Astrology

Introduction

Astrology is according to http://skepdic.com/astrology.html "...a type of divination based on the theory that the positions and movements of celestial bodies (stars, planets [except the one you are born on or those in other solar systems], Sun, and Moon) at the time of birth profoundly influence a person's life." It is supposed to be where one's personality can be read, aided only by the date of when the person was born (e.g. 16th August 1945). There are 12 astrological 'Sun' signs which are assigned to specific months. For example, February 20th - March 21st is ruled by Pisces, the two fish. 

    If someone was born on 19th March 1978, their personality would be described by the astrologist according to the description given to people born under Pisces. Furthermore, the exact date is required in order to state what 'Houses' the person belongs to. For example, Pisces belongs to the House of Secrets, but the person would belong to a second house if they were born at a particular time (e.g. 7am). The description given for people whose signs belong to a particular house, combined with the description given for those whose birth time falls under a particular house may also be given to further "describe" the person's personality. 

The 12 astrological sun signs

According to David Wells' Complete Guide to Developing Your Psychic Skills p. 13:

Aries

21 March - 20 April

"You are the first born, the start of the wheel, and therefore the sign most likely to be like a baby, demanding attention and constant feeding. That's true to a certain extent! But here we are interested in what makes you tick as far as your spirituality is concerned and not necessarily the way you would approach relationships, career etc. If there is going to be trouble with your psychic development it's going to come from rushing into things rather than stopping and looking where you are going. Hurrying isn't a good idea when you are dealing with the subtle energies of your psychic self, so slow down, you don't want to miss anything! I know patience isn't an easy thing for you and you are probably going to be frustrated when things won't go at the pace you want. That's why you should consciously take a step back when you find those frustrations moving in on you. Just try it and see! Meditation isn't likely to be easy for you, as you would rather be up and doing than sitting thinking, which is why you may do better with contemplation. ... You are likely to be both very creative and very argumentative ... Aries is meant to be in front - just make sure you stay there and aren't overtaken by those who may have been slower at the start but are more thorough with their preparation. 

Aries character traits

Adventurous, courageous, enthusiastic, confident, creative, selfish, impulsive, foolhardy."

Taurus
21 April - 21 May

"...beauty, inner and outer. It's one where the word 'voluptuous' comes into its own. You have a richness of spirit and an appreciation of the forces of nature that warm those you come across, and on a psychic level you are more likely to be in tune with Mother Earth and Goddess energy than most. That simply means you have more of an acceptance of a female almighty force than a male and applies whether you yourself are male or female. Practical expression of your beliefs is important and you are likely to warm to rituals such as burning incense, lighting candles and ringing bells. ... You crave the safety and security of routine and this can work in your favour in your development if you set aside specific times to study, to meditate or to attend courses about something you are interested in. You do very well with the Tarot, as the stories contained in the deck stimulate all of your senses, making the cards something you can understand quickly and compassionately. Emotion is the key that unlocks the Tarot's secrets. A relationship is something that seems to provide you with the stability and security you crave. Some signs can function very well in their own, but not you. Those who have you in their life will find you a loyal and supportive partner, someone they can trust and build strong foundations with. This support is doubly important in your own psychic growth, as having that security around you makes it easier for you to relax and to focus. If you do find yourself single, enlist the help of some like-minded mates, as you simply work better when you feel the protection of others around you. Short cuts are not for you, something that may exasperate the swifter-moving signs, but don't let that bother you. You really must do things at your own pace. ... You are not that great at change, but you may cause ripples in your own pond as you grow from being a little fish into a big one, so as you progress, be ready to confront things you would once have left alone.

Aries character traits

Trustworthy, reliable, patient, methodical, determined, possessive, inflexible, jealous."

The other Signs are the following:

Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagitarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces 

Queer questions

The personality readings of Aries and Taurus raises some questions:

1. If Aries people are "adventurous, courageous, enthusiastic, confident, creative, selfish, impulsive and foolhardy", how many of these words need to fit an Aries person in order to diagnose them as being born under Aries?

2. Is it possible to diagnose people as being born under Aries (without knowing their birth date) if their character fits the description of an Aries person (for example, that they are "Adventurous, courageous, enthusiastic, confident, creative, selfish, impulsive and foolhardy")?

3. If Aries people are "Adventurous, courageous, enthusiastic, confident, creative, selfish, impulsive, and foolhardy", does this mean that other people belonging to other signs, such as Taurus people, do not have any of Aries' traits?

4. How does astrology work?

5. Are the description really taken from the astrological signs and, if so, how?

6. Why is it that sceptics can easily conjure up as astrological reading replication without referring to the heavens for guidance?

7. Why is it that the descriptions given for a particular star sign can fit almost anyone?

(Still being updated.)