# Reason Totters On Its Throne: An Accredited Astrology School! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 27, 2001, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369 "2001-08-27T18:53:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Syzygy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@Syzygy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Syzygy)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/21 "2001-08-27T20:44:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Nostradamus \* > \*\*Hmmmmm. \*\* Hmmmmm? ---
**Author:** ![Chez\_Guevara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/aeb1de/32.png) [@Chez\_Guevara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chez_Guevara)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/22 "2001-08-27T20:56:06Z")
Yes. Hmmmmm. You are trying to undermine the work of a lifetime. Have you no tact? ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/23 "2001-08-27T21:01:28Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jodi \* > \*\*I assumed you were talking about Seattle, EVE, because they’ve accredited one here. It was the subject of a Seattle Weekly article that you can read [here](http://www.seattleweekly.com/features/0134/news-fefer.shtml) You’ll note that the Washington school claims _it_ is the first accredited astrology school; I assume the difference is that it is talking about state accreditation, not federal. \*\* After doing a little more searching (what ever is wrong with me?) It seems that the Washington school is not accredited, nor does it claim to be. What it does is offer full degrees (Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees) in Astrology - while the Scottsdale school offers courses and programs, but not degrees, and is accredited. ---
**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/24 "2001-08-27T21:06:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Nostradamus \* > \*\*Yes. Hmmmmm. You are trying to undermine the work of a lifetime. Have you no tact? \*\* Tact or no, astrology has never been demonstrated to be anything but pure bunk. Check [here](http://www.aspsky.org/astro/act3/astr_dfns.html) for a good explanation of the problems. ---
**Author:** ![Kamandi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5daacb/32.png) [@Kamandi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamandi)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/25 "2001-08-27T21:10:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Enderw24 \* > But this… > > > [@](#): > > > > Now the institute can seek approval from the U.S. Education Department for its students to get federal grants and loans. > > …is truly what the rant should be about. Fuck you for thinking you can take my tax money to support this assinine project. Fuck you for taking my _education_ money so you can teach other people to remain uneducated. Want a prediction? When my foot aligns with Uranus, you’ll know the Universe is truly in harmony. RIGHT ON!! I was gonna post the Seattle Weekly article, but **Jodi** beat me to it. From that article: > [@](#): > > In “authorizing” Kepler to give B.A. and M.A. degrees, state regulators make no judgments as to the value of astrology. “We’re not saying [Kepler] is great or worth going to,” says Barbara Dunn, spokesperson for the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Board. “We’re saying they met the requirements to operate in the state of Washington”–which include such practical criteria as adequate financial and administrative resources, “qualified faculty,” and an appropriate academic catalog. > > Last month, the board sent a letter about its decision to Gov. Gary Locke, preparing him for any political fallout. With notable bureaucratic backbone, the board averred: **"It is not the responsibility, nor should it be, of government to dictate what citizens should study or think."** Quite true. **Scylla** , you could open your College of Unethical Business Practices and Scams right here in Washington. ---
**Author:** ![Chez\_Guevara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/aeb1de/32.png) [@Chez\_Guevara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chez_Guevara)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/26 "2001-08-27T21:11:09Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by ultrafilter \* \*\* > [@](#): > > Tact or no, astrology has never been demonstrated to be anything but pure bunk.\*\* Excuse me? How dare you say that to the genius who predicted the rise of Hister. Sorry, Hitler. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/27 "2001-08-27T21:11:34Z")
AMARINTH, I stand corrected. That’s what I get for skimming instead of reading for comprehension. Now who has the Naughty Stick? _:: bends over ::_ ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/28 "2001-08-27T21:13:07Z")
I’ve taken classes in writing fiction (believe it or not) so I don’t see how this is different. the people who believe it’s true are the same ones who thing _Penthouse Letters_ are real. ---
**Author:** ![Syzygy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@Syzygy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Syzygy)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/29 "2001-08-27T21:19:39Z")
_Penthouse_ letters aren’t real??? :eek: ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/30 "2001-08-27T21:26:17Z")
I’m not so sure anymore. The more dopefests I go to the more possible they seem. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/31 "2001-08-27T22:11:32Z")
You know, in my city, there are faculties associated with very prestigious universities, and even entire accredited schools, which teach matters based entirely on ancient mystical systems without a shred of scientific or historical backing, but nevertheless purporting to improve people’s lives and give them insights into their characters. Dreadful, right? So let’s close down the United Theological College, the Presbyterian College, the Grand Seminary… ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/32 "2001-08-27T22:19:45Z")
I beg your pardon, but are you seriously arguing that Christian theology has “not a shred of historical backing”? Or are you arguing that astrology constitutes a religion? Do the Presbyterians now charge for a Bible reading the way an astrologer does? Surely you see the difference between a generalized belief system in a higher power and specialized predictions such as “Capricorns are not compatible wiht you” or “You will meet a handsome stranger, and he will be your soulmate.” Moreover, the efficacy of astrology can be and has been specifically _disproven_ in a way that religious beliefs, no matter how _outre_, never could be. Do you disagree? ---
