Quote: Blenkinsop @ February 7 2011, 7:29 PM GMTIt's this aspect of the 'trade' that I'm referring to rather than the harmless froth in the newspapers etc. I even read my own from time to time.
But if these people would just be parted from their money by somebody else. Clairvoyants. Pyramid selling schemes. Feng Shuiists. There's always someone out there to fleece the gullible.
Quote: chipolata @ February 7 2011, 7:35 PM GMTBut if these people would just be parted from their money by somebody else. Clairvoyants. Pyramid selling schemes. Feng Shuiists. There's always someone out there to fleece the gullible.
You leave pyramids out of this. I bought one in a scheme and although it's not made me any money yet I'm hopeful.
But sadly of course you're right. How does the saying go? "Fools and their money..." 
Quote: chipolata @ February 7 2011, 7:17 PM GMTWhere's the harm in people believing in astrology? It's fluff and nonsense but the vast majority of people who believe it don't let it dictate their lives. They glance at their stars in the paper, then move on.
In my religion people who even look at the stars are horse whipped.
As surprising as it might be to some, I am a firm believer, at least in character traits and physical attributes of the planets side.
Daily Horoscopes I don't have faith in because a simple sun sign horoscope can't possibly get much right. It has to be a personalised full planets horoscope to have any bearing or make sense. You can get these done on line for about 20 odd quid I believe.
I read my own one and I was gobsmacked at how detailed the (withering) analysis of my character was. I suddenly thought, 'You know, it's not my fault I'm such a worthless maggot, it's in the stars up there.' Very reassuring.
Quote: Alfred J Kipper @ February 8 2011, 2:38 PM GMTI suddenly thought, 'You know, it's not my fault I'm such a worthless maggot, it's in the stars up there.' Very reassuring.
And that is why people like to believe in stuff like astrology- the idea that who they are is predetermined and they're somehow not in control of their actions and who they become.
I think it's all just a little too convenient. And for every accurate 'reading' I've seen, there are just as many inaccurate.
Quote: chipolata @ February 7 2011, 7:17 PM GMTWhere's the harm in people believing in astrology?
No harm. It makes you think those that seriously do must be a bit mental, as it's so clearly balls.
Careful, chip will accuse you of being judgemental!
In his rather judgemental way.
Quote: zooo @ February 8 2011, 3:30 PM GMTCareful, chip will accuse you of being judgemental! In his rather judgemental way.
I calls a spade a spade!
Oh yes don't get me wrong- there are a lot of things which have an impact on what you will and can do/acheive in your life, however I think this combination of genetic and environmental influence is very different. It's also backed up my scientific fact.
And common sense.
I believe it's a mixture of both nature and nurture, and certainly putting in effort can be a great force for achieving stuff, but then so is being born to the right family, or class, or looking stunningly attractive.
The bit I have trouble with are those who seek to make a commercial gain from what I believe is nothing other than pure quackery. Fair enough if people want to buy into the concept.
But I made the first post because I was incensed that the Beeb has an Astrologer on SW show every week and they just make pathetic generalisations. You and me are paying in some small way for these peoples' appearances.
I don't buy into the 'It's just a bit of harmless fun' argument simply because there is no caveat before the item saying:
The following item is tosh and designed as a bit of fun. Yet people phone in and ask these so-called experts for potentially life-changing advice about relationships, emigration, jobs etc. and then seem to lap up the cack that these chancers spout as 'genuine' answers.
It beggars belief.
Asstrology is nonsense
Quote: Blenkinsop @ February 8 2011, 5:37 PM GMTThe bit I have trouble with are those who seek to make a commercial gain from what I believe is nothing other than pure quackery.
Are there really a lot of Astrologer Millionaires out there?
Yes, people's vanity and insecurity and curiosity are exploited by them, absolutely, but any more so than by the cosmetics industry, for example? We live in a highly commercialised consumerist world.