What is astrology?

Astrology has gained a lot of popularity over the last decade or so. You may know someone (maybe you are that someone) that uses astrology to help make daily decisions and guide them through the year. But what even is it? And why do some people dedicate their lives to it?


According to Encyclopedia Britannica, astrology is a “type of divination that involves the forecasting of earthly and human events through the observation and interpretation of the fixed stars, the Sun, the Moon, and the planets.”


In more simple terms, astrology is the belief that the planets and stars determine what happens on Earth, and by studying it, one can predict worldly events before they happen.


One can predict events, by first knowing their zodiac sign. Zodiac signs (the 12 astrological constellations) coordinate with the day you were born. For instance, Aquarius (water bearer) is January 20th- February 18th. The signs that go along with each zodiac are believed to originate from Greek manuscripts in the Middle Ages.


Each zodiac has different traits, horoscopes, and desires. “Astrology aims to help us focus these energies on the positive aspects and to gain a better understanding of our potential and our positive traits and deal with negative ones.” (Zodiacsign.com).


If you’re really into astrology, you can read your horoscope every day online. It will consist of predictions for the day and more long-term advice. An example of a daily horoscope on January 26th for Pisces is “a marked increase in income and acknowledgment from those who matter.” (horoscope.com).


Many people believe in astrology and follow it daily, while on the other hand, many people think it’s completely made up and a waste of time. No matter what you believe, it is at least an interesting topic to study. And It never hurts to learn about something new!

Sources:
https://www.horoscope.com/us/horoscopes/general/horoscope-general-daily-
today.aspx?sign=12
https://www.zodiacsign.com
https://www.britannica.com/topic/astrology/Purposes-of-astrology