What are your thoughts on this quote by astrologer Caroline Casey?

Question

Her quote:

"Statistics by their very nature are about non-individuality and non-uniqueness. So what if astrology doesn't stand up to scientific testing? What about music? What about poetry? What about religion? Do you want to put music and poetry to a double-blind test?"

Your thoughts please and thank you for your answers.

Answer 1

I agree with Aya somewhat. I think this is a nice, sweet way of looking at something that CAN be defined by statical analysis. Unfortunately, those with the resources, both money and the ability to draw a big enough statistical pool, are not inclined to assist, as it would be for purely altruistic notions to prove astrological concepts correct at this point.



When it becomes sufficiently profitable to SOMEONE to exploit astrology to the individual chart level, someone will indeed put the money and time into proving it. Right now, science hasn't seen the merit yet, and I suspect that professional astrologers are hesitant to "give up" their job security, or just don't have the resources to reach that many people.

Some try, though:

In the May issue of The Mountain Astrologer, Dana Gephert wrote of a the data she's accumulated from hundreds of surveys on women and their Venus experiences.

http://www.mountainastrologer.com/back_issues/bid/2008/408bid.html



Already, insurance companies are doing studies on just such things..



http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1755413/posts



So I say, give it time. It will happen.

Answer 2

Hmm, interesting...



(First of all; I don't like her quote, it sounds more like an excuse than anything else.)



Exactly how would one examine music in a double-blind test? Shouldn't that require doctors as well as subjects who know nothing at all about the many different genres? Depending on which facet of music you want to examine; it's effect on the human brain? Quite possible, if doctors are not allowed to listen to the music and are just there to look at the brain for effects. So I suppose you can somehow put music to a double-blind test.



Poetry? I don't know, I don't know too much about poetry, to be honest. Maybe I would be the perfect test subject for a double-blind test on poetry.



Astrology? Exactly what has to be tested with a double blind test? Astrologers - if they are good - should be able to read a person like a psychiatrist, then should be perfectly capable of picking out the right chart. The problem is, there are few *perfect* Astrologers and I'm definitely not one of them. People shouldn't be able to pick out their charts from a series of charts; give a person a telescope and ask them to point out Uranus without them having any prior knowledge of what it looks like or where it could be, they will pick out the wrong object almost certainly. So why should they do better where their charts are concerned? People also have a tendency to avoid their bad qualities and invent their good qualities. If given a few readings, they will pick out one which flatters them most. *That* could be tested, fairly easily. But I don't think that would be double-blind testing, would it? (I'm still thinking of how a double-blind test could be devised for Astrology... nope, can't think of one.)

Answer 3

It's a complex issue. Astrology, or more specifically Vedic astrology is based on a set of well-defined principles, however it is not a science, in the modern sense of the word, therefore modern scientific methods can't be used to quantify it.



Vedic astrology was born of divine inspiration and this was recorded in the ancient Hindu scriptures, parts of which have been lost and parts of which still exist. This knowledge has been used for thousands of years, modern science hasn't been around that long and is yet to evolve to a level where it can begin to define astrological principles in scientific terms.



Modern science is still making discoveries about the Universe, some of which have already been described in the ancient Hindu scriptures, probably by the same people who discovered astrology.

Answer 4

Yes I completely agree. Astrology is a study that goes beyond bland statistics and limited thinking, It is for open minded individuals that would like to understand the planets in such a way as to how they impact a person's personality, karma, life circumstances, etc. music and poetry are the same way. For opening of the mind to the musical vibes that surround us invisibly, and thinking creatively.



except, what is a double blind test?

Answer 5

Hey Slow Genius,



My thoughts are that she makes a very good point. I will have to remember this argument - it may come in handy. I don't know if I agree that Astrology would not stand up to scientific testing, but I am not one who would take up the challenge with anyone in the scientific community. I might leave that to you or Aya or r_a73 or Ryan. I have a friend (professor of biophysiology.....) who used to say, "statistics - lies, lies and damn lies." Seriously, he did say that.

Answer 6

hmmmmm.........that is something to ponder..



Well maybe not like maths or hard sciences.

like

1+1= 2 .........always.



..................................................



But still with astrology, depending on individuals, backgrounds, awareness levels, influences I think the majority of people have reached conclusions a bit like:



1+1= 2

or sometimes 1+1=3

or sometimes 1+1=4



something down to a certain number ..which number am not sure.....5 ? 7? 9 ?



That is why makes people disbelieving that is because there are a number of factor Xs to be considered but ultimately there is enough truth. It is not like anything completely wild happens very often.



Hope am making myself understood........."cringe":-)



Have to go for now.........but good morning to you anyway !



edit: ( this philosopher had it quite right I think)



Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.

Voltaire

Answer 7

People don't see God, but they still believe