Astrology: A tool for self-understanding or a nonsensical trend?

By Addie McElveen

As humans bound to Earth, we are left to stare eternally up at the night sky. 

Many, now and for centuries before, have turned to astrology to make sense of who we are. 

Astrology serves as a comforting guide of self-reflection for some, while others dismiss it as pseudoscience. 

Although many people view astrology as an abstract belief, its rise in popularity has opened the door for introspection and self-discovery. 

“People say it's as useful as knowing your Hogwarts house,” says Sophie Netter, a 21-year-old metaphysical shop manager, regarding zodiac signs.

Netter was practically born to believe in the power of astrology and zodiac signs. After all, her mother, well versed in the power of the stars, made a deliberate choice about Netter’s birth based on the zodiac. 

Sophie’s mother Lisa Netter did not want her daughter to be born with the zodiac sign.

Ophira Edut, astrology writer for Astrostyle.com, writes about Geminis, “They’ve been called two-faced, fickle, indecisive and outright liars."

To ensure her daughter would not possess any of these traits, Lisa Netter waited until after midnight on June 22 to deliver her as a Cancer.

Netter is innately caring, highly sensitive, and intuitive -- traits that are consistent with the Cancer zodiac sign.

Whether the timing of Netter’s birth truly has had an effect on her personality is debatable in her eyes, but her mom was not taking any risks. 

Netter’s story echoes a core belief that the time we’re born influences our values, personality, and interactions with others. 

Whether there is validity to theory begs the question – does it matter? 

“Even if there’s no concrete evidence about how the stars and planets affect us, astrology has given me the clarity to understand myself better,” says 22-year-old Morgan Arent, who has been exploring astrology. 

Arent’s attitude toward astrology encompasses the way many feel about it in the modern day. 

“It has allowed me to embrace my sensitive and caring side and not see it as a weakness,” adds Arent. 

Cate Covington, a 19-year-old College of Charleston sophomore, also commended the practice.

“It has helped me understand myself better and I think that's why people enjoy it so much," Covington said.

In the world of astrology, the sun, moon and constellations are the main indicators of a person's personality.

In an article on utilizing the power of the big three Nikhil Verma writes that astrology has fascinated humanity for centuries.

"Within this complex system, the 'Big Three'—the Sun, Moon, and Rising signs—play critical roles in defining an individual’s astrological identity. Understanding these elements is essential for anyone interested in self-discovery through astrology."

The big three: the sun, moon, and rising signs are the most important and main astrological indicators for someone's personality.

The sun sign dictates our egos, passions, and represents the core self. The moon sign reflects our inner worlds and emotional nature.

For example, people with Cancer moons are more nurturing, and an Aquarius moon is likely more detached emotionally. Rising signs determine how we present ourselves to the world.

For those who believe in astrology, the first pieces they begin exploring are these. Most people know their big three, but there are eight other signs that correlate to the planets that hold individual meanings as well. 

Arent has used one of them to amplify her style. 

"My Venus sign helps me feel more confident by dressing in ways that align with it,” she said.

Using astrology in this way to supplement your life and feel connected to yourself reflects the sentiment that draws people into astrology. 

In recent years there has been an uptick in interest in astrology.

In an article about astrology in the digital age Josh Rangel writes, “With the advent of astrology apps, websites, and social media platforms, astrology has become more accessible and popular than ever before."

It has become increasingly trendy. 

The nature of trends in the modern world is very fast-paced; people do not explore topics as deeply as they used to, which has been the case with astrology. 

Apps such as CoStar and Nebula have allowed astrology to become more accessible and mainstream, even infiltrating clothing and accessory brands.

It’s not rare to find accessories or t-shirts sporting the zodiac signs at popular retail stores. The mainstream infiltration of zodiac signs is one of the reasons why astrology has been viewed as a passing trend. 

Commercialization introduces skepticism. 

“I feel like people now just use astrology to fit into stereotypes or make assumptions about others,” says Covington.

She highlights how astrology has begun to embody discourse that reflects many other trends.

Netter agrees that the oversaturation of content and conversation about astrology online has shifted how it's viewed by some. 

 “I think some people reject it to seem ‘cooler’ or more logical... it’s like they’re saying, ‘I don’t believe in astrology because it’s a hippie thing,’” she explains. 

But Netter sees the value in the online communities that explore astrology more seriously. 

“There’s a growing platform for people who really believe in it, and I think that’s where the magic happens,” she said. 

People who believe in astrology point out that its usefulness does not end after the birth chart.

There are always astrological events taking place in the cosmos such as Mercury retrogrades and eclipses that have been said to affect lives.

Netter and Arent both have detailed experiences of feeling shifts during these astrological events. 

“I definitely feel affected by Mercury retrogrades,” Morgan says, recounting how she once contacted her ex during one, believing it wasn’t just a coincidence. 

Sophie adds that Mercury retrograde often leads to technology failures in her life, and she also feels that the full moon and new moon cycles impact her mood. 

These experiences highlight how astrology is intertwined with day-to-day life, offering both practical and emotional insights.

Regardless, astrology remains a powerful tool for many.

“Astrology can be harmful if it becomes a set of rules for life,” Netter says.  “It’s a tool for introspection, not a rulebook.”