When most people first hear the term astrology, it’s typically associated with semi-understanding yet somewhat confused reactions. “You mean the study of the planets and the stars? No wait, that’s astronomy. What’s astrology again?”
Astrology is formally defined as “the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world.” That includes everything you know—or don’t know—about horoscopes and zodiac signs. Historically, astrology was thought to have originated in ancient Egypt. Twelve different constellations were identified and then linked to the changing seasons. They were each named after different types of entities, like animals or forces of nature. The four categories that developed from these twelve constellations were the fire signs (Aries, Sagittarius, and Leo), the water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces), the air signs (Libra, Aquarius, Gemini), and the Earth signs (Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo). In 2000 B.C., the Babylonians believed that the sun, moon, and five known planets at that time held different types and strengths of power, depending on their positions in the solar system.
The modern horoscope has been developed as a map of the zodiacal circle, where Earth is at its center. Planets and stars are measured on “sidereal” time, rather than common “clock time,” and then charted. When properly configured, often using computer technology, the charts display important information about personality traits and current events.
Proponents of astrology typically find that they agree with the personality traits associated with their respective signs. Each sign possesses its own unique characteristics, including common personality traits, experiences, compatibility with others, and more. Astrology, through its association with the stars and the planets, peaks the interest of those who hear of it and offers an alternate code of belief from those of religion or science. Many people find astrology comforting because it allows them to identify with a group of people they feel similar to and can share an identity with.
The alternate perspective to the zodiac belief is the skeptical one. Many people are less inclined to believe in something that they find so unfounded: how reliable could it really be? Skeptics typically find that astrology sounds pretty valid, until they reach the connection between planets and personalities; to them, that connection is more of a gap. It doesn’t seem logical that the positions of planets and existence of constellations could have any type of natural effect on humans’ personalities and actions. Most of the characteristics of the signs seem fairly vague; they could fit almost anyone, the words are abstractly descriptive, and they often don’t match up with how one’s day has been going. People often find that they feel a stronger relation with the qualities of a different sign, or as if some of the qualities of their own signs just don’t quite match up.
So where do you, the astrology novice, fit into all of this? It’s important to note that astrology has recently become extremely prominent in pop culture, tied especially to the latest fashion and the aesthetics of music artists who promote carefree, spiritually inclined lifestyle images. Twitter accounts post novelty versions of what each sign feels and believes in in modern society. Apps on smart phones post daily and weekly horoscopes, as well as short quizzes that prove how much your sign can say about you. Pop culture is trying its best to appeal and market to teenagers: young adults who feel emotionally or mentally lost, who are still trying to piece together their identities, and who are especially vulnerable to any seemingly reliable code of group identity and beliefs. So, on the one hand, maybe you shouldn’t fall into the trap. On the other hand, do your research; maybe you’ll find that your sign’s description fits you perfectly. If that’s the case, check your daily horoscope, your sign’s compatibility with other people, and your sign’s interests. If the trend continues, astrology might be for you, and can give you some guidance whenever you may need it.
The most important thing to remember right now is not to get in too deep. While astrology offers a refreshing style of spiritual freedom and guidance, it’s important to keep your reliance on it at bay. If you wake up every morning, read your horoscope, and allow yourself to have a terrible day just because your horoscope said so – you’re interpreting it the wrong way. It’s okay to pick and choose, and use whichever part of your zodiac and horoscope work best for you. Use it for acknowledgement or reassurance, but never allow it to tell you how to live your life. Chances are, you’ll end up living someone else’s life – someone who feels more closely associated with the qualities of the zodiac you both share. For now, keep an open mind and give it a try. Maybe the trend will catch on with you, too.