Myths About Astrology

Sun Sign Compatibility

One of the biggest astrological myths is the notion of sun sign compatibility. Sun sign compatibility is based upon the idea that certain sun signs are compatibility with one another and that others are not. The problem is that we are each individuals, and no one is just one sign. While our sun sign represents our basic sense of identity, it is not the sum total of our being. The positions of all the planets at our moment of birth make us unique individuals, and these placements all contribute to whom we get along with.

The basis for Sun sign compatibility is derived from the elements and quadruplicities. Signs in the same element form trines (favorable astrological aspects) to one another. Signs in the same quadruplicities form squares or oppositions (difficult astrological aspects) to one another.

The elements are made up of fire, earth, air, and water. The fire signs, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, which are the most out-going, straight forward sun signs are seen to be compatible signs. Likewise, the practical, hard-working earth signs, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are seen to get along; as are the communicative, information-oriented air signs, Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius; and the sensitive, emotional, water signs, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

The quadruplicities are made up of cardinal, fixed, and mutable signs. The cardinal signs, Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn are not supposed to get along, and neither are fixed signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius; or mutable signs, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, or Pisces.

The planets Mercury (thinking) and Venus (love) travel close to the Sun, but are not necessarily in the same sign as the Sun. Mercury can either be in the same sign as the Sun sign, the Sun sign before it, or the Sun sign after it. When Mercury falls in a different sign, our ego needs and our thinking differ. By the same token, Venus can be as much as a sign and a half away from the Sun. If Venus falls in the same sign as our Sun sign, we are attracted to people who are similar to us. However, if Venus falls in a different sign, characteristics of that sign, rather than our own, represent our ideal lover.

The Moon represents our emotional needs. Venus and Mars represent sexual attraction. The planets from Jupiter out influence the way we look at life. The entire chart influences how we relate, not just our Sun signs.

So, whenever you see an offer for a free compatibility report, remember that free represents its exact worth.

Sun Sign Forecasts

It's a toss up whether Sun Sign compatibility or Sun sign forecasts are the biggest myth. Just as the entire chart plays a role in whom we are compatible with, the entire chart plays a role in what's likely to happen in our lives.

The Sun represents our basic sense of identity, but not the sum total of our being. Serious astrologers use a combination of predictive techniques to identify personal cycles. Transits are the most commonly used. When we look at transits, we compare positions of the planets to the positions of all the planets in our birth charts and the sectors of the chart they are moving through. Just like life, transits can be contradictory. You can have a favorable Jupiter transit to your Sun that says life is full of opportunities and at the same time have a difficult transit to your Moon that signifies emotional loss.

I clearly remember an incident when I was in college (long before I was an astrologer) that plainly represents how Sun sign predictions can lead us in the wrong direction. A friend worked in the college library. One day she came into the library, cheerful, hopeful, and beautifully dressed and made up. Her Sun sign horoscope had told her that this was the day she would meet the love of her life. Knowing this, she had not socialized for quite some time. Why would she—she knew her destiny. Unfortunately, much to her disappointment, nothing out of the ordinary happened that day. And when this type of incident happens, people say, "See, I told you. Astrology doesn't work." And they are right in the sense that Sun sign astrology does not.

Astrology is a superstition

Astrology has been practiced for thousands of years. In earlier times, astronomy and astrology were one, and they were part of an educated person's learning curriculum. Astrology and astronomy parted company during the Enlightenment in the Eighteenth Century. Yet while astrology as a fad has been in and out of vogue ever since, it has never faded away. Unfortunately, the popularity of Sun sign astrology makes it easy to dismiss astrology overall.

Astrology is a belief system or a religion

Astrology is not a belief system of any sort. Astrology is based upon the movement of the planets as they relate to people. Astrology's application is akin to psychology and economics. Astrology is like psychology in that it identifies personality characteristics and behavioral traits. It is like economics in that it makes forecasts for future conditions in an ever-changing world where no set of circumstances is ever repeated in quite the same way.

People do not have blind faith in astrology. An accurately interpreted astrology chart based upon a person's date, time, and place of birth precisely describes his nature—talents and abilities, relationships, family history, career, money-making aptitude, and recurring problem problems. Current planetary cycles describe what's going on in a person's life, whether challenges or opportunities. Astrology either works or it doesn't. No one needs to believe blindly.

On the other hand, many references to astrology are found in both the Old and New Testaments to the Bible. The wise men who followed the stars were astrologers who heralded the birth of Christ. The four faces in Ezekiel's vision were of the lion, man, ox, and eagle, representing the signs of Leo, Aquarius, Taurus, and Scorpio.

Astrology charts only work for people

In fact, we astrologers draw up charts for just about everything.

Mundane astrology charts cities, states, towns, and countries based upon their founding or incorporation. For many countries with long histories more than one chart is considered.

Financial astrology charts businesses based upon their opening date or incorporation, and stocks based upon either the business incorporation or the date of their first trade on the stock market.

Pet Astrology—yes, pets too, chart pets' personalities based upon their birthdays. I get many calls from people who want to adopt a pet wanting to know if it is a good time for them to do so and if the new pet's chart will be compatible with either their own or other pets in the family.

Years ago my picture landed on the front page of the Salem Evening News with two Great Danes when I was talking to people about their pets at a Petco Store. One person with three cats told me how glad he was that someone understood that while all his cats were the same breed, they had significantly different personalities. As the proud owner of a gorgeous Maine Coon Cat (named Rhett after Rhett Butler), I am in complete simpatico with anyone who wants to know about her pet.