Let’s get one thing straight: Astrology isn’t going anywhere soon. In times of quarantine, isolation, and loneliness, many people have found new fixations to partake in; one of the most popular being astrology.

 Across app stores everywhere, there are numerous apps that are glorified horoscopes- examples being Costar, The Pattern, and Sanctuary. If you want to find love, there are astrology dating apps- like NUiT and Struck. Hundreds of apps are dedicating themselves to people who want an outside force working with them. 

There are certain comforts to be seen in releasing control to planetary beings. Astrology helps what we can’t, or at least rids us of some of the responsibility. Searching the stars for comfort and assurance is a shift that not just Gen-Z has made. 

Astrology is not new to society- civilizations observed the stars since ancient times- and they began naming zodiac constellations around 3000 BCE (The Astrology Journal). Each zodiac constellation takes up 1/12th of the Sun and Earth’s rotation. Yet, this history doesn’t stop a new generation from diving deeper into what the stars predict about ourselves. 

There is a growing familiarity with patterns and positions of the planets- and it’s not uncommon to hear people ages 15-25 talking about “Mercury’s in retrograde!” or “There’s a full moon in Pisces tonight,” or “What’s your sign?” The majority of people know only their sun, moon, and rising sign- the “Big Three”. What many don’t realize is that for any decent attempt at a reading or horoscope, you need a full natal chart. 

A natal chart, or birth chart, is based on the concept that each person’s personality or life path is determined by the exact date, time, and location of their birth- not just a period of 3-4 weeks for their Sun sign. Astrology is meant to encompass all parts of your personality and being and acts as a guide for those who need help. 

Upon learning about astrology charts, many people attribute personality traits to their signs. Yet sometimes we are forced to wonder if there is any truth to these associations between star sign and identity; skepticism is only human nature. However, when you look at astrology through a spiritual lens, there is much less weight placed on the scientific end of things. 

I’m not saying everyone needs to be dedicated to the study of astrology, but people need to know what they’re getting themselves into. This broader shift of magic and mysticism into a popular culture will leave many people being misled by Buzzfeed astrology articles and TikToks. If you really want to learn about your astrological makeup and life path, do your own research. And delete Costar.

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