- Speaker #0
All right. Hey, everyone. Welcome back. We're diving deep today. And trust me, you're going to love this. We're talking astrology and neuroscience. Yeah, you heard right.
- Speaker #1
Two things that may seem like, well, they're worlds apart, right?
- Speaker #0
Totally. But stick with us. We've been digging into some studies, really fascinating research, actually, and we're going to break it all down for you today.
- Speaker #1
You know, listeners have been sending in tons of questions about this, like how our brains make sense of these astrological symbols we see everywhere.
- Speaker #0
Absolutely. And does believing in your horoscope actually change how you act in the real world? Right. Big questions. So we're going to try to tackle all of that today.
- Speaker #1
It really is this cool blend of, you know, ancient wisdom and modern science.
- Speaker #0
It is. And, you know, I have to admit, when we first started talking about this episode, I was a bit skeptical. But then you sent over that French study, Perception Cerebral des Symboles Astrologiques, and it blew my mind. Oh,
- Speaker #1
yeah. That one's really interesting.
- Speaker #0
Yeah, it is. So for our listeners who haven't had a chance to check it out, can you give us the rundown? What's the main takeaway? Well,
- Speaker #1
the study looked at how our brains react to different astrological symbols. Right, right. And they found that when people see their own WN sign, like their sun sign, there's a measurable difference in brain activity. It's pretty wild.
- Speaker #0
Whoa. So what's actually happening in the brain? Which parts are lighting up?
- Speaker #1
Well, they saw more activity in areas that are linked to... self-reflection, you know, like how we think about ourselves, the medial prefrontal cortex, that kind of thing.
- Speaker #0
I see. So it's like when you see your sign, your brain's like, hey, that's me.
- Speaker #1
Exactly. It's recognizing something familiar, something connected to your identity.
- Speaker #0
Fascinating. So does this mean like our brains are hardwired for astrology?
- Speaker #1
Well, not necessarily. It's complicated, right? Right. It could just be that these symbols, they've become so ingrained in our culture that over time they've taken on a personal meaning for us. You know what I mean?
- Speaker #0
Yeah, that makes sense. Like we grow up surrounded by these zodiac signs. Right. So it's not surprising that our brains would react to them in some way.
- Speaker #1
Exactly. It's hard to separate nature from nurture in this case.
- Speaker #0
For sure. For sure. Okay. But that brings up the other big question, right? Like the whole influence the crayons astrologiques sur le comportement thing.
- Speaker #1
Right. The big one.
- Speaker #0
Does believing in astrology, like actually reading your horoscope and letting it guide you. Does that actually change how you act?
- Speaker #1
Well, there's some research that suggests it might. Some studies have shown that people who believe in astrology, well, they might be more prone to certain behavioral patterns.
- Speaker #0
Oh, interesting. Like what?
- Speaker #1
For instance, they might be quicker to blame Mercury retrograde when, you know, their computer crashes or they miss a flight. Huh.
- Speaker #0
So instead of troubleshooting the wifey or double-checking their departure time, they're like, oh, it's just Mercury being Mercury.
- Speaker #1
Pretty much. And it's not that those things couldn't be facts. But maybe they're not looking for other explanations as readily.
- Speaker #0
That's a really interesting point. It's like they're attributing things to their horoscope instead of, you know, taking control of the situation.
- Speaker #1
Yeah, there's that potential. And, you know, that can impact their problem solving skills or even how they see themselves.
- Speaker #0
It's fascinating how this belief system can play out in real world actions. And you know what it reminds me of? The placebo effect.
- Speaker #1
Oh, yeah, totally.
- Speaker #0
Where just believing that something will work can actually make a difference. And I read somewhere that the placebo effect triggers some of the same brain regions as real medicine.
- Speaker #1
It's amazing, right? It really highlights how powerful the mind is.
- Speaker #0
It really does. So even if we can't definitively prove that astrology is, you know, scientifically valid, the belief itself can have an impact.
- Speaker #1
Absolutely. And I think that's what makes this whole topic so captivating. It's this intersection of belief, behavior and the brain.
- Speaker #0
Totally. And it makes you wonder, right? Could we actually use some of these astrological concepts in other fields?
- Speaker #1
Hmm. Like, what do you mean?
- Speaker #0
Well, imagine if therapists or doctors could, like, understand their patients'astrological beliefs. Could that give them insights into their worldview? Maybe even help them personalize treatments?
- Speaker #1
Oh, wow. That's a really interesting idea. You know, using ancient wisdom to inform modern medicine.
- Speaker #0
Right. It's like bridging the gap between the mystical and the scientific.
- Speaker #1
And who knows? Maybe that's the future. As we learn more about how belief and the brain are intertwined, we might find new ways to apply what we thought was just, you know, old knowledge.
- Speaker #0
The whole universe of possibilities. And you know what? I think that's a great place to leave it for today. Yeah.
- Speaker #1
Lots to think about.
- Speaker #0
Definitely. So, until next time, keep those brains buzzing and those stars in your sights.
- Speaker #1
And who knows? Maybe we'll see you under a full moon sometime. Ah,
- Speaker #0
sounds like a plan. See you all next time. Bye,
- Speaker #1
everyone.
