Does Astrology Determine Personality?
Some may say personality comes from genes or environment, but according to astrologists, it all depends on the day you were born.
The Web site spiritualdiscovery.org reports, “Astrology is an ancient tradition which states that the character and destiny of a human being is influenced by the position of the planets at the moment of birth.” It also states that an astrology chart can show a person their strengths and weaknesses.
Astrological signs are nothing new. According to thelemapedia.org, they have been in place for more than 2,000 years. And with those signs come certain personality traits.
According to nuclear.ucdavis.edu, a Web site for the physics department at the University of California-Davis, depending when a people are born, they will likely display very specific traits.
A Taurus is security-loving, persistent and greedy while Geminis are known to be intellectual, lively and cunning. Cancers tend to be shrewd, sympathetic and moody while Virgos are commonly practical, shy and worriers. Libras are known to be peaceable, romantic and indecisive, which is almost opposite of Scorpios who tend to be powerful, magnetic and resentful. A Sagittarius is good-humored, straightforward and superficial, and Capricorns are prudent, disciplined and pessimistic. And an Aquarius is inventive, independent and unpredictable.
Sophomore Scott Egbert, who is studying business administration, said even though he doesn’t really believe in astrology, he does think that his sign, Leo, which is known for being warm-hearted, creative and bossy, fits his personality.
“Except for being pompous,” Egbert said.
Jessica Meyers, a sophomore studying history and secondary education, said she thinks her sign, Aries, mostly fits her personality. She said her sign described herself as energetic, social, confident and having strength of character. According to nuclear.ucdavisedu, an Aries is enthusiastic, quick-witted and impatient.
Meyers said horoscopes can be interpreted to come true if you want them to, but she goes by a different motto.
“What defines you are are the things you go through,” she said.
Sophomore Lindsey Stevens, a Pisces studying biological engineering, said she doesn’t believe in astrology. If Pisces really did define Stevens, that would mean she is selfless, imaginative and secretive.
However, Stevens said she does check her horoscope sometimes “for a laugh.”
Some people believe that romantic partners should be chosen based on astrological signs.
The Web site Astrologycourse.org states, “We are looking for someone who has qualities that we ourselves are lacking.”
The site goes on to report that a partner should be chosen that has those elements.
A differing view is reported in a news article by Jaya Narain, titled “Looking for the Perfect Match? Then Leave Your Zodiac Sign at Home, Say Scientists. (But Then They Are An Unromantic Bunch).”
This article addresses zodiac signs and romantic relationships. It reports that scientists claim there is little evidence that a relationship will work or fail based on your astrological sign. According to Narain, a study was done on millions of married couples, and the result was that zodiac signs have no impact on relationships. An example used in the article was that even though Scorpios and Pisces are thought to be a perfect love match, famous couple Pisces Bruce Willis and Scorpio Demi Moore divorced after 11 years.
Some say that zodiac signs influence how active people are.
In the article, “Be a lean Leo or a sleek Scorpio” by Donna Doherty, it discusses just that: “Zodiaction,” an exercise book based on astrological signs.
Doherty said the book discusses which parts of the body are vulnerable according to different signs. For example, Libras often have lower back problems because of stress, and “freedom-loving Aries is miserable on a treadmill,” the article stated.
Whether or not people agree with astrology, some may be interested in getting a consultation to help them decide. According to the Web site spiritualmarketing.org, professional astrologers are likely to charge around $75 for a one-hour consultation.