Last year I wrote that Michael Behe, in sworn testimony, agreed that astrology would be considered a scientific theory if judged by the same standards as he wished Intelligent Design to be judged. I also wrote that I was unaware of Behe’s astrological sign. Claus Larsen of Skeptic Report just advised me that Behe is a Capricorn (born January 18th) – the Goat – and suggested I should look into the characteristics of Capricorns and see how they fit Behe.
Astrology online gives the usual list of vague Forer statements that are really too tedious to consider, but I was interested in the lists of likes and dislikes of Capricorns. First we have:
LIKES
Reliability
Professionalism
Knowing what you discuss
Firm Foundations
Purpose
Some problems there, you might think. But it was the dislikes that struck me. It seems to me that, for a Capricorn, he might be in the wrong job:
DISLIKES
Wild Schemes
Fantasies
Go-nowhere jobs
Ignominy
Ridicule
Oh dear, he dislikes fantasies, go-nowhere jobs, ignominy and ridicule? The last nine months must have been pretty miserable for him then.
Not that I believe in any of this. As regular readers know, astrology is a load of arbitrary made up rules that when tested do not work. Still, Behe apparently believes in it, and I’m sure he has studied astrology as assiduously as he studied that other science, you know, intelligent design. So, in light of the above, perhaps he is considering a change of careers. Sure enough, a little further up the page at astrology online, there is a hint of Behe’s future employment prospects:
The wit and flippancy which is characteristic of certain Capricornians may make some turn to entertainment as a career.
I’m sure we all wish him well in his new career in entertainment. Notwithstanding many of us thought that already was his current job.
I don't feel qualified to comment: I'm a Scorpio, and it's obviously a Scorpio trait never to believe in astrology.
Posted by: Big Al | July 26, 2006 at 01:19 AM
I'm an Aquarius. I might be back to comment tomorrow.
Posted by: Paul | July 26, 2006 at 07:04 AM
Sorry, Paul, if you're an Aquarius, you must have a watery, "wishy-washy" personality, and you won't be able to make your mind up about it one way or the other.
It only stands to reason...
Posted by: Big Al | July 26, 2006 at 08:55 AM
What irrationalism on the part of supernaturalists and paranormalists.I am schizotypal and suppossed to go for weird stuff, but on the contrary,thankfully!
Posted by: Morgan-LynnLamberth | July 26, 2006 at 09:16 AM
Poor old Ophiucans - they aren't even included in the Zodiac by those mean old astrologers!
Posted by: Ian B Gibson | July 26, 2006 at 08:51 PM
As a gullible, indecisive Libran, I think you're both right.
Posted by: has | July 27, 2006 at 06:16 AM
Well, at least you must have a good, balanced view, has.
Posted by: | July 31, 2006 at 02:45 PM