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