What Is The Horoscope Hoax? A lie sustained for over a millenia

[salamangkero 0]

Strange. I was sure I posted this here before but either it inexplicably disappeared or I was dreaming at the time.

Among the numerous constellations dotting the night sky, there are twelve, which, lying more or less about the equator, divide the celestial sphere into longitudinal sections of 30 degrees each. These constellations comprise what is known as the celestial zodiac. These, much like everything else in the celestial sphere, helped the early man determine the seasons. As much as the Constellation of Orion, for a person in the northern hemisphere, is a sure sign that winter approaches, the constellations Sagittarius and Capricorn mark the short nights brought about by the summer solstice.

 

However, there do exist creative individuals in the human society that attribute mundane, day-to-day events to these pinpoints of light. Granted, the possibility is quite real, due to the butterfly effect, that small and seemingly trivial details like the positioning of all particles in the universe can determine the lifetime or the destiny of a person. In the subtle art, not science, of astrology, these individuals concern themselves with different celestial bodies such as the sun and moon, planets and stars, especially the celestial zodiac.

 

The first evidences of human use of the zodiac belt were dated as far back as 114 B.C. The year now is 2006, meaning these star signs have been in use for at least 2120 years. Back then, these astrologers have observed and recorded that, in the annual cycle, the sun travels through all twelve 30-degree segments, also called houses. Each year, the same cycle repeats with astonishing precision. These star signs were assigned on people depending on the house the sun was in at the time of their birth.

 

However, the universe was not as precise as everyone had thought. The celestial zodiac shifts westward at the rate of roughly one degree every 70 years. In the lifetime of a person, such abberations are hardly noticeable. However, in the course of over two millenia, most "expert" and "certified" astrologers still base their predictions on the old model. These people would probably be chagrined to know that the zodiac's houses, as of the present, have been shifted up by one house, or roughly 30 degrees, since its inception. In other words, the sun will not be in Aries until the time assigned for Taurus.

 

Most astrologers, ignorant of their craft, would have you believe otherwise, sustaining a hoax for over two millenia. They probably never looked at the stars, despite the connotations of their title and even if they did, they never bothered to change their ancient, outdated models. If you cannot perceive the irony of astrologers not looking at stars, just imagine Bill Gates using Linux on his personal computer. If your brain still cannot comprehend the point I'm trying to make, then God help you (under the assumption that God does exist).

 

There probably is not much grave danger in seeking advice from an astrologer. However, if you do, you now know very well how to spot one who is not well-versed in his/her craft: just ask about the star signs.

 

In a few more millenia, should one be unfortunate enough to live that long, one can anticipate the winter sun in Gemini and Cancer. Until then, mind your star signs, take horoscope advice with a pinch of salt and may the Fates be kind to you all.