It’s a Common Pastime That’s Often Considered Harmless Fun. One Woman’s Story Should Serve as a Warning.
Linda Goodman, a famous astrologer, became convinced that her daughter Sally Snyder, who was declared dead in 1973, was still alive based on astrological readings. Despite the official ruling of suicide, Goodman spent years and a fortune searching for her daughter, believing the stars indicated she was missing, not dead. Her story illustrates how deeply held beliefs in astrology can persist despite scientific evidence and reality.
- ▪Sally Snyder, a 22-year-old aspiring actress, was found dead in New York City in 1973, and her death was ruled a suicide.
- ▪Linda Goodman, Sally's mother and a bestselling astrologer, used astrology to conclude her daughter was still alive and spent years searching for her.
- ▪Goodman's belief in astrology led her to live in poverty, including a period on the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, before her death in 1995.
- ▪Scientific evidence consistently shows that astrology has no predictive power and is not supported by astrophysical or statistical data.
- ▪Hundreds of studies have demonstrated that astrologers cannot predict personality traits or events better than chance.
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Science The Problem With Astrology Most people know it’s bogus. But dabbling in it anyway isn’t as harmless as it may seem. By Carlos Orsi May 05, 202610:00 AM Illustration by Fangyu Ma Copy Link Share Share Comment Copy Link Share Share Comment Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Sarah “Sally” Snyder, a young, struggling actress, was found dead in a New York City apartment on the eve of her 22nd birthday, about two weeks before Christmas 1973. There was a note, and the autopsy revealed a lethal mix of alcohol and barbiturates. She had a history of depression and had attempted to take her own life once before, at the age of 18.
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