AN ANALYSIS: ROLE OF ASTROLOGY TO HUMAN PERCEPTION OF

TEENAGERS AT MAPÚA UNIVERSITY S.Y. 2018-2019

A Research Paper Submitted to the Mapúa Senior High School Department

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for

Practical Research 1 (RES01)

by

Gabriel Brix B. Garcia

December 4, 2018
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, I would like to thank God for the wisdom he bestowed upon me, the

strength, peace of mind, and good health in order to finish this research.

I would like to express my gratitude towards my family for the encouragement and support

they give me, helping me in completing this paper.

I am highly indebted to Mapúa University for their guidance and constant supervision as

well as providing necessary information regarding this research.

I would like to express my special gratitude and thanks to my research adviser, Ms. Dianne

Mei Basilio for imparting her knowledge and expertise in this study.

My thanks and gratitude goes towards other people who have helped me with my study!

You know who you all are.

Gabriel Brix B. Garcia

____________________

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iii
LIST OF TABLES v
LIST OF FIGURES vi
ABSTRACT vii

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION 1
Introduction 1
Statement of the Problem 2
Significance of the Study 2
Definition of Terms 3

Chapter 2: REVIEW OF LITERATURE 6

How does astrology work? 6
Western astrology explained 9
Zodiac signs meanings and characteristics 10
New theory outlines possible mechanism for astrological claims 12
The Barnum effect: Why we believe our horoscopes 15
History of horoscopes 16
The new age of astrology 18
Is astrology science or pseudoscience? 19
The future of astrology 20
What makes people think astrology is scientific? 23

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Chapter 3: METHODOLOGY 25

Introduction 25
Methodology 25
Results and Discussion 26
Conclusion 31

Chapter 4: RECOMMENDATIONS 32

REFERENCES 33

APPENDICES 34

Appendix A: Survey/ Interview questions 35

Appendix B: Survey questionnaire with answers 38

iv
 LIST OF TABLES

Chapter 3
TABLE 1: SURVEY QUESTION #6 AND INTERVIEW QUESTION #3 26
TABLE 2: INTERVIEW QUESTION #4 28
TABLE 3: SURVEY QUESTION #2 29

v
 LIST OF FIGURES

Chapter 1
FIGURE 1: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 4
FIGURE 2: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 5

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 ABSTRACT

Astrology today has become popular among millennials, especially teenagers. This

study aimed to gather insights of teenagers studying in Mapúa University about astrology

and horoscopes, and why most of them believe in it through a survey and interview. The

results from the study showed that none of the respondents result to astrology for guidance,

and just see them as entertainment. Astrology and horoscope readings seem specific and

true to a person due to the Barnum Effect, making people believe generalized statements

because it denotes positivity and because of hopefulness. Due to the fact that stress has

been rampant for teenagers this days, astrology acts as a coping mechanism to stress, giving

a piece of advice which is helpful to them. Astrology seemed to have no impact on the

respondents. One (1) respondent said that horoscopes impact her in a way that she’ll think

pessimistically or positively. Another respondent said that she becomes more cautious in

line with her horoscope reading. Majority of the respondents read their horoscopes in social

media. This study can be improved by including the gender of the respondents to see if it

plays a factor in the results of the study. Future researchers can include adults who are

already working, for correlation. Future researchers can use a checklist for the specific

traits from the zodiac signs which match the respondents. The social media platform which

are the sources of the horoscope readings can also be included in future studies

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 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

The history of astrology goes a long way back before our time. Babylonians

introduced Astrology to Greeks way back in the 4th century B.C, and later on the studies

of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle regarded Astrology as science (American Federation

of Astrologers, nd). The earliest humans looked at the star-filled night sky and knew that

the shapes and patterns of the cosmos must be somehow important. Early astrology was

used to bring peace and sense of order amongst the chaos that happened. Astrology is the

study of the influence of stars and planets have on human lives. The position of the sun,

stars, moon and planets at the time of people's birth is said to shape every individual’s

mood, personality, and environment. According to a survey conducted by the National

Science Foundation, 41 percent of the respondents believe that astrology is “very

scientific” or “sort of scientific” (Baird, 2013). Because a lot of people relate to the

astrological signs, it garnered a huge success. There have been contradictions with regard

to the astrological signs and the scientific community. Scientists argue that astrology is not

accurate and avoid procedures which is crucial in their method. But in spite of that,

Astrology and horoscopes can be found all over the internet and in the morning newspapers

today and they remain popular among people until today. Recently, there has been no study

on why astrology is a big thing for today’s teenagers

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Statement of the Problem

The aim of this study is to analyze the role of astrology to human perception of

teenagers at Mapúa University.

Specifically, the research study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What are the reasons why students result to astrology for guidance?

2. What is the impact of astrological signs to the students according to?

2.1 friendship

2.2 relationship

2.3 career

3. From where do people, specifically teens, get their information about horoscopes

and zodiac signs?

3.1 newspaper

3.2 social media

3.3 television

Significance of the Study

This study will contribute to the benefit of the society, providing people with

updated arguments about astrology. This study will help people get a better understanding

of astrology and their impact on people. It can give them an insight on understanding the

characteristics of different people. It can also help determine their life path with the skills

and abilities that they bring with them into this lifetime.

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Working Professionals. This research will help working professionals on understanding

their co-workers better, giving them an insight of their personalities. This can also help

them understand their potential partners better before entering a relationship.

Students. This research will help students on curating their future according to their skills

and abilities. It can also help them understand their peers better, giving them an insight of

their personalities.

The Researcher. This will help the researcher in the future, knowing what’s best for him

in relation to his skills and abilities. It can also help him understand his peers better.

