From a life and style magazine like Cosmopolitan, to a newspaper such as The New York Times, more often than not you will come across weekly articles about astrology and horoscopes. Horoscopes are not only a hot topic among youth, but astrological signs are becoming staples in fashion and jewelry. Popular companies like Urban Outfitters, Alex and Ani, and Nordstrom have created collections revolving around zodiac symbols.
According to an article by The Atlantic, in 2018 traffic on horoscope websites increased 150 percent more than the year before.
But why? What is the deeper meaning behind that necklace that says “Scorpio”, or graphic tee with the symbol for an Aquarius on it?
Astrological and divination practices date back to the ancient times. According to New World Encyclopedia, divination is a mystical practice similar to astrology, but instead of analyzing patterns in the stars, anything can be analyzed as a way to seek truth. Early forms of divination included the use of oracles and even feng-shui. However, the first people to use astrology as a way of telling fortune were the Greeks. According to Khan Academy, scientist, Claudius Ptolemy is credited with creating the 12 zodiac signs, all with names that correspond to the time and place of their constellation in space
However, this concept is slightly different than the modern day zodiac model. Today, the zodiac sign is determined based on the position of the planets and sun rather than the stars. As per New World Encyclopedia, zodiac signs can be representative of one of four elements: fire, earth, air and water. Regardless of what your zodiac sign may be, people use them as a way to seek clarity, and guidance in their everyday lives. In today’s culture, astrology books and websites are used as a way to better understand yourself, your personality traits, and provide a common thread with those who have the same sign as you.
Popular lifestyle magazines like Allure, Cosmopolitan, and Buzzfeed use zodiac signs as a way to test compatibility with your partner, or potential romantic interests.
For example, a person who has the sign of a Pisces would have trouble connecting with an Aries. According to smartphone app, “Astrology- Zodiac- Signs” a Pisces is a water sign, who tends to be compassionate, intuitive, wise, and fearful. Aries tends to be courageous, artistic, passionate and confident, with a ruling planet of Mars.
One particular astrological app, has taken the universe by storm. Its name is Co-Star and through using personal information such as your date, time, and place of birth, can generate a personal birth-chart. Based off of this birth chart, daily horoscopes are created that users can compare with their friends, to test the alignment of their personality, moods, and relationships.
Senior biology major, Shevaitha Shyamalan, has used Co-Star and despite its popularity finds it “inaccurate”. The app, “told me to go out while during a blizzard,” said Shyamalan. Julia Curcie, a college student from Long Island, NY, feels the same about the app’s inaccuracy as well.
“I love Co-Star, I think it’s so much fun to look at every day. Despite this, I don’t think it’s too accurate because it is an app. I still like to read everything it says, and to see compatibility of my birth chart with my friends.”
Mobile applications, such as Snapchat, include daily horoscopes for users to read. Sophomore, marketing student, Brian Pelonero, has had experience with reading horoscopes in the past. “I do check mine every once in a while, but I believe that there are some generalities to each sign that can apply to everyone,” said Pelonero.
The presence of zodiac has been evolving from the time of its creation by Greeks, centuries ago. Modern day technology has adapted this practice, to become an interactive experience with users to explain the trials and tribulations of their everyday lives. If you are planning to delve into the world of astrology, it is best to read about the topic first. Popular books such as, “Star Power: A simple Guide to Astrology for the Modern Mystic” by Vanessa Montgomery, and “The Astrology of You and Me” by Gary Goldschneider can help you navigate the dynamic world of zodiac.
IMAGE COMPILED by Chloe Barone
