More Zodiac Fail

[sekiharatae]

Warning:  This post is brought to you by the word FRUSTRATION, which has been exacerbated by STUPIDITY.  It's entirely likely that there is a severe absence of tact ahead.

 

I'm going to be blunt:  there is no new zodiac.    In fact, the 'new' zodiac being quoted everywhere was invented (for lack of a better word) in 1995 by Walter Berg.  (It's caught on quick, hasn't it?)

Further, since there is no new zodiac, there isn't any rule about who it affects.  Anyone who is claiming it only applies to people born now and in the future is even more full of it than those up in arms about their sign changing.  ETA:  This statement is somewhat true in the sense that the dates given for the 'new' signs are only correct for this year.  That doesn't mean a 13-sign zodiac would not apply to someone born a hundred years ago; it means that to correctly assign a sign you'd have to check a star chart for that year.  Also, variation from one year to the next will be very slight.

Who is it that you think is trying to change your sign?  Who is trying to put a new zodiac in place?  Who is the Great Zodiac Enforcer?

Is it Professor Kunkle?  To quote an article in the Houston Chronicle:

Later in the day Kunkle, an astronomy professor, acknowledged he proposed the reordering and reinterpreting of the zodiac as a class project, nothing more. In fact, he said he has so little interest in horoscopes, he doesn't know his own sign. (emphasis mine)

Kunkle doesn't give a flying leap about his own sign; he sure doesn't care about yours.  

Every astrologist anyone can find to ask adamantly states that nothing is going to change, so it's not them, either.  (And if there was a movement to change the zodiac, surely it would start with the astrologists?)

It's definitely not the government.

So who, exactly, is taking your sign away? 

I think it's you.  You're the one who set such store in it, and you're the one who is having issues with learning it's not, in fact, based on the positions of the stars today, but rather on their positions at the birth of astrology thousands of years ago.

Whereas if you'd bothered to actually learn a little about the zodiac, you'd already know that.  

(Personally, if I was going to base my life decisions on any sort of mysticism, I'd learn something about it, first.  Maybe that's just me.)

In any event:  you are upset because you think your sign needs to change, and the only reason you think your sign needs to change is because you don't know how your sign was ever determined in the first place.    

(This is the part in the program where I use an analogy to drive my point home.)

Let's say you have a leather coat you love and are happy wearing.  You get compliments on it.  It's flattering.  It works for you.  Then one day you learn that naugahyde is not, as you've always thought, made from the skin of a naugabeast, but is in fact a synthetic leather.  All this time -- all those days you were happy and content and flattered -- you've been wearing a plastic coat, not a leather one.   Your perception of your coat and your fashion sense takes a beating, and you're upset. Realistically, however, nothing has changed:  the coat is still a good coat, one that fits and is flattering and looks good on you.  One you get complimented on when you wear it.  You look just as sophisticated in it as you did when you thought it was real leather.  Only your understanding has changed, and if you can't cope with that, it's your own fault for being an ignorant dope.

Get it? 

Nobody is trying to make you change your coat.  They've just told you it's made of plastic, not leather.  A smart person would reply, 'I know' and go about their business.  An idiot would have a fit and complain that they're being forced to buy a new one.

There is no new zodiac. 

Can we stop freaking out about it? Or at least try being a bit rational?  Just a teentsy bit?

ETA:  If there's one thing I hate and am passionate about, it's when people refuse to think.  A lot of the world's ills are the result of people just not using their brains.  People are inconsiderate because they don't pause to think how their actions will affect another.  People jump to conclusions and make bad decisions because they don't think things through.  To me, this zodiac fiasco is a great big massive example of people being stupid -- people not thinking and then blowing things out of proportion on an incredible scale.  That... irks me in a way I don't think I can properly explain.  Maybe it will suffice to say that I'm a mathematician by training, and while ignorance was an option, refusing to use my brain was not.  I can't understand it.  I can't understand how people 'think' without actually seeming to engage in thought.

Comments

[fenikkusuken.livejournal.com]

I am continuously boggled by people who take stuff like zodiac/star signs as some kind of Immutable Fact.

For the fun of it, we go with the Asian year-based zodiac in our house. I'd rather be a dragon than a set of scales, thank you, because anyone who knows me snorks heartily at the idea that I might be at all 'balanced'. *wink*

[sekiharatae.livejournal.com]

If I actually cared what my sign was, I think I'd like the 'new' scheme. Neither my husband nor myself is a scorpio under it. ;)

[windrider1.livejournal.com]

I am continuously boggled by people who take stuff like zodiac/star signs as some kind of Immutable Fact.

