Why do promoters of astrology bail when asked for data sources?

Can’t handle the simple and logical questions so just delete. Seems astrology is an emperor with no clothes.

We’re all children of The Enlightenment. Instead of blindly accepting extraordinary claims, we can demand extraordinary proof. I’d say astrology qualifies as extraordinary. Certainly nothing natural.

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hartfire

I'm not sure what you mean by data sources.
Do you mean original medieval texts, from Europe, India and China, from which the modern practices were derived? I'm not even sure whether those still exist.
If not, do you mean the data for the changing relative positions of planets and constellations? Astrologers draw that directly from astronomy. They even change and adapt their system when a new planet like Uranus is named.

I agree that the belief system itself is cockeyed foolery. But people love to believe things - and often they choose a specific belief because it fits their chosen identity as "rebel", "eccentric", "hippie", "new ager", "alternative" or whatever.

I think it works as a party game. One can use it to create a jokey conversation, without getting too personal with a stranger, and it reveals something about what they do and don't believe. So it already reveals something quite significant.

BlueSkyKing · M

@hartfire My adage is: If it’s not science, it’s superstition.

Let’s stick with modern research. How would you collect data if you had the finances? A huge amount would be required and not easily accessible. What data would you collect from around the world? Birth data? Birthdays are recorded in most countries but not always time. Governments don’t need time for any purpose. I know my date of birth, not the time.

So you have the birthday, what other data is needed? Physical attributes? Doesn’t astrology claim to have an effect? Personality? Based on self opinion or other points of view? This is going to be totally anecdotal. Is my opinion reliable? Or will my ego dominate?