German Media Roll Out New Horoscopes as Skeptical Reporting Underscores Lack of Evidence

Overview

• BILD published a new set of weekly horoscopes on January 16, using a consistent three-part format covering relationships, work and money, and wellbeing.
• Augsburger Allgemeine paired its daily horoscope pages with clear statements that science has found no proven link between star signs and personality or future events.
• YouGov polling cited in the reports indicates roughly 53% of Germans see a connection between personality and star signs, with 13% reading horoscopes regularly and notable gender differences.
• A Clearer Thinking study led by Spencer Greenberg and André Ferretti found 152 astrologers matched personality data to signs at chance levels, averaging 2.49 correct out of 12 and none exceeding five.
• Explanations reference the Forer/Barnum effect and editorially broad language noted by National Geographic, with advice to treat horoscopes as entertainment rather than a basis for major decisions.