Scope and Delimitations

This scope of the study will be focusing on zodiac signs and horoscopes. It will also

cover on the preferred way of students in looking for astrological signs and the effect of

zodiac signs to their life. The study will also include the perception of the students with

regards to western astrology. The respondents will mainly be Senior High School Students

who study in Mapúa University in Intramuros, Manila.

The study will not include College students in Mapúa University in Intramuros,

Manila. The study will also not include students from other universities.

Definition of Terms

Astrology. The study of movements and positions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars in

the belief that they influence human behavior

Astrologer. A person who studies astrology and uses it to tell people how it will affect

their lives

Horoscope. An astrological forecast

Zodiac. An imaginary belt of the heavens, containing twelve constellations

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 Theoretical Framework

Personal Validation Fallacy

Belief perseverance Theories of Emotion

Forer Effect

Selective Perception

Figure 1. Theoretical Framework

This are theories that scientists believe are reasons why people continue to believe

in astrology. The Forer effect is a phenomenon that occurs when individuals believe that

personality descriptions apply specifically to them. There are other main factors that help

strengthen their belief on that specific thing, for instance their belief perseverance. If they

really believe in something, they will ignore all possible arguments that contradict their

idea. The idea is the same for selective perception, wherein the person only sees the picture

only as he wishes to see, and not what it actually is.

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 Conceptual framework

Stress

Guidance Loss of motivation in life

Why students result to

astrology

Symbolic truth For entertainment

Figure 2. Conceptual Framework

This study aims on finding out the role of astrology to the perception of teenagers,

specifically in Senior High School. Here are the plausible reasons why teenagers lean on

astrology. Due to stress or loss of motivation, teenagers can lean upon astrology, giving

them hope and having something to look forward too if an instance of a good news coming

is what they read. Astrology can give people entertainment, which in turn reduce their

stress and give them motivation in life through the positive guidance astrology provides.

Due to the accurateness or symbolic truth in which they see in the horoscope readings, they

tend to believe and rely on it.

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 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

How does astrology work?

According to Baird, C. (2013) scientists will tell you astrology doesn't work.

Believers will tell you it does. Who is right? They are both right. It depends on what you

mean by the word "work". Astrology is the belief that the alignment of stars and planets

affects every individual's mood, personality, and environment, depending on when he was

born. Astrologers print horoscopes in newspapers that are personalized by birth date. These

horoscopes make predictions in people's personal lives, describe their personalities, and

give them advice; all according to the position of astronomical bodies. A survey conducted

by the National Science Foundation found that 41% of respondents believe that astrology

is "very scientific" or "sort of scientific".

Does the position of astronomical bodies affect a person's life (beyond basic weather)?

No. The position and orientation of the sun relative to earth does cause seasons.

Anyone who has shoveled snow off his walk in January when he would rather be at the

beach can tell you that the astronomical bodies definitely affect our lives. Solar flares cause

electromagnetic disturbances on earth that can disrupt satellites and even cause blackouts.

The position of the moon causes ocean tides. If you are a fisher, the position of the moon

can have a significant effect on your livelihood. The solar wind causes beautiful aurora,

and sunlight itself is the main source of energy for our planet. But all of these effects fall

under the umbrella of basic weather; not astrology. Astrology purports that astronomical

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bodies have influence on people's lives beyond basic weather patterns, depending on their

birth date. This claim is scientifically false. Numerous scientific studies have disproven

that astronomical bodies affect people's lives according to their birth date. For instance,

Peter Hartmann and his collaborators studied over 4000 individuals and found no

correlation between birth date and personality or intelligence. In one of the most famous

experiments, Shawn Carlson had 28 astrologers make predictions and then tested the

accuracy of their predictions. Before conducting the experiment, he fine-tuned the method

so that various independent scientists agreed the method was scientifically sound, and also

so that all of the astrologers agreed the test was fair. As published in Nature, he found that

the astrologers could do no better at predicting the future than random chance. These results

agree with fundamental science. Fundamentally, there are four forces of nature: gravity,

electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force, and the weak nuclear force. If an object affects

a person, it must do so by interacting through one of these fundamental forces. Each of the

fundamental forces can be very strong. The problem is that they all die off with distance.

The nuclear forces die off so quickly that they are essentially zero beyond a few

nanometers. Electromagnetic forces typically extend from nanometers to kilometers.

Sensitive equipment can detect electromagnetic waves (light) from the edge of the

observable universe, but that light is exceptionally weak. The gravity of a star technically

extends throughout the universe, but its individual effect on the universe does not extend

much beyond its solar system. If the stars and planets really had an effect on humans, then

gnats and fireflies would have even more of an effect. Even if the gravity of the planets

was strong enough to affect you, an alignment of the planets would not lead you to win the

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lottery for the simple reason that a literal alignment of the planets never happens in the real

world.

Can horoscopes make people feel better?

Yes. But it has nothing to do with the horoscopes being right. Horoscopes make

people feel better because of a psychological effect known as the placebo effect. The

placebo effect is when the belief in a useless method actually makes a person feel better. It

is the belief itself, and not the method, that causes the improvement. The placebo effect has

been scientifically verified. The placebo effect is the mechanism at work with astrology.

Many people believe in astrology. When they read their horoscope and follow its advice,

they feel better. But it is the belief itself and not the astrology that is making them feel

better. Many pseudo-scientific treatments – from crystal healing to homeopathy – help

people through the placebo effect. Believing in a treatment that does not actually do

anything may help, but believing in a treatment that does is even better. Sticking to

scientifically proven treatments gives you the benefit of the belief and the benefit of the

treatment's action. For instance, instead of reading your horoscope each morning, go for a

walk. Exercise is proven to be good for body and mind, and your belief in its effect will

also help you.