**Author:** ![Flymaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c4cdca/32.png) [@Flymaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flymaster)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/33 "2001-08-27T22:45:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jodi \* > \*\*I beg your pardon, but are you seriously arguing that Christian theology has “not a shred of historical backing”? Or are you arguing that astrology constitutes a religion? Do the Presbyterians now charge for a Bible reading the way an astrologer does? > > Surely you see the difference between a generalized belief system in a higher power and specialized predictions such as “Capricorns are not compatible wiht you” or “You will meet a handsome stranger, and he will be your soulmate.” Moreover, the efficacy of astrology can be and has been specifically _disproven_ in a way that religious beliefs, no matter how _outre_, never could be. Do you disagree? \*\* I see no difference, but that’s just me. Go ahead and believe whatever bullshit (or truth, as the case may be) that you feel like beleiving. I would just take issue with the federal funding. That’s truly sickening. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/34 "2001-08-27T22:51:55Z")
> [@](#): > > I see no difference, but that’s just me. I hope so. One can be objectively disproven, and the other cannot. ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/35 "2001-08-27T22:52:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Scott \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by Enderw24 \* > > \*\*Want a prediction? When my foot aligns with Uranus, you’ll know the Universe is truly in harmony. \*\* > > See? There’s more to learn about astrology every day! 😃 \*\* I’ve read that there are people similar to palm-readers, but instead of palms they read the, um, fundamental fistula to predict the customer’s future. I guess they have to go to school to learn the intricacies, but what do they hang in their window to attract customers? (the only time I’ve heard of this practice is in the venmous bio “Brando for Breakfast,” which also alleged Marlon Brando’s patronage of a brothel that put ducks in vices and decapitated them when the customer reached climax.) From this they make a living? ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/36 "2001-08-27T22:57:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jodi \* > **I beg your pardon, but are you seriously arguing that Christian theology has “not a shred of historical backing”?** Christian **historiography** might; Christian **theology** certainly doesn’t, unless you can come up with Tacitus saying “and then the heretic was resurrected”. After all, we’re not talking about the Presbyterian Historiographical College here. > [@](#): > > \*\*Do the Presbyterians now charge for a Bible reading the way an astrologer does? \*\* Well, ministers and priests eat **some** how. > [@](#): > > **Surely you see the difference between a generalized belief system in a higher power and specialized predictions such as “Capricorns are not compatible wiht you” or "You will meet a handsome stranger, and he will be your soulmate."** I don’t see the difference between “You will meet a handsome stranger” and “You will be happy and fulfilled by following the teachings of the Bible.” ---
**Author:** ![Kamandi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5daacb/32.png) [@Kamandi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamandi)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/37 "2001-08-27T23:00:29Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Slithy Tove \* > **I’ve read that there are people similar to palm-readers, but instead of palms they read the, um, fundamental fistula to predict the customer’s future.** Ooooo… **fundamental fistula**. I love it! Sounds vaguely dirty. What is it? ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/38 "2001-08-27T23:20:29Z")
MATT: > [@](#): > > Well, ministers and priests eat somehow. Yes, they do. But of course what I asked was “Do the Presbyterians now charge for a Bible reading the way an astrologer does?” I am reposting the question to give you another opportunity to answer it, which you have not yet done. > [@](#): > > I don’t see the difference between “You will meet a handsome stranger” and “You will be happy and fulfilled by following the teachings of the Bible.” Well, here’s one to start you off. The former is quantifiable and objectively provable: You will either meet a handsome stranger, or you will not. If you don’t, then the prediction has failed. The latter is _not_ quantifiable nor objectively provable because concepts such as “happiness” and “fulfillment” are purely subjective. Therefore, there is no way to “disprove” the latter except through subjective means (“I wasn’t more fulfilled by following the Bible” – a sentiment immediately countered by shouts of “Well, I was!”) and it therefore cannot really be disproven. But if you’re told that you you’ll meet Mr. Right within the next month and you don’t, you have objective, demonstrable, quantifiable proof that the astrological prediction did not work. Moreover (and, I would have thought, self-evidently), most Christian sects do not “predict” happiness and fulfillment for people who follow them; they provide a faith-based morality for living life, without regard to whether or not it will make you superficially happy. When’s the last time a Presbyterian told you you’d be fulfilled in a month if you’d just follow the teachings of Jesus? ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/39 "2001-08-27T23:24:15Z")
I’ll leave the Pit for ranting, but if anyone wants to have a serious discussion about this subject, I have opened a thread in GD: [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=84031](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=84031) Carry on! ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2001, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369/40 "2001-08-27T23:42:48Z")
I, for one, would love to go to Astrology school. And take Numerology, Phrenology, Palm Reading, and all the courses of the like that I can get my hands on. And no, I don’t believe in any of these ideas. The systems that humans create to explain/feel in control of their surroundings and future are just fascinating to me (I also collect old wives’ tales, superstitions, etc.). For what it’s worth, I consider organized religions to be more a part of this group than to be factual. And, I’m off to GD! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-totters-on-its-throne-an-accredited-astrology-school/78369.md?page=3)