Divination isn’t scientific, but can it ever be therapeutic?

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 WhitbourneProfessor Emerita of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Ryan FindlayPsychotherapist 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