Astrologers’ predictions describe the characteristics of different people, their

personalities, and give them advice. The claim that the position of astronomical bodies

affects a person’s life is proven to be false and astrologers could not predict the future and

8
their guesses become correct by random chance. These horoscopes help people feel better

because of the placebo affect which is the belief on a useless method, making the person

feel better.

Western astrology explained

Astrology works like a reading system and divination system based on the human

condition. You assign to different symbols, based on the longstanding meanings of

elements and mythology, to aspects of the human condition. Planets and signs, which are

also based on mythological figures and the classical elements, are assigned to symbols.

You derive meaning from the relative position of the planets. That meaning is interpreted

for a specific person’s reading, or generally for those of the same sign, such as in

“newspaper astrology.” Astrology is part cold reading and mentalism, and part

psychological analysis, synthesis, and intuition. It is historically and psychologically

interesting, but it is no more magical than reality already is. It seems to work because it

assigns deep but broad meaning to symbols and encompasses all the aspects of the human

condition in a cyclical chart. Any reading will apply loosely to anyone. You can think of

astrology as simply cold reading, or you can see it as semi-mystical, either way, it is rather

useful both historically and from a psychological standpoint. In general, each astrological

symbol is defined by its relationship to other symbols, and the “energy” of those symbols

(AKA meaning of those symbols). We can know a sign, by knowing its house, by

understanding its duality, by being familiar with its element, by realizing the associated

planets and gods, and by having studied the meanings of each of those things. Astrology is

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similar to the study of the literal forces in the universe and other fundamental systems in

this regard. As one would say in astrology or tarot.

Astrological Wheel Versus an Astrological Chart

The basic astrological wheel shows the signs planets and houses in their natural position.

We use this as a key to understanding the symbolism presented on this page as well as all

other astrological readings. When you do an astrological study, you compare charts to the

wheel in its natural position, and sometimes, multiple charts to each other and the wheel.

The wheel never changes, but the chart changes with positions in space and time.

Astrological wheel: The wheel in its natural position with Aries in the 1st house and all

planets in their respective sign/house.

Astrological chart: The wheel adjusted for the position of celestial bodies over time and

space, commonly a birth chart.

Zodiac signs meaning and characteristics

According to the site (astrology-zodiac-signs.com) there are 12 zodiac signs, and

each sign has its own strengths and weaknesses, its own specific traits, desires and attitude

towards life and people. By analyzing the projection of the position of planets, and

the Sun and the Moon on the Ecliptic at the moment of birth, astrology can give us a

glimpse of a person's basic characteristics and preferences. Each of the 12 horoscope signs

belongs to one of the four elements – Air, Fire, Water and Earth. These elements represent

an essential type of energy that acts in each of us. These four elements help describe the

unique personality types associated with astrological signs. The four zodiac elements

exhibit profound influence on basic character traits, emotions, behavior and thinking.

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Water Signs

Water signs are exceptionally emotional and ultra-sensitive. They are highly

intuitive and they can be as mysterious as the ocean itself. Water signs love profound

conversations and intimacy. They rarely do anything openly and are always there to support

their loved ones. The Water Signs are: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.

Fire Signs

Fire signs tend to be passionate, dynamic, and temperamental. They get angry

quickly, but they also forgive easily. They are adventurers with immense energy. They are

physically very strong and are a source of inspiration for others. Fire signs are intelligent,

self-aware, creative and idealistic people, always ready for action. The Fire Signs

are: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

Earth Signs

Earth signs are “grounded” and the ones that bring us down to earth. They are

mostly conservative and realistic, but they can also be very emotional. They are connected

to our material reality and can be turned to material goods. They are practical, loyal and

stable and they stick by their people through hard times. The Earth Signs

are: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.

Air Signs

Air signs are rational, social, and love communication and relationships with other

people. They are thinkers, friendly, intellectual, communicative and analytical. They love

philosophical discussions, social gatherings and good books. They enjoy giving advice, but

they can also be very superficial. The Air Signs are: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.

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 There are 12 zodiac signs related to astrology and each sign has its own strengths

and weaknesses. Each of the 12 horoscope signs belongs to one of the four elements

namely: Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Under the water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.

They are known to be emotional and sensitive. They can be mysterious too. Water signs

are intimate. Next is fire signs. Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius fall under it. They are known

for being passionate, dynamic, and temperamental. They also have a short temper but they

forgive easily and are intelligent, self-aware, & creative. Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn fall

under the Earth signs. They are notable for being conservative and for being realistic. They

tend to be very emotional. They are also known for their loyalty and stableness. Last is the

air signs. Under this are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. Air signs are known to be rational,

friendly, and have high intellect

New theory outlines possible mechanism for astrological claims

Tony Waterfall was inspired by his observations of the stars and to develop his

Continuous Planetary Interaction Theory or CPI Theory. From his knowledge of natural

laws on Earth and his interest in astrophysics and astrology, Waterfall began to develop a

celestial model that could account for planetary influences on Earth. At this stage it is not

a theory in the strict scientific sense of the word, but a plausible working hypothesis. The

CPI Theory is that it outlines a possible mechanism for many astrological claims. Our

nearest star, the Sun is a hot ball of plasma comprising mainly of charged particles of

hydrogen. The Sun’s plasma is so hot that the most energetic charged particles can escape

from the Sun’s gravity and be ejected into space. This plasma known as the Solar Wind

blasts out from the Sun to the planets, interacting with their magnetic fields and/or

12
atmospheres. The Solar Wind in combination with the Sun’s magnetic field emanates from

the Sun far out into the heliosphere beyond Pluto and Neptune. The interaction of the Solar

Wind and the Earth’s magnetic field or Magnetosphere, causes currents to flow between

Earth’s upper atmosphere (Ionosphere) and the Magnetosphere. As the charged particles

from the Sun trapped in the Magnetosphere collide with air molecules in the ionosphere,

trajectories of Earth’s gases light up. Around the Arctic it is known as the Aurora Borealis

or Northern Lights and in the southern hemisphere it is the Aurora Australis. From space,

auroras can be seen as oval rings of light around the polar regions. These are known as

auroral ovals. Astronomers are now discovering that many planets also have auroral ovals.

