12
N the Red
May 2021
When the stars align
Astrology resurfaces, becomes large influence in pop culture Emilia Citoler
W
citolemi000@hsestudents.org
hile astrology has influenced society for millenia, there has been an uptick in the popularity of astrology. The practice that was popularized for its assumed predictive abilities is now being used to describe one’s personality and life. From celebrities broadcasting their signs to teenagers wearing an astrological sign on their jewelry, astrology has become popular within mainstream pop culture. The first records of astrology date back to 3000 B.C. but astrology has evolved and changed with the years. Ancient man spent a lot of time simply looking up at the night sky trying to make sense of the mysterious constellations. While the exact origins are unclear, the Greeks started to make advances in astrology somewhere around 331 B.C. to 5th Century A.D. Astrology was initially used to help decide when to plant crops and go to war, according to the New Yorker’s Christine Smallwoods. “Astrology has changed so much from it’s earlier uses, but I think knowing where the practice comes from is important to being able to completely understand it and being able to use and interpret things like natal charts correctly,” sophomore Kate Schneider said. During this time period, the Greeks divided the sky into 12 parts and gave each section it’s own name and identity. The Greeks’ literature based on astrology described planets, zodiac signs, houses and aspects or angles. These terms are all still used and commonly referred to with modern astrology. Astrology continued to flourish in the Middle Ages where it became a part of everyday culture. Kings and queens would have court astrologers and they avidly trusted in their readings and guidance. Then, as the church gained popularity and notiarity, trust in astrology declined. The Age of Reason in the 17th and 18th centuries further added to the decline of astrology. Astrology was seen as entertainment and not closely followed. The 20th century throughout the 21st century led to a rise of astrology, beginning with newspapers publishing sun-sign horoscopes. Kevin Burk, an astrologer, explains in his book Astrology: Understanding the Birth Chart, “Although astrology is not fortune-telling, when skillfully applied, astrology can be an extremely effective predictive tool. On a personal level, astrology can give us insight into our personal issues, our patterns, our fears, and our dreams.” There are 12 signs and each has become associated with their own animal, colors, and myths. These signs are known as sun signs, which are the signs that many are familiar with. A person’s sun sign is integral to who they are, and is described to be the answer of “who am i?” “My sun sign is Sagittarius and I really think it represents my personality well
