Astrology

When the stars align

Astrology resurfaces, becomes large in uence in pop culture

Emilia Citoler citolemi000@hsestudents.org

While astrology has in uenced 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 rst 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 ourish 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 e ective 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

since I’m bold and outgoing,” junior Mia Salazar said. “The more negative traits of being a Sagittarius also apply since I can be impulsive.” The signs are then split up into triplicities, which means the elements associate with the signs. Ones that are associated with re are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius and are said to be vibrant and passionate. Signs that are associated with earth are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn and are known to be practical and grounded. Air signs, which include Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, are said to be curious and intelligent. Water signs are known to be emotional and observant, and include Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Because of the popularity of sun signs, some are only familiar with their sun sign and may nd that they do not necessarily match up with the characteristics that align with their speci c sign. Sun signs are just one part of natal charts, which are charts that mark where planets and other celestial bodies were the moment a person was born. Reading a natal chart is said to allow for an in-depth look at someone’s personality. Each planet, as well as the sun, moon and a rising sign, has its own meaning and purpose within a chart. While natal charts can become relatively complex, taking a look at one’s “big three” or their sun, moon and rising signs is a common step into astrology. “It is de nitely important to know and research one’s moon and rising signs, especially if they feel as if they don’t resonate with their sun sign,” Schneider said. “Your rising and moon signs ll in those gaps of who you are and the way you act.” A sun sign, as described previously, is one’s identity. A sun sign describes how one experiences life and expresses personality. A moon sign is the subconscious side of oneself that is somewhat hidden, or the inner self, and is said to govern emotions. The rising sign, or ascendant, is how the world sees a person, or who one is on the surface. Each of these are determined by where a certain planet was during one’s birth. “Astrology impacts my life in how I perceive people, honestly,” Salazar said. “Their signs can coincide with their personality traits, and knowing their signs can a ect whether or not I want to pursue a relationship with them.” With social media apps like TikTok and Instagram, astrology creators have a bigger audience than ever. On apps like Tiktok, astrology creators have amassed large followings, and even o er personalized chart readings and horoscopes. Not only has astrology made its way into mainstream media, but it has created its own sub-genre of apps based around astrology itself. CoStar, one of the leading astrology apps, sends out daily messages that are supposedly based on one’s chart. The app also has a few social media-esque features, like being able to friend other users and compare charts. Pattern, another app that is astrologyrelated, generates compatibility and psychological analyses that are based on birth charts. “I used to use CoStar, but I’ve heard some questionable things about it so I have kind of leaned away from the app constantly,” Schneider said. “CoStar has have kind of leaned away from the app constantly,” Schneider said. “CoStar has my natal chart, so I still use it for that. I also follow a bunch of zodiac accounts, my natal chart, so I still use it for that. I also follow a bunch of zodiac accounts, one of my favorites is Glossy Zodiac.” one of my favorites is Glossy Zodiac.”

Graphics by Emilia Citoler.