The list now includes the Earth, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and

Pluto. Venus appears to be an exception which may be because of its weak magnetic field.

Besides energy entering the planetary atmosphere via an auroral oval, energy is also

leaving the planet in the exchange. According to CPI Theory, this energy travels across

interplanetary space to enter other planetary ionospheres with the auroral oval acting as a

portal through which energy enters and leaves the planetary atmosphere. Solar plasma is

comprised of protons and electrons. Waterfall’s CPI Theory views solar plasma as an

electron wave-field transporting protons from the Sun to Earth’s auroral oval. According

to Waterfall, each electron-elementary particle interaction “is recorded as an astrological

moment with potentials.” Every planet in our Solar System and the Earth’s moon, has an

ionosphere where electrons join and release elementary particles. The spins of the electrons

are constantly changing and influencing other electrons to change. As electrons endlessly

enter and leave planetary atmospheres, they facilitate a continuous planetary interaction.

What is significant for us is that the human body contains trillions of electrons that are

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responding to this constantly changing field in the atmosphere. So the mechanism for

planet/human interaction posed by Waterfall is electromagnetism in the form of an

interplanetary wave or field. A number of leading research astrologers has been involved

in reviewing the CPI Theory. After some critical analysis, they responded positively to the

concept. The astrologers consider it to be a possible mechanism for some astrological

claims and that it is now ready for experimental design and testing. We are starting to see

an elegant pattern that accounts for the extraordinary way that life on Earth is impacted by

the planets in addition to the Sun. (Currey, 2016).

Tony Waterfall, an astrologer, was inspired to develop his Continuous Planetary

Interaction after observing stars and his life as a mariner. From his interest in astrology and

astrophysics, he developed a celestial model that could account for the planetary influences

on Earth. The CPI theory outlines a possible mechanism for many astrological claims.

Interaction of the solar wind (also known as the plasma of the sun) and the Earth’s magnetic

field causes currents. As the trapped particles of the Sun collide with air molecules in the

ionosphere, Earth’s gases light up. The effect of this is an aurora. From space, auroras can

be seen as oval rings of light around the polar regions. Astronomers have discovered that

many planets also have aurora ovals. The list includes Earth, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter,

Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Venus seems an exception because of its weak

magnetic field. Besides energy entering the planetary atmosphere via an aurora oval,

energy is also leaving the planet in exchange. According to CPI Theory, this energy travels

across space to enter other planetary ionospheres with the aurora oval acting as a portal

through which energy enters and leaves. Astrologers view it as a possible mechanism for

astrological claims and is now ready for experimental design and testing.

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The Barnum effect: Why we believe our horoscopes

The Barnum effect was named after P.T. Barnum, a prominent 19th century

showman and businessman known both for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus and his

uncanny con artist abilities. He would famously say, “There’s a sucker born every minute.”

Indeed, Barnum proved to be right, as pseudoscience — such as astrology and personality

tests — remain popular to this day. The Barnum effect explains why extremely general

statements, such as the results of your personality test, seem so specific to you. In a historic

study by psychology professor Bertram Forer, he administered a personality test to his

students. Forer copied statements such as: “You have a need for other people to like and

admire you, and yet you tend to be critical of yourself” from the newspaper’s astrology

column and gave a test to every student. Forer asked his students to rate the accuracy of

the test from one to five, with “one” being the least accurate and “five” being the most

accurate. The average rating was 4.26. The universally high ratings from students on the

personality test supported the Barnum effect. According to Forer, people tend to believe in

generalized statements such as these because of a combination of wishful thinking and

hopefulness. Basically, each time we read our horoscope, we’re exposing our naiveté,

egotism and human gullibility. People want to believe that the statements are true. People

will often ignore generalized statements about them if they’re at all negative or will accept

false statements if they’re flattering enough (Ali, 2015).

The Barnum effect which was named after a prominent 19th century businessman

named P.T. Barnum explains why general statements such as the results of a personality

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test seem so specific to a person. In a historic study, Forer conducted a personality test for

his students. The results from the personality test supported the Barnum effect. According

to Forer, people tend to believe in general statements because of wishful thinking and

hopefulness. People will accept false statements if it flatters them enough and ignore

negative statements.

History of horoscopes

The ancient Greeks were also superstitious, despite their logical thinking. The first

organized system of astrology arose during the 2nd millennium BC, in Babylon. The

Babylonians were the first people to systematically apply myths to constellations &

astrology and describe the twelve signs of the zodiac. The Egyptians followed shortly after

by refining the Babylonian system of astrology, but it was the Greeks who shaped it into

its modern form. The Greeks borrowed some of their myths from the Babylonians and

came up with their own. For that matter, even the word astrology – as well as the science

of astronomy – is derived from the Greek word for star, “asteri.” During the conquest of

Asia by Alexander the Great, the Greeks were eventually introduced to the unknown

cultures and cosmological schemes of Syria, Babylon, Persia and central Asia. It didn’t

take too long after that for the Greeks to overtake cuneiform script as the international

language of academic communication and part of this action was the transference of

astrology from cuneiform to Greek. Around 280 BC, Berossus, a priest from Babylon,

traveled to the Greek island of Kos where he ended up teaching astrology and Babylonian

culture to the local populations. This was the very first time that the world of astrology was

transferred officially to the Hellenistic (and this Western) world of Greece and Egypt that

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was under Greek rule at the time. Initially, the ancient Greeks that were known for their

logical way of thinking, were skeptical about astrology and wondered about many things.

