There are a lot of inaccurate or sensationalized information about astrology in popular culture. This has led to stereotypes, misconceptions and oversimplifications that has obscured the reputation of astrology. In the last couple of years there has been a resurgence in astrology in popular culture across all forms of media and social media platforms including memes, GIFs, books, music, film, fashion, TikTok, Reels, podcasts, etc. This has made astrology become even more accessible and a cultural phenomenon. It’s not hard to see why – astrology is fun, relatable and offers a new and fresh outlook on life.
Astrology seeks to understand the correlation between the movements of certain celestial bodies and human life, events and behaviours on earth. Sun sign astrology has become a mainstay in most magazines and newspapers, however, there is cultural or generational divide in understanding astrology. While astrology has been used in all parts of the world and has been a part of human history for thousands of years, astrology is perceived to not be relevant to generations that have grown up in scientific oriented cultures. It’s no surprise that during the COVID-19 pandemic many people turned to astrology as a source of comfort and guidance which provided a sense of control during a time of crisis. The popular astrology apps Co-Star and The Pattern have made astrology more accessible to a wider audience through a smartphone app. Co-Star and The Pattern apps have attracted a younger audience to astrology, many of whom may not have had previous exposure to or interest in astrology. However, there
Despite astrology’s popularity, there are still many misconceptions about astrology. Below are 3 myths and misconceptions about astrology:
Myth #1: Sun Sign Astrology Is The Only Type Of Astrology
Sun sign astrology is the most well-known type of astrology, but it’s not the only type of astrology. Sun sign astrology was popularized by Linda Goodman in the 1960s and Sun sign horoscopes continue to be found in newspapers daily and magazines (TIP: You always read a newspaper or magazine horoscope by your rising sign/ascendent, not your Sun sign). Sun sign astrology is based on the position of the sun at the time of your birth, however, you are more than just your Sun sign. There are other planets, planetary bodies, mathematical points and techniques that astrologers use to analyze an astrological chart, including aspects, transits, progressions, profections, midpoints, bounds, antiscia, synastry, etc.
There are 4 main types of astrology:
- Natal astrology: Natal astrology, also known as birth chart astrology, is the study of the positions of celestial bodies at the time and location of a person’s birth. This type of astrology is focused on understanding an individual’s personality traits, strengths, weaknesses and potential life paths based on their birth chart composition.
- Mundane astrology: Mundane astrology is focused on predicting world events and trends, such as world history, societal changes and development, government and legal changes, economic changes and natural disasters. Mundane astrology is the oldest form of astrology and is based on the positions of the planets and how they interact with each other over time.
- Electional astrology: Electional astrology is focused on identifying the best time and date for a particular event, such as a business launch, wedding, signing a contract or making an important decision. Electional astrology is based on the belief that the position of the planets can influence the outcome of an event and that choosing an auspicious time can lead to more favourable outcome or results.
- Horary astrology: Horary astrology is focused on answering specific questions based on the positions of the planets at the time the question is asked. The astrologer constructs a chart using their house system of choice for the moment the question is posed and analyzes the positions of the planets to provide an answer. For people who don’t know their birth time, horary astrology is an alternative to obtaining an answer to a question about career, education, relationships or finances.
Myth #2: Astrology Is Not Scientific
Many scientists and skeptics of astrology will argue that astrology is nothing more than a pseudoscience and there is no evidence that a celestial body can have a direct impact on human behaviour or events. It’s a fact that the certain celestial bodies can influence events on earth, for example the Moon can influence the tides on earth, however, astrology doesn’t claim a celestial body has direct impact on human behaviour or events. Astrology is about the observation of the movement of certain celestial bodies correlating to human behaviour or events on earth. For example, Herodotus stated that when there was an eclipse it was interpreted as an omen.
Astrology is a complex field that requires a significant amount of study and practice to fully grasp. This can make it difficult for people who are not familiar with astrological terminology, analysis and techniques to understand its principles and applications.While astrology does not fit within the framework of traditional scientific methodology, traditional Western astrology or Hellenistic astrology is based on thousands of years of observation, analysis and interpretation. On the other hand, modern psychological astrology or character analysis that is common in memes or GIFs is a 20th century phenomenon. Astrology uses astronomy, specifically an ephemeris, to track the positions of the planets and other celestial bodies and uses mathematics to calculate astrological charts.
Myth #3: Astrology Is Confirmation Bias
One common misconception is that astrology is a form of the Barnum Effect or confirmation bias where people tend to believe that generalized statements about personality and life experiences apply specifically to them. This misconception about astrology stems from the fact that horoscopes in newspapers or magazines are very general and could potentially apply to a wide range of individuals.
Astrology is not based on generalized statements or Sun sign astrology. There are specific rules when it comes analyzing an astrological or natal chart. Horoscopes written in newspapers or magazines aren’t written based on a person’s Sun sign, but written based on a persons rising/ascendent sign. Astrology involves a complex system of calculations and interpretations taking into account a wide range of factors, including planetary house placement, sign rulerships, aspects, sect, planetary strength, planetary dignity, transits and much more. Each astrological and natal chart is unique based on a location and time of birth or the time the chart is casted.
The Barnum effect or confirmation bias isn’t just applied to astrology and can be applied to many areas of life. The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a part of the brainstem that plays a crucial role in regulating consciousness and attention for human survival. The human mind is naturally drawn to information that confirms our existing beliefs and biases which can influence the way we interpret information in a wide range of subjects, but rejects information that challenges their value system or reality. The RAS filters incoming sensory information and could play a role in the way people perceive and interpret astrological information.
While there are many misconceptions about astrology, these are three of main misconceptions that have been highlighted. A person who believes in astrology or doesn’t believe in astrology doesn’t mean it’s a reflection of a person’s open mindedness or intelligence. People are free to have their own belief system and it ultimately up to each individual to decide what beliefs or values system a person believes in whether it be astrology or not. To learn more about astrology, read Astrology 101.