I feel this way about religion. But I won't rant on it. There are plenty of people out there that do actively seek out horoscopes and crap all the time. **shakes head**

I refuse to believe the stars have any more/less control over me than some faceless deity.

It's all bullshit.

[sekiharatae.livejournal.com]

I feel this way about religion.

Really?

*blinks*

*glomps you*

I'm not alone!

[windrider1.livejournal.com]

**hugs** Not alone, babe. I don't usually rant/vent religion because it's incredibly personal to a lot of people. However, I really, really pity anyone that tries to shove it in my face.

My children have the option to attend church with their grandparents, and also participate in their church's youth program. They are well aware that I don't believe, and they are okay with it--because I stress and emphasize-- "Common sense, and do what is right--by you, for you." As they get older, I hope they explore other religions aside from Christianity as well. But whatever the case, they will not be pressured by me one way or another. And I made it VERY clear to their grnadparents and the pastor--they will NOT be pressured by anyone else either. If it becomes an 'obligation' then I will take them out. Faith--or lack of--is not determined by attendance. Fuck that shit. lol.

Okay, that went on longer than needed. But yes, Agnostic atheist here. Not agnostic as in "There might be a God"--agnostic as in "I can't prove his lack of existence anymore than someone can prove he does exist."

[sekiharatae.livejournal.com]

It is very very personal. Sadly, it's also the main reason I've been so frustrated and depressed in the last several months. =/ My lack of faith is just as personal, you know?

I think I've been pretty good about not going off on it, though. ^^; Even here I'm not saying 'zodiac is nonsense'. I'm just saying if you don't know what you believe, it's your own fault.

Which is kind of my problem with most religious people... I'm virtually bible illiterate and went to a 'Fransciscan Tradition' (Catholic) college. In my religion classes (required) I found out I knew more about what they believed than they did. *face palm*

Um... anyway, talking too much here. ^^; But... next time I'm ready to explode can I message you to vent in safety? (And of course the door is always open.)

*hugs tight*

[windrider1.livejournal.com]

Absolutely, vent away. Robin and I have lengthy discussions sometimes--mostly because his parents are UBER Christians--complete with Bible pop quiz on Christmas. Which ended when I was asked: "First woman?" Me: "Lilith." Robin and his father: "Uhm, no, her name was Eve..." Me: "Discussion ends here. You have no clue, so you don't get to quiz me on it." I wasn't trying to be hostile, but anyone that says first woman is Eve has been SPOON FED their Christianity and can immediately STFU. (IMO) But yeah, door's open. Anytime. :D

ps. Truth is most Athiest know more about Religion than those actively practicing. Mostly to be condescending assholes (as Athiest tend to be, lol)

[sekiharatae.livejournal.com]

Your postscript is so so true... Most of the time that annoys me as much as the holier-than-though Christians. (I'll read something and think: Gee, was it really necessary to be such a jerk?!) Then every once in awhile I'll be so frustrated that reading another athiest be a snarky bastard makes me feel better... and I go to the FSM site. ^^;

I also like to watch Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. =D I so wish they'd do a bit on the Texas Textbook Massacre.

[ocvalkyrie.livejournal.com]

I don't believe in religion, either. I don't deny that there could be a such thing as god or gods, but I don't personally believe. I don't personally have proof one way or the other, though I do believe the bible is full of crap. What Christians and Catholics call 'miracles,' I call normal things turned grand with a metaphor. And I REALLY get pissed when people try to force me to believe in their religion. I have these two friends, both from childhood, who constantly threw a 'God made it so' into every conversation. Finally, I kicked them off my Facebook flist and stopped talking to them. Mind you, I did tell them--repeatedly--that I didn't believe and that it was my choice to do so. They had their warning, they got their heads boitten off, but they still did it. I don't need people like that in my life. People who can't respect my thoughts or feelings. Fuck them.

Anyway, apologies for the rant. I don't know many others who don't believe. I live in a very Polish community. Did you know most Polish folks are really religious?

Yeah, it's hard being the only agnostic for miles. Luckily, my best friend is an out-of-practice Jehovah's Witness, much like how I am with Christianity. Also, I do know a fair amount about religions, but only because I find them fascinating, much like Norse mythology.

