Results may vary as it is entirely possible to also convince yourself it works with the same method

  • Leg@sh.itjust.works
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    8 hours ago

    Astrology used as a predictive engine obviously doesn’t work. Anyone using it that way is using it improperly IMO. It’s more like procedurally generated advice. For example, mine says there’s a conflict between old and new, and to embrace change while drawing on past lessons. Super vague, can apply to anyone. But it resonates and gives me something to focus on. That’s really all there is to it. Trying to “prove” it doesn’t work is like trying to “prove” wrestling is fake. That’s not the point, man.

    • serenissi@lemmy.world
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      5 hours ago

      Yes. And that in itself can both be helpful and harmful. I’ve seen people to whom that was like a therapy. Also as those already ‘give’ something to focus on, so you do not use logical judgment to find where to focus to. This lead to unwise decisions.

      But you know what is at least as therapeutic as this but more reliable? Therapy.

      • Leg@sh.itjust.works
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        5 hours ago

        Therapy costs money, and isn’t done for fun though. It’s not the same thing. Like, are we trying to tell people who read fortune cookies to go to therapy instead? It’s a dumb interest that some people get way too into. Therapy helps with the obsessive part, which doesn’t need astrology to manifest.

    • Arkouda@lemmy.caOP
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      7 hours ago

      Astrology used as a predictive engine obviously doesn’t work. Anyone using it that way is using it improperly IMO. It’s more like procedurally generated advice. For example, mine says there’s a conflict between old and new, and to embrace change while drawing on past lessons. Super vague, can apply to anyone. But it resonates and gives me something to focus on. That’s really all there is to it. Trying to “prove” it doesn’t work is like trying to “prove” wrestling is fake. That’s not the point, man.

      It is advertised as such, so I hope you can forgive those using it improperly after being mislead by those pushing the practice.

      It is at best a placebo and at worst a life destroying belief. Self reflection and keeping long term journals is far better for what you use Astrology for than Astrology.

      • Leg@sh.itjust.works
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        6 hours ago

        Have any cases of life-destroying choices that can be attributed to astrology?

        • Arkouda@lemmy.caOP
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          6 hours ago

          You are free to search “Astrology ruined my life” and comb through the information yourself and then come back to me if you need examples.

          • Leg@sh.itjust.works
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            5 hours ago

            Very reddit to get downvoted for asking a question. But yeah, I saw what I expected. People using astrology improperly, becoming obsessed, and finding consequences. If it doesn’t happen with astrology, it’ll happen with something else. This is a people problem.

            • Arkouda@lemmy.caOP
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              5 hours ago

              Very Lemmy to complain about how Reddit Lemmy is.

              If it doesn’t happen with astrology, it’ll happen with something else. This is a people problem.

              Yes. Which is why it is important to spread real information so people don’t end up making an avoidable mistake.

              • Leg@sh.itjust.works
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                4 hours ago

                I don’t disagree. However, anyone who thinks it predicts the future? They won’t be swayed by people who say “nuh uh”. People have been saying that forever. Anyone who thinks to prove it isn’t predictive either already know, or are susceptible to confirmation bias. I’m just calling it what it is: a procedurally generated advice column. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t. If it affects your mental health, take a step back. It’s not that serious.

                • Arkouda@lemmy.caOP
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                  3 hours ago

                  The more people who can be exposed to the scientific method to question their beliefs the better. You don’t know other people like you think you do and the vast majority have the capacity to listen and learn.

                  • Leg@sh.itjust.works
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                    3 hours ago

                    I sincerely hope you’re right. I’m American, so I don’t have that kind of faith in humanity lately. By all means though, spread the word.

        • Cosmoooooooo@lemmy.world
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          5 hours ago

          Yes, of course. Just watch anyone that takes horoscopes seriously. They adjust their lives based on fiction, often for the worse. You want the dozens of times I’ve seen idiots do stupid shit over horoscopes? Nah, just go look in the mirror if you want to see an idiot doing stupid shit.

          • Leg@sh.itjust.works
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            5 hours ago

            What crawled up your ass and died? Are you an asshole on purpose, or does it just come naturally?

    • FerretyFever0@fedia.io
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      7 hours ago

      Some people do seem to really act on this stuff though. There’s enough people talking about Mercury being in retrograde and asking other people about their star signs for that to be proven.

      • Leg@sh.itjust.works
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        6 hours ago

        People are also talking about John Cena’s heel persona as though it represents anything tangible to reality. Where’s the harm though?