What Draws Us to the Mystical? A Look Into Astrology and Tarot

Delve into the psychological underpinnings that make us seek answers in the stars and cards

Ever wondered why, in an age of science, we’re still captivated by zodiac signs and the mystical insights of coffee grounds?

This isn’t just about curiosity; it’s about our deep-rooted quest for understanding and control in life’s chaotic dance. My article peels back the layers on this phenomenon, exploring the Barnum effect’s powerful influence on our beliefs.

If you’ve ever found yourself nodding along to a horoscope or seeking answers in the stars, this read is essential for you. Discover why these age-old practices continue to hold sway in our modern world, answering questions about human nature that you didn’t even know you had.

In nearly any company, especially one with a female majority, one can discuss how Libras are sociable and Virgos are meticulous without facing serious criticism. Many educated individuals will criticize you for mentioning homeopathy, yet will readily share their zodiac sign without hesitation.

Why is this classification so readily accepted despite the lack of scientific evidence? You can thank the Barnum effect (also known as the Forer effect) for that. Below, we’ll explore how it enables us to believe in any unproven classifications, divinations, and predictions.

What is the Barnum Effect?

The effect was identified back in 1949 during a psychological experiment. Bertram Forer gave his students questionnaires, telling them that based on their responses, an experienced psychologist would create a personality profile for each.

The next day, each participant received the same description from an astrology book purchased at a newsstand, presented as the psychologist’s conclusion. They were asked to rate its accuracy on a scale of one to five. The average score was 4.6, meaning nearly everyone thought the description accurately described them.

Were they all the same? Of course not. The description was filled with vague and general phrases that could apply to most people. For example:

• “You have a deep need for other people to like and admire you.” Everyone needs this.
• “You tend to be critical of yourself.” Everyone criticizes themselves at times.
• “You consider yourself independent and do not accept others’ statements without satisfactory proof.” Nobody likes to admit they’re easily swayed, even if it’s true.

The phrasing of descriptions plays a significant role; they need to be not only vague but also flattering. People happily attribute positive qualities to themselves, even if they don’t fully match their personality.

Moreover, people fail to recognize that the descriptions are generic, even when they are told so. In one experiment, participants were directly asked whether they believed the descriptions fit them specifically or people in general. The majority chose the former.

How the Barnum Effect Fosters Belief in Zodiac Signs

Descriptions of zodiac signs are perfectly suited to creating the Barnum effect. First, they are vague and general. Second, they are almost entirely positive. For example, a description from horo.mail reads: “You are utterly convinced you were born to make the world a better place, and you are almost never wrong… But you become completely ruthless when someone tries to hurt your loved ones.”

Everyone wants to make the world a better place and won’t stand for their loved ones being hurt. Another example from the same site: “You consider many factors — including those others might overlook, which is why you often spend time in thought. Additionally, you are known for your good manners, friendliness, and optimism.”

Insightfulness, good manners, friendliness, and optimism are qualities everyone likes to see in themselves. And another: “You are a complex, multifaceted, and very attractive person. You can charm anyone, but never for selfish reasons.”

This is simply flattering. It’s unlikely anyone would read this and think, “No, that’s not me. I’m as simple as a log, repelling, and constantly exploit others.”

Vague generalities and positive affirmations are the two elements of success that make us believe in pseudoscientific classifications and various kinds of predictions.

Why We Believe in Psychics and Coffee Grounds

When evaluating predictions, we employ the same method as when reading our own personality descriptions — subjective or personal validation. If you believe that what is written or told applies to you, you instantly find correlations. Psychics don’t even need to exert much effort: the client themselves “guesses” what they mean and happily reports it.

Here’s a real-life example. A friend of mine is convinced she encountered a genuine medium because he accurately described her past and mentioned some biographical facts before looking into her future. Specifically, he talked about her mother’s illness, which he couldn’t possibly have known about. Initially, it seemed as if the medium specified the exact disease. Later, it turned out he merely mentioned “female-related problems,” which are common among many women of a certain age.

This principle allows you to say just about anything and hit the mark.

For instance, if a predictor speaks of a “strong father figure,” the person can equally think of their father, if present, or another man who influences their life: a relative, boss, friend, a benevolent neighbor, anyone!

This isn’t limited to mediums but also applies to self-performed divinations on anything. No Tarot card, rune, and especially no coffee grounds will tell you about a “promotion to head manager,” but they might predict an “unexpected pleasant surprise.” This surprise could be the promotion, a free spot on a crowded bus, or an extra Snickers falling out of the vending machine. You’ll make the connection to the divination yourself. And what doesn’t match will simply be forgotten.

Why We Forget What Doesn’t Match

If people remembered everything predicted and conducted a statistical analysis each time, their belief in the supernatural would wane. But the opposite happens: if something comes true, it reinforces the belief; if not, it’s forgotten.

Selective, or selective, memory assists in this process. Scientists conducted an experiment where some participants were asked to remember something, others to forget. It seems we don’t control our memory, but EEG data proved otherwise — memories can indeed fade at will. A few hours after the event, they begin to be suppressed, and as time passes, they fade more and more.

Scientists noted that the forgetting mechanism resembles the restraint of a motor impulse. Just as you can pull your hand back in time to avoid catching a falling cactus, you can forget something if necessary.

Thus, after reading a horoscope or performing a divination, you’ll simply forget everything that didn’t match, and over time you won’t remember it even under duress.

The question remains: why do we want to forget what doesn’t fit and believe that everything read or told is true?

I think the answer lies in the attempt to gain slightly more control over our lives. Zodiac signs help us know what to expect from strangers; divinations tell us what to expect from the future. No one divines whether they’ll manage to drink coffee or call a friend today. We control that. But passing an interview, finding a spouse, or understanding someone’s feelings without asking them directly is a different matter.

Divinations, horoscopes, signs, lunar phases, amulets — all create an illusion of control over our lives because forewarned is forearmed. But it’s just an illusion, offering nothing but temporary relief and unwarranted hopes.

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