By the first century BC two varieties of astrology were in existence: one that required the

reading of horoscopes in order to learn accurate details about the past, present and future,

while the other focused to the soul's ascent to the stars and the search for human meaning

in the sky. In other words, the Greeks attempted to understand general and individual

human behavior through the influence of planets and other celestial objects, while some

used astrology as a form of dialogue with the divine. Horoscopic astrology first appeared

in Hellenistic Egypt. Furthermore, the sculptured “Dendera zodiac” – a bas-relief from the

ceiling of the pronaos of a chapel dedicated to Osiris in the Hathor temple at Dendera,

containing images of Taurus and the Libra dating 50 BC – is the first known depiction of

the classical zodiac of twelve signs. A very significant role in the development of Western

horoscopic astrology was played by Greek mathematician, astrologer and astronomer

Ptolemy, whose work Tetrabiblos laid the foundations of the Western astrological tradition.

The planets, houses, and signs of the zodiac were first explained in great detail. Moreover,

Ptolemy explained the theoretical basis of the western zodiac as being a tropical coordinate

system, by which the zodiac is aligned to the equinoxes and solstices, rather than the visible

constellations that bear the same names as the zodiac signs. Two very significant

astrologers that with their works contributed in the evolution of Western astrology are

undoubtedly Antiochus of Athens and Dorotheus of Sidon. Antiochus of Athens is another

significant Greek astrologer from the same Hellenistic Period. He discussed the twelve

houses of the astrological chart, heliacal risings and settings (Karrasavas, 2017).

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The new age of astrology

According to Beck (2018), astrology is undeniably gaining popularity nowadays,

especially on social media. Astrologers make memes about retrogrades and categorize the

signs to literally anything. Callie Beusman, a senior editor at Broadly, says traffic for the

site’s horoscopes “has grown really exponentially.” Stella Bugbee, the president and editor-

in-chief of The Cut, says a typical horoscope post on the site got 150 percent more traffic

in 2017 than the year before. In some ways, astrology is perfectly suited for the internet

age. There’s Google if you have endless questions about life. Astrology expresses complex

ideas about personality, life cycles, and relationship patterns through the shorthand of the

planets and zodiac symbols. And that shorthand works well online. People tend to turn to

astrology in times of stress. A small 1982 study by the psychologist Graham Tyson found

that “people who consult astrologers” did so in response to stressors in their lives—

particularly stress “linked to the individual’s social roles and to his or her relationships,”

Tyson wrote. “Under conditions of high stress, the individual is prepared to use astrology

as a coping device even though under low-stress conditions he does not believe in it.”

According to American Psychological Association survey data, since 2014, Millennials

have been the most stressed generation, and also the generation most likely to say their

stress has increased in the past year since 2010. Millennials have been significantly more

stressed than older generations since 2012. Astrology offers those in crisis the comfort of

imagining a better future ahead. It can be a relief, and it can be freeing.

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Is astrology science or pseudoscience?

According to Haider (2015) there is a tendency in modern society to confuse

astrology and astronomy, or worse yet, to consider one a legitimate alternative to the other.

Although both arose from the wonders of the night sky, from stars to comets, planets, the

Sun and the Moon, astronomy had a practical motivation. Knowledge of motions of these

orbs made it possible to predict and plan for certain significant events, such as the changing

of the seasons and planting of crops. Many ancient astronomers, however, believed that

“harmonies” or “synchronicities” exist between celestial configurations and human

activities. They thought that celestial objects of the night sky exerted a special power over

humans, particularly in foretelling the course of their life. Thus, along with the practical

came the whimsical and the spiritual—astrology. Astrology is a superstition that has no

scientific basis. Its roots can be traced at least as far back as the Mesopotamian civilization

of the third millennium B.C. Today, astrology remains a popular delusion. It has trickled

down to everyone, and people now find it routinely in newspapers and magazines. Using

medieval methodologies, astrologers generated a set of rules to make vague auguries and

portents of a person's future and explain events on Earth. A diagram of the heavens called

the horoscope is one of the tools of their trade. The horoscope shows the position of the

Sun, planets and the Moon relative to the twelve constellations of the zodiac as they were

thousands of years ago. Since then, change in the orientation of the Earth's rotational axis

due to precession shifted the position of the ecliptic—path of the Sun against the

background of stars. Consequently, the location of the constellations in the sky changed.

They no longer correspond with the constellations in the horoscope. As an example,

astrologically I am an Aquarius because the Sun is believed to have been located in that

19
sign at the moment of my birth. But that was thousands of years ago. In the year I was born

the Sun was in Capricorn, not in Aquarius. Astrologers divided up the year equally,

ignoring variations in the size of the constellations. Since Virgo is huge, they chopped some

of its sky and added it along with bits of Scorpio to the tiny Libra to bring it up to size.

Astronomers call it “equal-opportunity swindling.” There are currently thirteen zodiacal

constellations, not twelve. Astrologers have ignored the thirteenth one, Ophiuchus, because

they believe that this constellation was invented by the astronomers to bedevil them.