/TiredFailMoment

-Chela

[kitsune13-tam.livejournal.com]

I feel compelled to point out (in a hopefully non-condescending sounding way) that Lilith is Jewish mysticism – not to be confused with the Jewish religion which has several branches itself - not Christian theology and so if your relatives were playing the Christian based trivia, Eve would in fact be the right answer according to that set of standards (but that's less because I'm stuck on the religion and more because I'm a trivia pursuit nerd). I love you both dearly which I would hope would be apparent after all this time. I’m also, one should hope obviously, a Christian, though not always (or necessarily often) the best representation. I’m also at the end of a long work week at the moment, tired, and debating whether I should say anything or just skim and keep going. I don't do religious debates or ‘I’m right/you’re right/everyone’s wrong’ statements - I find them pointless. The point of my religion is freedom of choice and I adhere to that for everyone. Just as I’m well aware that any group of people, religious or otherwise, is going to have members that represent it poorly. So this is actually an 'I agree with you guys' answer. No one should force their beliefs on anyone and there are parts of the internet that I tread that are very hostile to Christianity even though they're entirely non-religious settings. We won't even talk about family. The point is when I run into rhetoric that slurs what I believe or people who try to belittle me for it or force their version of 'the truth' down my throat, I find it helps if I put things in perspective. Which is where I insert the name ‘Asia Bibi’ - which has kind of helped me realize what I need to focus on. At the end of the day, I have to learn to shrug off other people trying to tell me what's best for me off and realize that my choices are my choices and all I have to be responsible or answerable for. The same way it is for everyone else. Letting other people drag me down is giving them control and I already know they're jerks in the first place, so I don't want to give them that kind of power (which is of course, always easier said then done but I'm trying - it's not easy to stop the internal debate monologue of what I'd like to say to them however). The world is full of people that will tell you you're wrong no matter what you believe and make a stink about it. It's not fair and it sucks. But - it could be worse. I'd like to think this is less about 'I believe this vs. I believe that' for us and more of a 'there are some real assholes out there of varied flavors, let's stick together and stay sane'. We're friends not because of what we believe but because of who we are.

[sekiharatae.livejournal.com]

Hey hon! I love you too! Always.

Just to clarify: I firmly believe in freedom of religion, and I respect the beliefs of my religious friends. It's not for me, but if it's for you, then that's wonderful. When I say I'm frustrated with religion, it's because I'm annoyed and disheartened by the role religion has been playing in American politics. My reactions run from depressed to angry to frightened to annoyed, and so sometimes (lately) I've really wanted to express my thoughts. I've held back, though, because I don't want any of my Christian friends to feel that I'm picking on them or their religion.

It's late and I'm afraid I'm not making sense, so I'll log off now. ^^;

Just know that we are definitely friends and I want to keep it that way. I love you!

[kitsune13-tam.livejournal.com]

Heck, *I* get frustrated by what some people are doing in the name of my religion. But I get frustrated by what some people are doing in the name of Islam too. For that matter I feel the same way about the political parties we've got in this country right now. And about PETA too. People are people and every group is going to have the calm, sensible ones... and the not so calm and sensible ones and most of the times it's those not so calm and sensible ones that get the attention. I just felt like with all the bad examples I should raise my hand and give a wave about being a hopefully sane (or at least faking it well enough to pretend to be sane) example. When you're surrounded by loud people yelling about what needs to be done, it's easy to forget that there's probably a much larger selection of quiet people minding their own business and getting on with their lives. That's why I read the news on Yahoo and leave the talk shows and news programs off. I don't need someone to tell me what my opinion should be - but more importantly, I don't want the emotional sensationalism that they rely on to get their ratings. I figured that out when the people on the Weather Channel used to get so excited and cheerful whenever we had a hurricane headed our way. I mean - really? Mass destruction is happy times for you people? My faith in TV news just kind of went downhill from there.

My faith in my friends being there and loving me no matter how insane the world gets, still stands. I know you love me - because it goes both ways. ;)

[sekiharatae.livejournal.com]

I get my news online and from my hubby for these same reasons. When I watch the daily show (which isn't often) it's because Jon often makes me feel better about whatever stupid thing has hit the news. He makes me feel like I'm not alone in my WTF reaction. I don't watch him as a reliable source on current events.

Although... he did introduce me to the Evil that is Glenn Beck, and that should count as a public service announcement. ;)

You're right, though, that there are stupid people in every group, just like there are intelligent ones. I guess maybe this just happens to be my particular berserk button. (We all have one!)

I always knew you were one of the sane ones!

[windrider1.livejournal.com]

I won't get into a huge debate about it--because yes, you're right--in Christianity only Eve is ever mentioned. However, almost all of Christianity is derived from the Jewish faith and folklore. For serious, peeps. Remember, that Jesus fellow? Yeah, he was Jewish too...so what did he practice and believe?

