Astrology has played a profound role in the advancement of civilizations throughout history. The primary reason why people read horoscopes at the time was to predict the movement of the stars. They also calculated with remarkable precision the turn of the seasons and even the outcomes of many wars.
Today, there aren’t as many wars and there are now better ways of predicting the seasons. Regardless, astrology still has its uses for people everywhere. They still inform pop culture and occupy a prominent spot in the world stage. Astrologers still give people a sense of awe and wonder.
But what is it that truly drives people to read horoscopes? Surely, with all the scientific advancements of the age, astrology has already outlived its usefulness? Why do we still bother with constellations or occupy ourselves with the movements of the cosmos?
In this article, you will learn the answers to all of these questions. Additionally, you will also learn:
- 5 reasons why people read horoscopes.
- The importance of astrology throughout the ages.
- And many more…
Throughout the Epochs: Why People Read Horoscopes
In astrology, horoscopes have seen their use across various eras. For example, in 2012, an astrology board was dug up in Croatia. According to archaeologists, the same board is 2,000 years old, dating it around the time of early imperial Rome. The board in question contained a drawing of constellations.
It is suspected that these constellations were used to predict the birth of a person by tracking the movements of stars. At a time when calendars were disrupted by war, astrologers filled the gap by making accurate predictions of seasonal changes.
They would then use these predictions to instruct farmers on when to make sacrifices in order to appease the gods. Coincidentally, these same constellations were seen as aspects of gods themselves. These then formed part of the literature that we now enjoy today.
Without astrology’s influence, civilizations would have been destroyed by natural disasters. There also wouldn’t be as much basis for the centuries-long literary enrichment that we enjoy today.
5 Reasons People Read Horoscopes
To this day, astrology remains a relevant force in the world stage and a powerful influence in pop culture and world affairs. Here’s some of the reasons why people read horoscopes nowadays:
#1: They bring hope
To many, astrology is a field that brings hope. Its daily, monthly, and yearly readings yield encouraging results for every person. Someone, for example, may go through rough times earlier in the year. With the help of astrology, they can rise and make even greater profits during the next year.
Alternatively, when the readings are bad, astrology is replete with life advice. They can then use this to actually help mitigate the damage the coming storms might do to them. Here, astrology acknowledges that people always have bad times at some point in their lives. It also gives people solutions.
In this regard, astrology is generally a good tool for self-improvement. They can actually use it in order to better not only themselves but their standing in the world. The more they avail of astrology’s many wisdoms and secrets, the better off they will be for it.
And most of all, this knowledge is very easily accessible. With the internet’s help, people can easily turn their life around with just the simple push of a button and clicking at a few helpful sites. It’s no wonder why personal horoscope reading is often seen as a sign of hope for many.
#2: They want to know more about themselves
Horoscope readings are typically an excellent way to find out more about yourself. In astrology alone, there are 12 signs. Each has their own symbols, cultural history, personality traits, elements, and modalities.
All of these details converge around a single point: the identity of a person. This is why, for example, many find that Aries as a sign holds the fire element. Culturally speaking, fire is the symbol of life and destruction. This clearly says a lot about the creative and destructive capacity of this one sign.
Those of the Aries sign can then integrate the information they gather both the element and the sign into their own personal histories. They may, for example, realize that while they have improved the lives of others, they have likewise caused trouble at some point.
Aside from this, the relationship between planetary bodies and signs also says a lot about who they really are. It is in this light that one can see the relationship between Aries and the Sun, for one. The Sun, for example, helps illuminate and provide energy to the world naturally for at least half a day.
However, it can also be the source of calamitous events: forest fires and skin cancer, among others. This is especially true when one is exposed to too much sunlight. These traits of the Sun mirror those of Aries, which then serves a mirror of further insight into one’s own personality.
Accordingly, when people know their weaknesses, they can start addressing them productively. In the process, they can amplify their strengths.
#3: They are curious to know what the field says about them
Astrology does not just provide facts to anyone who’s fallen into dark times. It is genuinely interesting enough on its own to actually be appealing to people who want to sate their curiosity. Horoscope readings are all the rage right now because they genuinely offer a sense of novelty.
Aside from this, astrology is also very dynamic. It not only shows facts about the signs. It can also be integrated across a wide array of topics including psychology, philosophy, and astronomy. In particular, the former sometimes sees astrology used in conjunction with Jungian knowledge.
This means that each sign is naturally compatible with the Jungian archetypes and can in fact augment each other. For example, Aries is associated with the Warrior or Hero archetype– a naturally strong-willed figure.
This archetype can then show further insight about your own personal impulses. Strong as your will is, you may have a soft spot for other people or certain weaknesses that cripple or make your will destructive.
In other words, the endlessly dynamic nature of astrology allows people to branch out. This will allow them to easily read about things that are fundamentally relatable and endlessly novel to them.
#4: They want guidance
People who read their horoscope usually also want one other thing: guidance. Some may feel enough of an urgency, for example, to find advice about matters such as a lack of motivation in their work or even family relations. More people still can even a sense of despair over their general situation in life.
What’s even worse is the fact that these feelings of despair and listlessness will exist at some point in one’s life no matter how old they are. For example, you may be 20 years old right now, but you will likely have the same dark feeling as that of a 50-year old worried about their bills. Astrology matters to people regardless of age.
In this regard, the guidance that astrology brings likewise works for all ages. Young people may deal with their particular sign’s weakness to improve their romantic relationships, for example. Tauruses can learn to listen more to people and adapt to their feelings, Libras can be more consistent, and so on.
Likewise, even old people can benefit from being reminded about their strengths from time to time. The constant onslaught of work and responsibility can do a number on one’s mental and emotional health. Thus, the fact that they can turn to astrology in order to relearn their strengths is a blessing in and of itself.
#5: It’s a surprisingly powerful force in dating
Astrology is also good for dating, forming a huge part in why people read horoscopes. You will notice, for one, that various dating apps openly encourage users to state their astrological sign.
This will give people an even better idea about their compatibility with other people. Leos, for example, may want to avoid Pisces as the incompatibility of fire and water can hurt relationships.
It’s also a pleasant conversation starter. When you meet up with someone of the same or different signs, you can both discuss each sign’s strengths and weaknesses. As you do so, you will begin to size each other up and move the dating process along.
Another reason why people read horoscopes in the context of romance is that they offer solutions. Personal weaknesses can undermine one’s dates, so they’ll have time to study how to get rid of them just before sharing a table together.