The Case for Modern Astrology

In the modern world, the impact of astrology can be seen everywhere you look. Plastered names of constellations on t-shirts and mugs, identifiable sigils on notepads and hanging from earrings. This can be seen as a result of the astrological intrigue that came during the new age movement of the 1970's following the culture boom of the 60's.

I would often differentiate between what we know as astrology today, and what we knew as astrology before the 1970's, as the study of the stars as a predictive tool became a profitable and generalised system, utilising twelve stereotypes and ascribing certain (often universal) occurrences that may happen through the course of a day, week, month, or year. Often these so called 'predictions' were published in newspapers for purchase, as the form of a horoscope, but any logical person would be able to identify the tactics being used against people and one's own weakness in the form of confirmation bias.

I am quick to jump on the criticism of this change, as there is certainly a case to be made as to the harm this has caused to the generalised perception of what used to be considered an art, but it would be unwise to suggest there have not been social benefits from the evolution of the subject.

In forming twleve clear cut groups of people and assigning them certain traits, it can make a person feel at ease where these traits may be considered negative by society, but are actually normal parts of the human experience. Those born within the months of June and July for example, are often considered to be more emotionally responsive than others. This is not to say that the other signs are not ascribed their own signature emotion, but Cancers are stereotypes quite simply as - crybabies. While this is played for laughs in many online spaces, it is also played for laughs by those members of the group itself, with members often siting their emotional experiences and how its just 'because they're a Cancer.' This is not being used in a negative way as a form of excuse, but instead shows how astrology is being utilised to comfort people experiencing difficulties.

This may apply in other areas of life, for instance, in cases where Mercury is retrograde - a commonly utilised scapegoat that put simply occurs where the planet appears to be moving backwards to the naked eye - any events that don't go as planned may be blamed on this event. The phenomena itself if not uncommon, occurring roughly four times per year, and roughly four times a year it can be used to aid people who's actions haven't gone as planned, and the key aspect of Mercury retrograde is that Mercury will always station direct again, a comforting thought, and a reminder that nothing bad lasts forever.

This nothing bad lasts forever attitude is a mindset often encouraged by mental health professionals whose clients are struggling with their motivation in life, allowing them to reframe their thinking and to persevere until they reach the light at the end of the tunnel. While modern astrology is not a scientifically supported resource, this is one of the ways it may aid in someone growth and journey of self-acceptance as a whole.

To conclude, though there has been clear changes in the perception of the subject and the once ancient study of the stars, the effect of these changes need not be negative. Astrology has clear applications in self-help and psychological development, that may be utilised as a coping mechanism for people struggling in their lives and aid hugely in self-acceptance.