I love to entertain the idea of astrology. There are countless apps, blogs, and books to indulge in when you’re looking to find out more about your zodiac sign. But when does the interest extend too far?
When I first began reading my horoscope it was so harmless and rarely extended past just browsing Cosmopolitan’s Weekly Horoscope Updates, but, with the rise of the popular apps Costar and TikTok, the rhetoric around astrology and zodiac signs has intensified.
The most honourable mention when discussing the impact of horoscopes and zodiac signs on my perception of myself is most definitely the app Costar. For those unfamiliar with it, it is an app that gives you an anecdotal sentence or two based on your zodiac sign, but it is a bit more tailored to the individual because it is based on your birthday, so it takes in account all aspects of your astrology chart. On top of your daily antidote it will tell you your Do’s and Don’ts for the day, where you are powerful and where you are struggling, and will ask you thought provoking questions. For example, this morning my Costar said, “Cultivate Good boundaries”, that I was powerful in routine, spirituality, social life, and sex and love but that I am having trouble in thinking, and creativity and self. Additionally, it asked me if I am feeling misunderstood.
Although astrology can be interesting and a fun daily activity, it can also create self-fulfilling prophecies. When I woke up this morning and saw my Costar tell me that I was having trouble in creativity I was immediately discouraged to write my article for the day. It may sound ridiculous to change your rhetoric around something because of an app but it’s something my friends and I are consistently doing. Most people check their horoscopes in the morning, before their day has really started. Obviously, the logic makes sense; you want to see what kind of day your horoscope says you will have. But when you check Costar before you let your day take its course you’re at risk of letting the app set your expectations. My friends and I would compare Costars on a Friday afternoon and be so jealous of those who had power in social life, and let it implicitly set the mood for the night.