Love it or hate it, there are reasons you might read your star sign and relate to what it says about you as a person. We all fall into cognitive traps — but if we’re aware of them, is it such a bad thing to indulge in your daily horoscope, or a tarot card reading? Today, we delve into the occult, to understand why some people seek messages from the universe, and if it can play a role in therapeutic care. If you want to hear more about otherworldly beliefs, check out our episode Spooky science: What's behind a paranormal experience? And Soul Search also has an episode called Astrology and tarot — telling the future, or connecting with the present? Guests: Professor Susan Krauss Whitbourne Professor Emerita of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst Ryan Findlay Psychotherapist and tarot reader Credits: Presenter: Sana Qadar Reporter/producer: Shelby Traynor Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite Extra information: When It Comes to Personality Tests, a Dose of Skepticism Is a Good Thing Why You Might Not Want to Trust a Personality Test – Psychology Today The validity of astrological predictions on marriage and divorce: a longitudinal analysis of Swedish register data Even the stars think that I am superior: Personality, intelligence and belief in astrology The Power of Rituals – Psychology Today