I think I am perceiving two topics of discussion; one is of the nature of our beliefs, and the other is of scientific validation. This last is concerned with the questions of probability, statistics, and the likelihood on impressing an informed skeptic. Let me address the latter first, and the former second.
In my experience, astrological indicators point to tendencies and energies. Thus if, for example, one had Saturn conjunct one's midheaven, one could experience restriction and contraction in one's career, OR the reward for hard work, and diligence. (This last may be surprising, but I have seen it happen. Saturn does not always bring problems - just a lot of the time). The exact way in which this would affect a person depends on the individual circumstances and choices of that person. Perhaps these can be obtained from the birth chart....With Saturn, a lot would depend on that person's previous actions.
Given that people subjected to a particular energy (a particular tension) will manifest these energies in very different ways, probability and statistics becomes very difficult on a predictive level. This is to say, that if you were to survey persons subjected to this transit you would find that they all reacted differently. But if you were to ask a large number of people under this transit if they were under tension at this time, they would respond that they were; but I suspect that they would affirm that they are always under tension in these areas anyway. As are we all.
Your ability to predict areas of tension, areas of growth in people's lives is there through astrology, but your ability to predict their actions is not. This is because of their freedom of choice and their individual proclivities.
Since they all would respond that they are all under tension anyway (as would anyone with a job), and since the responses are so idiosyncratic, the predictive abilities of astrology are not likely to impress any skeptical observer undertaking statistical analysis, especially since such analyses could not reasonably be expected to include delineations of the birth charts and progressed charts of the subject.
Yet the predictive powers are there, given understanding of the natal chart and the transiting planets. And as I examine the charts with which I am intimately familiar (which takes a lot of time), I can definitely see the predictive power of astrology. And that is why I believe. I can see where growth and tension occur, but I cannot predict how an individual will respond.
Astrology is an art, and as an art it is as difficult a subject for statistical analysis as Michelangelo's scuptures.
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