Belief, Culture and Scientific Claims Policy
This site covers subjects, astrology among them, that carry deep cultural roots and scientific claims at the same time. This page explains how we hold that delicate balance: respect for belief, evidence for claims.
Two principles, one approach
Our approach combines two principles. The principle of respect: people's beliefs, rituals and worlds of meaning are never objects of ridicule here. A reader interested in astrology should never feel belittled on this site; we treat that as an editorial rule, not a stylistic preference. The principle of evidence: when a belief or practice makes a factual claim about the world, such as the claim that planetary positions shape personality, that claim is subject to the same standard of evidence as any other. Respect does not exempt claims from testing, and testing is not disrespect.
How we handle astrology content
In our sky-related content we keep three layers distinct. The cultural layer: we present the history of astrology and the meaning it carries for people with the seriousness it deserves. The astronomical layer: we describe what actually happens in the sky, such as the fact that Mercury's apparent retrograde motion is a perspective effect, not a planet reversing course. The cognitive layer: we explain why astrological readings feel accurate, through well-documented mechanisms such as the Barnum effect and confirmation bias. Our overall assessment includes this finding: astrology is not a scientific discipline. When we write that sentence, we do so without mockery; we simply report the state of the evidence.
Where we draw the line
We publish cultural content gladly; but we do not do the following. We do not present practices without scientific support as reliable methods for decisions about health, money or other important matters. We do not dress belief-based practices in scientific vocabulary to create an impression of proof. We do not publish fear-inducing prophecy, such as warnings of great losses in a given period. Nor do we aim to change anyone's beliefs; our aim is that every reader can reach accurate information about how the sky actually works and how their own mind tends to behave.
The reader's autonomy
How people make meaning of their lives is their own choice; our task is to make sure that choice can be an informed one. One reader may finish these pages and keep enjoying horoscopes; another may stop reading them. Both deserve, and receive, the same respect here. Our commitment is to give both the same honest information.
A working version
This policy is a working version. Publishing at the crossroads of belief and science demands tact, and we will not always strike the perfect balance. If you find content that feels disrespectful, or conversely content that has gone soft on evidence, please tell us; that feedback is how this policy matures.