer, chose his most prevalent characteristics, and attributed them to “the sign Leo (the regal lion) ascending on the eastern horizon”, or to “Angular Saturn”, whatever that means. If someone asked you the number one descriptor for Michael Shermer, assuming you didn’t know him personaly, you’re likely to say “skeptical”. This is, according to the article, because “Shermer’s natal Sun lies in Virgo, an earth sign and one of the most skeptical signs of the zodiac.” Every characteristic you’d expect Shermer to have, being a popular author, outspoken skeptic, and excellent public speaker, is covered in this article and attributed to some sort of astrological phenomonon.
Astrology isn’t science, period. It’s made-up woo that’s accurate most of the time only because they take advantage of universal human traits. I think I’ll stick to Monster.ca or Craigslist to jobhunt from now on - CareerBuilder is just too insane.