When I was young enough to think I knew everything, I looked old enough that people listened. Now that I'm old enough to admit I know little, I apparently look young enough that no one wants to listen to my well-researched facts.
I had a frustrating encounter a while back.
There was a young woman seeking to learn more about astrology. The older woman confessed to not knowing much about astrology, specifically the stuff I had never delved too deeply into like trines and degrees and chirons, etc. So I candidly expressed that I was no expert myself. All I can say is, I really should give myself more credit. Apparently my idea of not knowing a whole lot is a bit different than other people's.
First there was the usual conflation of astronomy and astrology. I tried to explain that the Tropical zodiac we use in Western astrology has nothing to do with where the constellations have moved. I went over all the basics I've said before in my other blog, like explaining in detail why your sign has not frikkin changed. I had to clear up the usual cusp bullshit of "but this book says I'm a Cancer and this book says I'm a Leo." (You have to go by the planetary placements the year you were born... not what the back of the TV guide says it is this year.) I had to hear all about sun signs not fitting people as if the rest of their charts didn't even exist. I didn't even bother getting into the decanates as I was already pulling blank looks at this point.
I heard just about every stereotypical misconception about astrology there is, and every time I tried to correct their misinformation I was merely listened to quietly and then they continued on with their conversation as if I had said nothing of relevance. Did what I say really just go over their heads that much? Or were they just thinking I couldn't possibly have the 'wisdom' of the older woman?
I felt so frustrated and impotent. But this is pretty typical for my run-ins with the Pagan community. This is also why I stay out of most political conversations. It's one thing if we have differing opinions... but damn it, your opinions do NOT trump facts.
