Astrology in Action

In a scenario set up to debunk astrology, Jeffrey Armstrong completely outshines Michael Shermer in a way that any scientist should say is “statistically interesting.”

The SCENARIO: Jeffrey reads NINE charts in about TWENTY minutes. Most charts are usually given an hour of study each. EXPERIMENT I: face-to-face reading with a skeptic. The subject, afterwards, said Jeffrey’s reading “officially blew me away.” EXPERIMENT II: Nine “blind” readings. Results: 105 of 137—or 77%—of Jeffrey’s statements deemed accurate, ALL scores 63% or over, high of 89%. EXPERIMENT III: The kicker. Two of the nine, unbeknownst to Jeffrey or the subjects, have their charts switched. Accuracy rating drops to 38 and 21% respectively. Switched back to true charts, accuracy goes to 94 and 92%.

Derren Brown gives readings via “astrology.” From “Trick of the Mind,” S03E01.

Astrology relies heavily on the Barnum and Forer effect, which are statements that can apply to anybody.

Click links below for more information on those effects.
http://skepdic.com/barnum.html
http://skepdic.com/forer.html

Of course, the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) will pay anyone $1,000,000 for a successful demonstration of paranormal phenomenon under proper observing conditions:
http://www.randi.org/research/index.html

No astrolgers, or crackpots alike, have ever claimed the $1,000,000 prize. Suprise?