About astrology and palmistry: they are good because they make

Opening Scene

The room is softly lit by the warm glow of a table lamp, casting gentle shadows as the evening winds down. Outside, the city is quiet, and the usual hum of activity fades into stillness. Jack sits at the table, his hand resting on a book, lost in thought. Jeeny stands near the window, looking out at the view below. The mood is relaxed, but there’s a sense of curiosity, as if a conversation about belief, mysticism, and the way we find meaning in the world is about to unfold.

Host: After a few moments, Jeeny turns from the window, her voice calm but filled with thought, breaking the silence.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Kurt Vonnegut that really made me think. He said, ‘About astrology and palmistry: they are good because they make people vivid and full of possibilities. They are communism at its best. Everybody has a birthday and almost everybody has a palm.’ It made me reflect on how things like astrology and palmistry, even though they’re often dismissed as superstitions, provide a sense of possibility and inclusivity. What do you think about that? Why do you think things like astrology can have such a powerful effect on people?”

Jack: “That’s a great quote. I think Vonnegut’s point is that astrology and palmistry, in their own way, make people feel connected and important. Everyone has a birthday, and almost everyone has a palm — these are things that are universally shared, but they’re also tied to something personal. In a world where so much feels out of our control, astrology and palmistry offer a way for people to feel seen, to feel like their lives are filled with meaning and potential. They create a sense of possibility, something to hold onto that feels unique, even if it's not scientifically grounded.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. They make people feel like they’re part of something larger than themselves, a shared experience that’s full of mystery and potential. The idea that your future or destiny could be written in the stars or the lines of your palm gives people a sense of control over something that might otherwise feel chaotic or uncertain. It’s comforting to think that there’s a path or a purpose, even if it’s not something that’s tangible or provable.”

Jack: “And that’s where Vonnegut’s comparison to communism is interesting. Communism, at least in theory, is about equality and the idea that everyone has a part to play, that everyone’s voice matters. Astrology and palmistry, in their own way, level the playing field. Everyone gets a birth chart, and everyone has a palm — there’s no hierarchy in these systems. It’s a way for people to feel special, without necessarily having to earn it or be born into privilege. It’s democratic in that sense.”

Host: The conversation deepens, and Jeeny moves closer, sitting across from Jack. Her voice steady, she continues.

Jeeny: “And I think that’s what makes astrology and palmistry so appealing to so many people. They offer hope and a sense of equality, even if just in an abstract way. In astrology, for example, no matter who you are or where you come from, you get a birth chart that’s unique to you, and that chart is just as meaningful as anyone else’s, regardless of wealth or status. Everyone has the same access to their possibilities, even if the interpretations might differ. In a world where so much is determined by external factors, it’s comforting to have something that feels innate and universal.”

Jack: “Right. It’s like a shared language. The belief in astrology, palmistry, or other forms of mysticism creates a sense of community among people who may never meet but can connect over the idea that there’s more to life than meets the eye. It’s a commonality that makes everyone feel like they’re part of something bigger, that there’s a deeper meaning to their existence. Even if it’s not based in science, it still fulfills that need for belonging and significance.”

Jeeny: “And in a way, it also allows people to feel vivid. Like Vonnegut said, it gives people a sense of possibility. It opens up the idea that there’s more to life than the mundane. If you believe in astrology, for example, every decision, every relationship, every step you take can be viewed through the lens of cosmic significance. You’re not just living — you’re living with purpose, with a deeper connection to the universe. It’s a way of adding meaning to the everyday.”

Jack: “Exactly. And in a world that often feels disconnected and focused on individual achievement, something like astrology gives people a way to feel connected to each other and to something larger. It’s comforting to think that your path might be written in the stars, that there’s a design or an order to everything, even if we can’t see it. It allows for interpretation, for meaning to be found in the smallest details of life.”

Host: The room quiets for a moment as Jack and Jeeny reflect on the deeper meaning behind Vonnegut’s words. Outside, the world continues, but inside, there’s an understanding that systems like astrology and palmistry serve a powerful psychological and emotional function, offering people a sense of connection, possibility, and hope.

Jeeny: “So, maybe the lesson here is that even though astrology and palmistry might not be scientifically grounded, they still provide something valuable — a sense of possibility and shared humanity. They make us feel connected to something larger than ourselves, which is something we all need in different ways.”

Jack: “Exactly. They may not provide concrete answers, but they offer meaning and connection. That’s what draws people in. Whether it’s a birth chart or a palm reading, it’s not just about the predictions — it’s about the feeling of belonging and significance that comes with it.”

Host: As the evening continues, the conversation wraps up with a quiet understanding. Astrology and palmistry, though often seen as mystical or unproven, serve a deeper purpose in human lives. They create a sense of possibility, of shared experience, and of connection to something greater than ourselves. Sometimes, it’s not about the truth behind the belief, but the comfort and meaning it provides in our search for significance and community.