Time for a rant about astrology!

Here’s a typical description of a star-sign that I found lying around somewhere online:

      Libra: Libras have a strong sense of fair play and justice. They seek cooperation in the settlement of disputes. Libras seek harmony and balance in their lives and have a good understanding of social and human relations. Libras are affectionate, charming, and considerate yet anger is shown by strong but quickly ending blowouts. Libras are usually independent and strong individuals that support progressive social movements.

Now, looking past the whole “why isn’t every twelfth person I meet the same” arguement, why are horoscopes so nice? Why don’t you ever see a star-sign described more candidly? Maybe something more like this:

      Libra: Libras can be really annoying perfectionists, and always stick their noses into other people’s problems. They are manipulative and smarmy, and also lose their temper regularly. Libras are often loners who nevertheless sheepishly follow the liberal cause-du-jour.

See? Much better. I suppose horoscope-writers are just pandering to their audience, writing what they want to hear. After all, when was the last time your horoscope said “call in sick and stay in bed all damn day else you’ll seriously fucking regret it“? And yet, how often is that advice appropriate to your day?

I think that’s something to bear in mind the next time you read a horoscope: the people that write them aren’t in the buisness of predicting the future, just making sure you come back to read them tomorrow. Of course, the same could be said for newspapers in general….