According to astrologists, a person’s identity is determined by the stars. The dictionary defines astrology as “the study of the supposed influences of the stars on human affairs by their positions in relation to each other”. Astrology can first be dated back to the 3rd millennium BC and continues to be a subject of interest to many people today. However, some have begun to question just how accurate it is. 

As previously stated, astrology has been around for quite some time, but in recent years, it has seen a spike in popularity through the use of the internet and literature. In astrology, there are 12 zodiacs, each with its own particular traits. For example, Virgos are said to be “neat freaks” and analytical. Some people tend to resonate with these characteristics, which could explain astrology’s boost in relevance. Junior, Jalene Norco is one of those people.

“I’m a Taurus and it says that we are down to earth and stubborn and I think that is pretty accurate to how I act. I think astrology gives people something to relate to and I know a lot of people like interpreting it and reading about how they act,” said Norco.

This is not the case for everyone. Although many people simply see astrology as a hobby, others genuinely believe in it and apply it to aspects of their life such as relationships. Particular signs are not “compatible”, meaning they should never be together. In fact, some people refuse to date someone if their signs are not compatible with each other, even if they have a strong interest in the other person. This could contribute to the reason why many people think that astrology is foolish. Junior, Damaris Pineda doesn’t understand how people will stop liking someone, just because of their signs.

“I think it’s very funny how people will actually stop dating someone because their signs don’t match or whatever. They can like someone but refuse to be with them because of a sign that does not go well with them based on their personality. Like I’ve had people say to me before ‘Ew I could never be with a Libra’ and it’s just so weird,” said Pineda.

On the other hand, some people don’t believe in astrology due to other beliefs that they already have. Many religions such as Islam and Christianity do not allow people to follow astrology, causing a large portion of people to rule out astrology due to this reason. Junior, Chiamaka Uzoechina, respects it, but doesn’t follow it due to her faith.

“Some stuff I’ve read about Taurus’ is kind of how I act, but I cannot really say that I think zodiac signs are true because I believe in God, the one and only. It is fun to say things like ‘oh you’re a Gemini, so you’re two-faced’, but at the end of the day it isn’t something I choose to partake in,” said Uzoechina.

Astrology has not been backed up by science, which is another common reason why some people choose not to take it seriously. It is regarded as a pseudoscience (a practice that is mistaken as being scientifically correct) and has no solid scientific proof validating its accuracy or existence. That does not stop some people from believing in it though. However, Teacher, Matthew Gartman, says there has been no way to prove astrology is real, at least scientifically.  

“There’s never been any supporting evidence, not to mention that an arbitrary position, followed by a predictable orbit and the random occurrence of conception does not generate a prefabricated fate of an individual,” said Gartman.

On the contrary, some people think astrology is real due to many coincidences that can be traced back to zodiac signs. Whether it be horoscopes or natal charts, there might be details that simply align with the stars. Junior, Jalene Norco, says there are way too many instances that have occurred for astrology to be completely false. 

“The thing is, some people genuinely do live up to their zodiac stereotypes. Astrology was made up like a million years ago and the stuff they assigned to the zodiac signs actually happens in some people till this day so I do think that astrology is accurate for the most part. I’ve also had horoscopes that I’ve read that happened to me so that makes me think that not everything is completely unreal,” said Norco. 

Others fall in the middle of the argument. Some people acknowledge astrology, but view it as something meant for fun and not to be taken too seriously. In fact, according to yougov.com, only 1 in 4 Americans actually believe in astrology. Teacher, Ivonne Want, would be considered among the 75% of those who are not devoted. 

“I think that astrology is somebody’s interpretation of things and I think interpretation can always be different. So I don’t believe that just because somebody interprets the movement of the stars in a certain way means that I will view it in the same way. I read it for fun and entertainment, but everybody’s free to believe whatever they want,” explained Want. 

On social media apps such as Instagram, the astrology hashtag has accumulated 11.6 million posts, extending its reach to gen z audiences. With most people having phones these days, more people are able to gain access to astrology and learn more about it than they possibly could have before. Senior, Felicity Alamos, thinks social media has impacted astrology by making it a more well-known topic.

“I feel like before social media, astrology was more of a niche interest, but nowadays everyone knows their sign and even if they don’t, they at least have an idea of what astrology is. Everyone talks about it and then one thing leads to another and more followers become interested in it and it gets more popular,” explained Alamos.

Despite some of its skeptics, astrology has continued to remain a fascinating topic for many people. To some it’s a fun interest to learn about and to others, it’s a way of life, but the general consensus seems to be that it should be respected nevertheless.