Unfortunately, people put their trust on the predictions and advices offered by the

astrologers without demanding proof or verification. By doing so, they are not gaining any

real knowledge. Instead, their blind faith on the prophecies shows a lack of understanding

of what science is and of the distinction between scientific theory and faith-based

convictions. Many careful tests have shown that, despite their extraordinary claims,

astrologers really can't predict anything. Astrologers sometimes argue that astrology is

based on statistics and may not, therefore, be accurate for an individual. If their claim is

true, then there should be a correlation between astrological lore and the different signs

under which a person is born. Scientists have made serious attempts to test this hypothesis,

but no correlation has ever been found. Scientific disciplines based on hypothesis but with

no consistent body of supporting evidence are called pseudoscience. Astrology is one of

them. The difference between science and pseudoscience is the difference between

objective reality and subjective impressions. Pseudoscience misrepresents real scientific

discovery and contributes to anti-intellectual attitudes. It replaces exploration and

discovery with mysticism and magic. Astrologers vehemently deny this and steadfastly

resist any attempts to tamper with the veracity of astrology. Scientists play intellectual

20
games that have certain rules that need to be followed. They accept conclusions that can

be verified by repeated observations or experiments, or by making predictions that can be

tested. Astrology fails to meet these criteria. Put simply, the tenets of astrology provide

ample evidence of its absurdity. Effects of astrology do not exist in the Universe.

There is confusion between Astrology and Astronomy. Ancient astronomers

believed that there is synchronization between celestial configurations and human

activities, and proved it through scientific methods. Various studies show that astrology

has no scientific basis. Despite their claims, astrologers really can’t predict anything.

Scientists say that the reason Astrology is pseudoscience because it is based on hypothesis

but has no consistent supporting evidence, denying the claims of the astrologers.

The Future of Astrology

According to Fernandez (2015) with the age of the internet, astrologers are now

able to advertise their services and gain greater visibility at minimal costs, reaching clients

around the world and building more global communities like never before. With a greater

pool to draw from, it is more possible today for many astrologers to support themselves

and lead a full-time practice. However, astrologers are still not adequately remunerated for

their service and expertise. As a result, most people do not have faith that they can make a

living from this practice, and therefore, astrology studies and practice are still largely

categorized as a luxury expense. While we are on a good track in this direction, changing

mentalities and making this profession more financially secure is a work in progress. Free

21
contents will always remain accessible online, but we can aim at doing true financial justice

to services provided. While Science and Religion still demonize Astrology, sometimes for

truly valid reasons, astrologers today are better educated and more diverse and professional

in their practice. Oftentimes, astrologers find themselves pressured by the need for more

credibility, and as a result, can sometimes result to using self-righteous claims, dismissing

at times pertinent interpretations that cannot be systematically quantified. We should all

remember that there is no real proven understanding about how astrology really work, to

begin with. Notwithstanding, astrology knowledge needs to evolve on the foundation of

more reliable research methods. While it is in the nature of astrologers to commonly be

free-thinkers and immensely creative, and as such, potentially bring truly valuable new

realizations and knowledge to the table, more objective standards of investigation,

research, and use must evolve in our methods. With the next cycle of Jupiter and Saturn in

Aquarius, we may not only expect greater interest in the study of the skies, but an upgrade

in our standards of research. The necessity for this goes beyond a yearning for approval,

but it is a quest for better service. Similarly, improvement can begin with better educating

astrology students and practitioners about the building blocks of astrology, such as for

example, teaching astronomical references. Perhaps, every astrologer should know about

the Precession of the Equinoxes and other central Astronomical phenomenon. Such a

perspective can naturally help everyone be better equipped with arguments when debates

arise about the validity of astrology. With the upsurge of psychological and modern

astrology in the 80’s and the revival of traditional astrology through the translation of

ancient texts in the 90’s and early 2000’s, Astrology has expanded exponentially, toward

the past and future simultaneously. Moreover, we see more fusion of Vedic and Tropical

22
astrology approaches. We must continue to reconcile different approaches and enrich

astrology’s content and culture—astrology should not be homogenized to avoid conflict,

but benefit from its diversity. It is time for astrologers to move beyond divisive approach

about which house systems to use or whether traditional or modern rulers are the valid

ones. We should know by now that these different approaches are all valid and that they

each serve a purpose in different contexts. While debates and differing opinions are part of

our creative growth, tolerance and understanding must prevail, without for that

compromising rigor. How so? More emotional maturity to overcome our biases, an open

mind, and better research to validate the different approaches.

What makes some people think astrology is scientific?

This paper talks about why people think astrology is scientific, specifically for

Americans and Europeans. Through the use of European barometer. A survey was done

using a multistage probability design. Three hypotheses in particular are tested. The first is

that some Europeans lack the necessary scientific literacy to distinguish science from

pseudoscience. The second is that people are confused about what astrology actually is.

The third is derived from Adorno’s work on authoritarianism and the occult and postulates

that those who adhere to authoritarian values are more likely to believe in astrological

claims. The results showed that Europeans think astrology as more scientific than

horoscopes. Those who were more literate based on their answers on the ‘scientificness’ of

the given activities namely – Medicine, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Astronomy,

Psychology, Astrology, Economics, History, Homeopathy, and Horoscopes did not regard

astrology as scientific. Astrology is regarded as more scientific than horoscopes but

23
interestingly, the correlates of credulity in both of these are patterned in exactly the same

way. In other words, the same types of citizen are likely to regard astrology and horoscopes

as more scientific. The only major difference between regression models predicting beliefs

was that the effect of astronomy belief was far greater for astrology than for horoscopes.

