An unparalleled form of identification, and a unique language written across the stars has fascinated people for several years: astrology. Astrology is a practice that has existed in various forms for thousands of years, and recently this fad spread across the internet.

Astrology
Astrology studies the specific locations of planets, stars, and other terrestrial entities at given points of time, and uses that information to make judgements surrounding a person’s fate or status. Astrology does not just make predictions, it can also make specific, personalized judgements through a person’s ‘Zodiac’ and ‘Horoscope’.

There are twelve Zodiac signs, one for each constellation in the Milky Way Galaxy. When someone is born, a Zodiac sign is assigned to them depending on the location, day, and month they were born in. A Zodiac sign can narrow down specific personality traits and can even hint to compatibility between others.

Examples of Zodiacs could be that those born between December 22nd through January 20th are Capricorn, and those born between August 23rd and September 20th are Virgo. Capricorns, under astrology, are hardworking, stubborn, and ambitious, while Virgos are artistic, faithful, and observant. Virgos and Capricorns are known to be very compatible with one another.

While personality traits and compatibility can be defined through Zodiac signs, future predictions can be formed through what is known as a ‘horoscope’. Horoscopes forecast a person’s future similarly to how Zodiac’s define someone’s personality based on the relative positions of the stars and planets at the time of a person’s birth. Horoscopes can forecast someone’s day, month, and even year depending on the position of stars and plants.

Each Zodiac sign’s horoscope for 2020 can be read here on Astrology.com https://www.astrology.com/us/horoscope/index-yearly-2020.aspx

Why has astrology become so popular?
Astrology has swayed in and out of the public eye throughout the years. The 1960’s and 70’s were known as the “New Age”, a boom of astrological popularity that can be credited to a general rise in spirituality. Astrology never disappeared from the public eye, however, it has increased in popularity within the 21st century.

One prominent factor in astrology’s new rise in popularity is the internet. Entertaining astrology quizzes and memes have allowed social media platforms like Buzzfeed and Instagram to appeal to younger generations.

On Buzzfeed, there is a Zodiac section with questionnaires like “We Know Your Dream Vacations Based on Your Zodiac Sign”. On social media feeds, relatable Zodiac and Horoscope content is everywhere, and such material is steadily increasing.

Astrology allows people to explain the unexplained during times of uncertainty as well. According to learnreligions.com “Astrology offers a number of things which many people find very desirable: information and assurance about the future, a way to be absolved of their current situation and future decisions, and a way to feel connected to the entire cosmos.” Astrology provides many with reasons and a feeling of understanding of life around them.

Astrological predictions can also have a placebo effect on people’s minds. The placebo effect is when people believe something to be true due to personal expectation, and this belief results in actual physical and mental benefits. For example, if an astrology app or astrologist predicts someone to have a prosperous month filled with joy, that person may have a good month simply from belief.

Psyche, psychology, astrology
Astrology is unique in that it combines many elements: science, art, and psychology. The intricacy of this study leaves a lot of room for the mind to decipher, and the notion that alignment of the heavens could explain someone’s condition, future, or love life is mind-boggling.

This subject is becoming increasingly popular, and these recent generation’s attraction to astrology is partially attributed to the internet and astrology apps. Regardless of if these cosmic puzzles are real or not real, a connection between one’s personal life and terrestrial activity is intriguing.