Personality and Birth Date: Taurus, Year of the Ox, or Complete Bull?

Abstract

Despite widespread cynicism, many people believe that astrology influences individual temperament or personality. The scientific literature on personality and astrological Sun sign published over the last four decades shows varied results. This study explored the basis for such beliefs using a balanced design incorporating age and astrological belief as covariates. One thousand, nine hundred and sixty-seven Australians aged between 28 and 51 completed a Web-based survey. Personality was assessed using a 50-item version of the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP). While previous findings on age and belief in astrology were confirmed, no significant effects for the influence of either astrological Sun sign or Oriental year of birth were found.