Facts

• Astrology was developed in the 2nd century AD by the philosopher Claudius Ptolemy
• Since Ptolemy developed this belief system, new planets have been discovered and the earth's rotational axis has shifted 23 degrees
• The 'barnum effect' is a term used in psychology whereby people tend to believe statements are specific and personal to them, when in fact they are general enough to apply to everyone
• 'Cold reading' refers to the set of linguistic tricks a psychic medium might use, whereby they communicate information to someone where it sounds like they know everything about you - they are supplying words and you are constantly applying the meaning yourself
• A quarter of the British population claims to believe in astrology
• Half the British population say they believe in paranormal phenomena
• Over 8 million of us have consulted psychic mediums