reply to post by watchitburn
I've never really put much stock in astrology. And I definitely don't put any stock in internet or newspaper horoscopes. To my mind, the placement of
the constellations has absolutely zero effect on who we, as people, become. Our upbringing, cultural influences, and experiences as adolescents have
far more influence. Take, for example, my own sign, Scorpio:
According to various books on astrology, websites, and fluff-horoscopes, here are some qualities about Scorpios:
• We can come in three blends: the dangerous, or poisonous type who manipulate and abuse our charm and authority over other people; the friendly and
calm type who prefer to be secure in ourselves without worry about others; and the blended type, who mix self-confidence with occasional
manipulation.
So, according to this, I am either very aggressive, pushing to acquire what I want; or very relaxed, taking only what I am capable of attaining for
myself; or, I am a bit of both, an opportunist who seeks the use of others occasionally, while commonly just doing things to the best of my ability.
That describes every living human being with sentience and a developed will.
• "Some think you are a quiet, passive sign" and "You are quite adventurous and bold."
Huh, quite a hypocritical set of statements there. Which is it? Am I quiet and passive, or adventurous and bold?
• Strength of character includes: charm, confidence, magnetism; weaknesses of character include: lack of action, manipulative nature, and being
distrustful.
According to this, every good quality I possess is countered by the exact opposite negative quality. I have confidence and courage, yet I am too
scared to take action. I have charm and magnetism, yet I am manipulative and distrustful.
Are we beginning to see the problem here? Astrology is a series of weights aligned to balance us perfectly in the middle. For every "good" thing about
us, we automatically possess the diametric opposite... just in case we don't see ourselves as exuding the beneficial element. As I said, my
characteristis, or nature, were far more developed by my friendships, familial relations, and the neighborhood I was raised in.
My friends were very studious, with a dedication to their causes. They are why I, even when I couldn't afford college anymore, continued to teach
myself about history and anthropological studies. I am an autodidact not because I am a Scorpio, but because of my friends, who always pushed me to do
what I could, even if the traditional route was no longer possible.
My parents were very generous, and always opened their doors, and their hearts, to anyone we knew who needed a hand. Yet they were always certain to
push so that the one they were helping, helped themselves too. This is why I lend out money, drive long distances to visit hospitalized friends, and
constantly push those I know to rise above their obstacles and be better individuals. Not because my ruling planets are Pluto and Mars.
The stars had meaning to our ancestors for mythological purposes; psychoanalytical and archetypal associations. Not because our sign, element, and
ruling planet(s) actually govern and dictate our lives. If you believe they do, then it is only because you have too weakly developed your own
persona, and it is not the stars, but the people around you, who have removed your free will, and inserted themselves into your personality.
Oh, and Sixty Symbols is an awesome project. I watch all their videos.
~ Wandering Scribe
edit on 20/2/13 by Wandering Scribe because: spelling