Science literacy clearly makes a difference. Net of a range of other potential confounding

influences, the better is one’s understanding of scientific terms and concepts, as well as

factual knowledge of science, the better one is able to distinguish science from

pseudoscience.

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 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

The research is qualitative study that aims to analyze the role of astrology to human

perception of teenagers at Mapúa University through a survey and interview. A survey with

ten close-ended questions and an interview with five open-ended questions were conducted

to Senior High School students of Mapúa University. The research will use a non-

probability type of sampling, specifically purposive sampling. The type of purposive

sampling to be used is homogeneous sampling because the study focuses on the effect of

astrology and horoscope to teenagers, which are exposed to astrology and horoscope

readings online, while scrolling through their social media feed. A maximum of eight

respondents were surveyed and interviewed to gather insights and ideas, proceeded by an

analysis on the data gathered.

Methodology

Eight (8) Senior High School students were randomly chosen to answer a survey

and be interviewed about their insights on astrology and horoscopes. A survey

questionnaire was handed out to the selected respondents. After the survey was answered,

an interview with five (5) open ended questions was conducted. A cellphone was used to

record the interview. The answers were encoded to a table and analyzed afterwards.

25
Results and Discussion

Specifically, the research study sought to answer the following questions:

1.) What are the reasons why students result to astrology for guidance?

Table 1. Survey Question #6 and Interview Question #3

Survey Question
6. Why do you read your horoscope?
R1- No, I don’t read Doesn’t read
horoscopes horoscopes
R2- For entertainment For entertainment

R3- For entertainment For entertainment

R4- For entertainment For entertainment

R5- Just habit Just habit

R6- For entertainment For entertainment

R7- For entertainment For entertainment

R8- For entertainment For entertainment

Interview question
3. Do you read your horoscope? If
yes, why? If no, why not?
R1- “No. I don’t read Does not read
horoscopes. “ horoscopes

R2- “Yes. It is a form of Sees horoscopes

entertainment that predicts as entertainment
your personality. “

26
 R3- “Yes. When I have Not much of a
time. It is accurate believer
sometimes but most of the
time it is not.”
R4- “No.” Does not read
horoscopes
R5- “Yes, but not daily.” Reads
horoscopes but
not on a daily
basis

R6- “Yes, sometimes. To Reads

know I am.” horoscopes to
know who he is

R7- “Yes. I read it when Reads

I’m bored. When I need a horoscopes when
piece of advice then why bored and needs
not.” advice

R8- “Maybe once in every Reads

two weeks, as long as I see horoscopes when
it pop up in my social he sees it in
media.” social media

The results from the study showed that none of the students result to astrology for

guidance. They just read for entertainment and do not take astrology seriously. One

respondent reads her horoscope just because of habit. Most of the respondents just read

their horoscopes in their leisure time. Interest in astrology doesn’t mean people are

abandoning rationality for mystical beliefs. People might say they don’t believe in

27
astrology, but still identify with their zodiac sign. They might like to read their horoscope,

but don’t change their behavior based on what it says (Beck, 2018).

2.) What is the impact of astrological signs to the students according to?

Table 2. Interview Question #4

4. Does your
horoscope reading
impact you? How?
R1 – “No, I don’t read Doesn’t read
horoscopes.” horoscopes
R2- “No, I don’t take it Does not take
personally.” horoscopes seriously
R3- “ A bit, but I don’t believe Not much of a
in it mostly.” believer
R4- “ No, I don’t rely on it.” Not a believer of
horoscopes
R5- “In some way. If it says I Slightly dependent
will be lucky then I will be on astrology.
positive. If it says the latter Positivity
then I will be pessimistic.” throughout a day is
in line with
horoscope reading
R6- “Not that much. I don’t Does not take
rely on it.” horoscopes seriously
R7- “Just a bit. Sometimes A bit dependent on
they’re kind of accurate. It astrology. Becomes
impacts me in a way that I will cautious in line with
be more careful.” horoscope reading
R8- “No. It only entertains Reads just for fun
me.”

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2.1 friendship

Some respondents said that horoscopes impact them but not that much. None of the

respondents mentioned anything in particular about astrological signs being a factor in

choosing their peers. In line with the first statement of the problem, the respondents do not

depend on astrology for guidance and just choose who they want to be with.

2.2 relationship

Same with 2.1, none of the respondents said anything about depending on astrology

in choosing their partners. The respondents don’t depend on astrology for guidance.

2.3 career

Same with the first two categories, Astrology does not affect the respondents on

such a manner that they depend on astrology for their career. Based from the answers of

the respondents, astrology is just merely an entertainment for them and they do not take it

seriously.

3.) From where do people, specifically teens, get their information about horoscopes and

zodiac signs?

Table 3. Survey Question #2

2. Where do you get information

about your astrological signs and
horoscopes?
R1- No, I don’t read Doesn’t read
horoscopes horoscopes

29
 R2- Social Media Social Media
R3-Newspaper, Magazine Newspaper/
Magazine
R4- Social Media Social Media
R5- Social Media Social Media
R6- Social Media Social Media
R7- Social Media, Gets information
Newspaper/Magazine, from a lot of
Television sources

R8- Social Media Social Media

3.1 newspaper

Only one respondent said that she reads horoscopes from newspapers. It is common

knowledge that millennials read news from social media and rarely read newspapers in

contrast to older people.

