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 <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/paranormal-experiences-and-psychology/104409892">Spooky science: What's behind a paranormal experience?</a>And Soul Search also has an episode called <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/soul-search/astrology-and-tarot/105499216">Astrology and tarot — telling the future, or connecting with the present?</a>Guests:Professor Susan Krauss WhitbourneProfessor Emerita of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstRyan FindlayPsychotherapist and tarot readerCredits:<ul><li>Presenter: Sana Qadar</li><li>Reporter/producer: Shelby Traynor</li><li>Senior producer: James Bullen</li><li>Producer: Rose Kerr</li><li>Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite</li></ul>Extra information:<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201008/when-it-comes-personality-tests-dose-skepticism-is-good-thing" target="_blank">When It Comes to Personality Tests, a Dose of Skepticism Is a Good Thing</a><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/fulfillment-at-any-age/202507/why-you-might-not-want-to-trust-a-personality-test" target="_blank">Why You Might Not Want to Trust a Personality Test – Psychology Today</a><a href="https://genus.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41118-020-00103-5" target="_blank">The validity of astrological predictions on marriage and divorce: a longitudinal analysis of Swedish register data</a><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886921007686" target="_blank">Even the stars think that I am superior: Personality, intelligence and belief in astrology</a><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dont-forget-the-basil/202104/the-power-of-rituals" target="_blank">The Power of Rituals – Psychology Today</a>

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

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All In The Mind is ABC RN's weekly podcast looking into the mental universe, the mind, brain and behaviour — everything from addiction to artificial intelligence.

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

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

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

Saturday 26th July 2025

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All In The Mind