Astrology & Psychology
How Astrological Signs Affect Your Psyche
New research uncovers no evidence of astrological signs and related physical conditions.
Your astrology affects your psychology more than your physical health. The idea that astrological signs predict health was studied by researchers in Canada -- with some suprising results.
A recent study conducted by the Clinic for Evaluative Studies in Toronto, Ontario found that certain astrological signs are more likely to vomit during pregnancy. Others have an increased chance of heart failure, while still others are more apt to shatter their pelvises. Researchers found that the 12 astrological signs had different medical disorders associated with them. Cancer, diabetes, heart disease - all are related to sun signs.
Astrological signs and physical illnesses
When you first read these research results, you may actually began to see connections between astrological signs and particular illnesses -- connections that don't exist. For instance, Aries is symbolized by the Ram: bluntness, initiative, and leadership. Doesn't it seem likely that those people are more prone to health problems like high blood pressure or stroke?
And that was the reason for this study.
Looking for patterns that don't exist
Researchers said, "We did this study to prove a larger point – the more we look for patterns, the more likely we are to find them, particularly when we don't begin with a particular question." Head researcher Peter Austin found that his initial results weren't duplicated in a second study, leading him to conclude that sometimes "erroneous conclusions will be obtained solely due to chance."
Statistically speaking, scientists will come to the wrong conclusion 5% of the time. Replicating studies is probably the best way to obtain conclusive results; the more often you get the same results, the more likely your theories are correct.
So, if I'm looking for a connection between the astrological sun sign Pisces and cancer, or Gemini and depression, I may find it - but I'm probably fooling myself.
Scientific results
This explains why the same scientific results are repeatedly publicized. "Smoking Linked to Lung Cancer" and "Heart Disease Caused by Blocked Arteries" seem to be common (and common sense) conclusions – but it turns out we need study after study to be certain the connections really exist. It also explains why study results change occasionally: first coffee is unhealthy for you, then it boosts heart health, and then only one cup a day is good (just like red wine and chocolate!). Different studies can yield different conclusions depending on statistical methods, study participants, and even researcher bias.
Maybe your coffee intake, chocolate indulgences and astrological stars affect your health – and maybe they don't. Either way, it's important to remember that not every study proves a valid conclusion for individuals or groups.
To paraphrase Freud: sometimes a study is just a study.
If you enjoyed this article, try The Morgellons Mystery.