The bible has been rewritten, edited, altered and adjusted more times than the Pope has been advanced by money. Also,a shit-ton of other religious practices modified to suit needs. The political underbelly of religion is terrifying. Honestly. I guess my biggest gripe is that most 'devout' Christians are solely that--they've never bothered to learn of something else or even from WHERE their own faith is derived from. It makes no sense to me to claim--"THIS is how it happened, this is the right way" when all other paths are willfully blocked and unexplored. I am not anti-God--I wouldn't let my children go to their Christian church twice a week if I was--but you can bet your behind that they will be made aware of other religions, the base of theirs, and their fundamental right to choose their faith. Christianity is the baby of religions, and yet it's the most "Screw you, this is the way" religion there is. Sorry, folks, thousands and thousands of years and millions and millions of people before you and after will believe otherwise. They aren't wrong anymore than someone else is right. If you get what I'm saying.

Faith is individual. Belief personal. I won't knock anyone else's, but for the love of whatever deity you choose, do not bible-quiz your guests over dinner.

[kitsune13-tam.livejournal.com]

hey, I've had other Christians ask me why I celebrate Passover and Rosh Hashanah as well as Easter and Christmas. In fact, I've heard the quote 'Jesus was one of the first Christians'. So I KNOW there are some ignorant people out there and if we want to go back, Constantine was the one that started the division between the Jewish and Christian traditions to make it more acceptable as a state religion so the break's been in place for a loooong time. When you get back to the basics, it's really very beautiful how completely many of the OT Jewish celebrations line up so neatly with the NT Christian ones right down to the traditions involved and the empty chair. The Jews were the first Christians after all. Though, considering even Islam is younger than Christianity I wouldn't exactly call it the 'baby' of the family. Which is why, as a Christian I think it's necessary to understand other religions and know why you came to the one you did. Most Christians can't talk about the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Council of Nicaea, what's up with the King James version of the Bible, etc - which is sad. But just as detrimental(in my eyes at least) is their inability to talk about why the Sunnis and Shiites are so emotionally at odds with each other, what the goal of Buddhism is, or about what the lost tribe of Israel means to the Mormons. Sadly though, I think that's going to be the same for just about any religion. Or political structure. Or diet plan. Because it's made up of people and so you'll always have the ones that thought it out, listened to the different angles and came to their own conclusions for themselves and the people who just do it because it's a comfortable spot to fill. Christians are made up of humans just the same way every other grouping of people on the planet is and you're going to get a mix. Some will be intelligent but most won't. I just thought I'd raise my hand and wave from the 'I paid attention' section of the human race.

I'm sorry you got jumped though. I thought it was a pass the time board game, not a 'tackle you over the dinner table' situation. Out of the blue, I had well meaning relatives tackle my family over Christmas dinner one year because they thought they needed to pray for us and whatever it was they thought we were doing wrong. Yeah, way to ruin any chance for an open, friendly time right off the bat like that. I'll happily talk about religion, Christianity or otherwise, any day if asked but I'm a firm believer in the idea that forcing anything down someone's throat is just a good way to make them sick (and possible get bitten) (have you ever heard me bring up politics for instance?). Some people just seem to be the type to go at something over and over and over again no matter how hard the wall they're running into seems though. So I'll happily sit in your 'I said no' corner with you on that one. And we won't talk about how many times I've been tempted to tell someone 'would you just shut up about being a Christian. You're giving the rest of us a bad name'.

[windrider1.livejournal.com]

I...I think I love you. LOL.

My biggest peeve is when people refuse--REFUSE-- to acknowledge that religion is not only a choice, but a result of circumstance. I ask: "Would you still be Christian if born in India?"

I have NO problem with faith--in all and any beliefs. Organized religion--pretty much all of them--I can't stand. So I avoid discussions. It's politicized and polarized and flat out lies behind the facade of faith and Gods.

I've talked about this with Laura before. I think faith--that ability to let go and believe with your whole being in something greater than yourself is something I, at times, envy and would never, ever dream of taking that away from someone. I am not the type of athiest that sets out to prove that God doesn't exist. That's just cruel and mean spirited. Just as it's cruel to try and conform someone into religion. Force breeds contempt, basically.

This was a good discussion. YAY, Tae for poking the subject!

[sekiharatae.livejournal.com]

I've been reading and thinking: I have such smart friends! <3

[fenikkusuken.livejournal.com]

There's a huge industry built on the current zodiac signs - just look around at the coffee mugs/t-shirts/water bottles/almanacs/web sites/ etc. that are available. So long as there's a profit to be made on the current set-up, people will vocally oppose change.

[ashfae.livejournal.com]

Here, have some sarcasm. =) (yay, my new sign is The Bag!)

[e-i-88.livejournal.com]

mine's too =D
thanks for the link xD