3.2 social media

Most of the respondents read their horoscope readings online, while scrolling

through their social media feed. The results are a proof that social media’s popularity

among millennials in today’s world. Stella Bugbee, the president and editor-in-chief of the

Cut, says a typical horoscope post on the site got 150 percent more traffic in 2017 than the

year before. In some ways, astrology is perfectly suited for the internet age. Astrology

expresses complex ideas about personality, relationship patterns through planets and

zodiac symbols and that shorthand works well online (Beck, 2018).

30
3.3 television

The same respondent said that she gets information on horoscope readings on

television. In 3.2, it was stated that social media is popular among teens in today’s world.

Everything can now be seen on the internet, even the shows that are popular can be

streamed with just a click (Gutierrez, 2018).

Conclusion

1. Majority of the respondents said that they read their horoscopes just for

entertainment. They don’t consult to it for guidance.

2. Astrology has no impact to the respondents in accordance to their friendships,

relationships, and career path. They are not dependent on astrology.

3. Majority of the respondents said that they get their information about astrology

and horoscopes on social media.

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 Chapter IV

RECOMMENDATIONS

The aim of this study of was to analyze the role of astrology to human perception of

teenagers at Mapúa University. A qualitative approach was used in the methods of the

study. The study did not take into account the gender of respondents. In addition, the

study only focused on teenagers. The findings of the study show that astrology has not

that much of an impact on teenagers.

In light of the above, the researcher wishes to make the following recommendations

which might bring positive changes to the current approach of the study:

1. Future researchers can use this information to analyze if gender plays a factor in

the results of the study.

2. Future researchers can include adults who are already working, for correlation.

3. Future researchers can also specify which traits from zodiac signs match the

respondents, putting them as a checklist on the questionnaire. The website/ social

media platform which the respondents used to get information about their

horoscope can also be included in the future researches.

32
References

Ali, Z. (2015). The barnum effect: Why we believe our horoscopes. Retrieved from The Daily
Californian: http://www.dailycal.org/2015/06/01/the-barnum-effect-why-we-believe-
our-hoax-ascopes/

Beck, J. (2018, January). The New Age of Astrology. Retrieved from The Atlantic:
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/01/the-new-age-of-
astrology/550034/

Currey, R. (2016, August). New theory outlines possible mechanism for astrological claims.
Retrieved from Astrology News Science: http://astrologynewsservice.com/articles/new-
theory-outlines-possible-mechanism-for-astrological-claims/

Demichele, T. (2016, March). Western astrology explained. Retrieved from Fact/Myth:

http://factmyth.com/western-astrology-explained/

Different Types of Astrology. (n.d.). Retrieved from Pyschic Readings:

https://www.psychic.com.au/different-types-of-astrology.html

Fernandez, M. (2015). The Future of Astrology. Retrieved from The Organization for Professional
Astrology: https://www.opaastrology.org/publications/articles/158-the-future-of-
astrology

Gutierrez, R. (2018, April). The Truth About Millennial TV Habits. Retrieved from Extreme Reach:
https://extremereach.com/blog/the-truth-about-millennial-tv-habits/

Haider, Q. (2014, August). Is Astrology Science or Pseudoscience. Retrieved from The Daily Star:
https://www.thedailystar.net/is-astrology-science-or-pseudoscience-37018

Karasavvas, T. (2017, April). The 4,000 year history of horoscopes: How astrology has been
shaped throughout the Millennia. Retrieved from Ancient Origins: https://www.ancient-
origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/4000-year-history-horoscopes-how-astrology-has-
been-shaped-throughout-021321

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APPENDICES

34
 Appendix A

Survey/ Interview Questions

Research Title: An Analysis: Role of Astrology to Human Perception of Teenagers at

Mapúa University
Researcher: Gabriel Brix B. Garcia
This survey aims to analyze the role of astrology to the perception of senior high school
students/ teenagers at Mapúa University.
Directions: Read the following questions and encircle/tick your answer
Survey Questions:
1. In your own opinion, how do you think astrology is true?

Tick the reasons below on why is it true. Don’t write anything if none.

o Symbolic truth

o Synchronicity

o Trigger at birth

o It is also astronomy

2. Where do you get information about your astrological signs and horoscopes?

A. Social Media

B. Newspaper/ Magazine

C. Television

D. No, I don’t read horoscopes

3. In a four-point scale, how much often do you consider astrology as part of your

daily life?

1- Never 2- Sometimes 3- Often 4- Always

4. What is your astrological sign?

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 o Aries (March 21- April 19)

o Taurus (April 20- May 20)

o Gemini (May 21- June 20)

o Cancer (Jun 21- July 22)

o Leo (July 23-Aug 22)

o Virgo (Aug 23- Sep 22)

o Libra (Sep 23- Oct 22)

o Scorpio (Oct 23- Nov 21)

o Sagittarius (Nov 22- Dec 21)

o Capricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19)

o Aquarius (Jan 20- Feb 18)

o Pisces (Feb 19- March 20)

5. Are the astrological signs accurate and match your personality?

A. Yes B. No

6. Why do you read your horoscope?

A. for entertainment C. just habit

B. for guidance D. No I don’t read

horoscopes

7. Are the readings you get accurate?

A. Yes B. No

8. Do you believe that astrology is scientific?

A. Yes B. No

36
 9. In a four-point scale, how important do you consider astrology as a part of your

life?

1- Not important 2- Less important 3- Important 4- Very

important

10. Would you recommend others who need guidance to try horoscopes?

A. Yes B. No

Interview Questions

1. Do you believe in astrology? Why?

2. Do you know what astrology perceives of your sign?

3. Do you read your horoscope? If yes, why? If no, why not?

4. Does your horoscope reading impact you? How?

5. In your own opinion, does reading horoscope for guidance really help a person? Why?

37
 Appendix B

Survey questionnaire with answers

38