The Psychology Behind Why We Care about Astrology

If you're into astrology, you don’t just know your sun sign; you know your moon sign, your rising sign, and everything else in your astrological chart. You follow any astrology Instagram account you can find, and your phone’s notifications are always lighting up with updates from your favorite astrology apps. There’s no denying that astrology is currently having a moment in the cultural zeitgeist.

But what is it about the messages in the stars that is so appealing, and why now in particular? Verywell Mind combed the studies and talked to an astrologist who is also a psychologist to find out. 

What Is Astrology?

Astrology is the study of how the positions of the stars and planets are believed to affect human lives. Babylonian astrology is believed to be the first organized system of astrology, beginning more than 2,000 years ago. 

The Greeks solidified the signs that we know today around 280 BCE. There are also thought to be Chinese, Indian, and Egyptian influences.

These are current signs:

• Aries: March 21–April 19
• Taurus: April 20–May 20
• Gemini: May 21–June 21
• Cancer: June 22–July 22
• Leo: July 23–August 22
• Virgo: August 23–September 22
• Libra: September 23–October 23
• Scorpio: October 24–November 21
• Sagittarius: November 22–December 21
•  Capricorn: December 22–January 19
•  Aquarius: January 20–February 18
•  Pisces: February 19–March 20

Why Are We Interested in Astrology?

An interest in astrology is, in some ways, a coping mechanism. Research has found a correlation between those experiencing acute crises (such as divorce or job loss) and a belief in astrology. It is believed that this is because astrology represents an immediate tool that can be turned to for comfort.

Similarly, this tracks with the recent astrology boom in the wake of tumultuous political times and the uncertainty of a global pandemic.

“I think that astrology is having a peak moment because so many of the traditional institutions have failed to provide a meaning map for people,” says Jennifer Freed, PhD, a psychologist and astrologist. “Also, astrology, unlike those institutions, has been a place of welcoming for all people.”

It Gives Us a Sense of Control

Another aspect is that astrology may appeal to those who perceive an external locus of control. Someone who believes in an external locus of control will credit outside forces for both the good and the bad—blaming those forces if something goes wrong and crediting luck for success. 

It Acts as a Way to Understand Our Identity

Astrology is also seen as a way that one seeks validation for their self-concept—how they think about themselves.

Freed agrees, seeing it as a tool for people to use to “develop their unique gifts and use it for confirmation and encouragement.”

Additionally, we are more likely, as humans, to remember the the positive feedback that validates our self-conception, over negative feedback. For this reason, it’s easy to accept the ambiguous and positive aspects of astrology.

The fact that it is based on individualized informationsuch as one’s birth date and birth place also lends astrology another degree of credibility in some people’s eyes.

It's Hard to Tolerate Ambiguity 

Astrology can also really appeal to those who have an especially pronounced intolerance for ambiguity.

Humans have a profound desire to understand the world. If you can understand what's going on around you, you can make better decisions for yourself and your family. This is a survival tactic.

“As human beings throughout eons, we’ve always been in the quest to understand our existence and make meaning of our lives. Astrology is the oldest system of trying to understand existence and personalities and our personal destinies,” says Freed. 

In one study of Israeli citizens in high-stress areas during the Gulf War, the higher their stress levels were in the face of ambiguity, the more likely they were to engage in magical, or, superstitious thinking.

Where to Get Started

Freed views astrology meme accounts or newspaper horoscopes as entertainment. She recommends starting with astrology apps for people who want to begin to dip their toes into learning about astrology—particularly apps that ask for your time and place of birth, as she says those will provide more accurate information. 

A Word From Verywell

Astrology is generally considered a pseudoscience,not science. There are no scientific and peer-reviewed studies that validate its premises and promises. With that said, it can still be a fun and harmless tool to engage with to learn more about yourself with the understanding that it is just one of many tools.