Editor's note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.
Heavily dictating the daily social interactions of many millennials today, this technology-driven era has developed an eerie sense of satisfaction for the various interpretations of placement of the moon, sun and solar system within the 12 signs of the zodiac, to predict aspects of the present and the future.
In essence, this revived obsession known as astrology dates back to the 17th century. Astrology was seen as a scientific means of predicting the weather, yet overtime that narrative has evolved, especially with age and relevancy.
Contrary to the prediction of weather, this cultural phenomenon has manifested its self into the 21st century as being the backbone of determining relationships, personalities and cycles of life. However, this psychological concept is much more complex than you may think. In its simplest form, astrology is seen as a way of understanding ourselves and others to better communicate.
Now although the misconception of astrology is solely revolved around knowing your birthday in terms of your sun placement, that is certainly scratching the surface as a means to understanding your zodiac sign within astrology. Astrology is not only rooted in being aware of your sun placement, but as well as the placement of your moon.
In addition, The Atlantic attested, “The placement of the moon and each of the other planets at the time and location of your birth adds additional shades to the picture of you painted by your “birth chart.”
In turn, this cultural shift of logic is nothing new, it’s just expansive of what was already exposed to us as the public, especially with the rise of horoscopes.
From print publications to newly becoming digitized, horoscopes have become the blueprint to utilizing one’s birth chart to forecast their character, personality and future. In particular, this process of elimination has resonated with millennials, as many have adapted to this concept and have further run with it as a shorthand of communication.
That being said, I’m pretty sure we’ve all been asked or have been at fault for asking, “what’s your sign?” Though masked as a harmless conversion starter, there’s a slight stigma surrounding the question, but also the response possibly received.
In this day and age, there seems to be a sense of judgment for either not being in tune with yourself astrologically, or rather identifying with a zodiac sign that may be deemed as problematic, intolerable etc. However, this poses the question as to who decides these general characteristics for each zodiac sign and how are they applicable and accurate to each person that identifies with them? The conventional answer is astrology apps.
Regardless of accuracy or inaccuracy, various astrology apps such as Co-Star, The Pattern, Astrology Daily Horoscope and Astrology Zone, tend to give users an insight into different aspects of themselves—character traits, behavioral patterns and future goals and an affirmation of one's prior perception of themselves, even if it’s cliché.
Though, astrology is a thought provoking concept that allows us to become more in touch with ourselves and others, it can also be used to misjudge someone solely based on our preconceived beliefs of a particular sign.
Courtesy by TeenVogue.com
