In 2001 I managed to get into the DFG ( Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft - German science funding agency) Emmy-Noether program. At the time, this program consisted of 2 years PostDoc abroad and 4 years as a Junior Scientist Group Leader in Germany. Despite a Science paper and other publications in the first phase, the second phase was declined. And twice at that! Both times the reasons for the rejections were so ridiculous, that the famous Journal LaborJournal featured my story in a 3-page article. So there must have been some objectivity in my complaints.
To be fair, the DFG was so nice to offer me a consolation prize instead, my own salary for two years (albeit significantly reduced) and 1500€ per year in research funds. This compares to a group of 2-3 people and about 120,000€ over the course of 4 years had they given me the ENII. Almost at the end of the 2 year period, I was able to supplement the meager funds with a research grant. However, this grant was cut down by the DFG from 80,000€, a graduate student and a part-time technician for 3 years to 20,000€, no employees and 2 years. I started the grant in December 2005, 4 months before my position was to run out. Given that I had research funds for two more years, I applied for an extension of my position for one more year (the maximum permitted). The decision process takes time, so the DFG granted me a 1-month extension to help me out until the final decision was made. As this month was running out, I'was advised by the DFG to apply for unemployment benefits, as the prospects of getting the 12-months extension are small. This was in mid-April, 2006. Today, after almost 2 months on unemployment benefits (60% of my previous salary), my lease contract cancelled and ready to move into my girlfirend's small appartment, I get a letter from the DFG in my mailbox telling me that they actually did extend my position for one more year!
And just the day before, I got notice that the first of the four manuscripts I have submitted for publication has been accepted!
Whooohoooo! Paaartaaaaaay! Talking about getting away with a black eye!
You ask what this story has to do with the development of astrology, religion and so forth? Well, there are many unpredictable setbacks and fortuitous serendipities in life, such as whether or not you get funded by a scientific funding agency. At the same time, there is evidence that it is important for our psychological health to feel in control of our environment. But how do you control the uncontrollable? You pretend you can control it!

P.S.: In all of this I have to emphasize that my only explicit criticism of the DFG is the lack of transparency in the process and not their refusal to fund my projects. Of course you can kick people out without warning. Maybe, if I had a family, I would speak differently, but for now, this is my opinion. Of course you can refuse to fund projects. But if you aim at keeping researchers motivated (rather than driving them abroad or out of science), you need to let them understand the decision-making process and they'll stay happy, motivated and will produce amazing scientific results in return.