What is OmniNerd?

Welcome! OmniNerd's content is generated by you, the reader. Through voting and moderation we strive to highlight the nerdiest of what's around and provide content that's a little more thought provoking than other sites.

Submit New Content

Voting Booth

Reaction to Michelle Obama saying, "For the first time, I am proud of my country"?

48 votes, 7 comments
3
Nerd-Its
+ -

Context over predictive value

Comment comment by NomadSoul on 26 April 2008

There will always be something like astrology around. It may even provide a useful function in giving people a context or framework for understanding their experiences, even if it isn't necessarily accurate in a historical sense. The thing even an experienced astrologer will tell you is that astrology predicts trends and forces, not specific events. It's like a spiritual weather report--the astrologer can issue a storm warning, but can't say for sure if your house will be demolished by a passing tornado, or if the storm will pass you by altogether.

If it helps people get some context for understanding and overcoming the challenges in their lives, it's a good and healthy thing. If it becomes an obsession or crutch, and the person can't do anything without consulting their horoscope, well, then it's time to put it aside.

Star This to Save in Your Profile Favorite
Thread parent sort order:
Highest Voted : Lowest Voted : Oldest : Newest
Thread verbosity:
Expand All : Minimize Replies to Comments

The point is what causes the astrologer to issue the "spiritual storm warning". If he's just making stuff up, it's not useful. If he gives the same warning to everyone, it's not useful. If he's giving helpful advice, by say knowing the person in question well, and seeing the psychological stormclouds on the horizon, that is fine. But it's called psychology. Leave the stars nonsense out of it.