Give Into Astrology: Getting Over My Pride and Embracing Star Signs

For most of my life, I have scoffed at people who take horoscopes seriously, people who

dedicate time to reading their astrological charts and interpreting their personalities through star

signs. I used to think it was cringe, something only hippies or free spirits could enjoy. How could

millions of people born around the same time of year possibly share the same traits? It does not

make scientific sense. But recently, I have been asking myself a different question. Does it

actually have to?

What I have come to appreciate is that astrology offers a simple and accessible way to add a bit

of whimsy to people’s otherwise ordinary lives. Reading descriptions that feel personal is fun.

Maybe it is vanity, maybe it is curiosity. We are all interested in how we are perceived, why we

act the way we do, and why we respond emotionally to certain situations. Astrology gives

people a shared language to explore those questions. For some, it is harmless entertainment.

For others, it can feel surprisingly meaningful. For thousands of years, humans have looked to

the sky for guidance and symbolism. Astrology may not be rooted in empirical fact, but it allows

people to feel connected to something bigger than themselves.

Much of the irritation surrounding astrology comes from its lack of scientific evidence. People

who value rationalism often dismiss it outright, while religious individuals may reject it because it

does not align with their beliefs. Astrology sits in an awkward middle ground. It is not science,

and it is not religion, but it borrows elements from both. It does not demand rigid belief, which

may be why it appeals most to those who are open to symbolism and ambiguity rather than

certainty.

Astrology is undeniably a pseudoscience. It is a collection of ideas that can sometimes

resemble scientific language without following scientific methods. From that perspective, it is

understandable why people roll their eyes at it. However, if you approach astrology with a pinch

of salt and enjoy it for its whimsical, inclusive and slightly magical nature, it becomes a

genuinely fun practice. Learning the traits associated with different signs and comparing them

with friends can feel like a social game, a way to spark conversation rather than make serious

claims about truth.

For those unfamiliar with astrology, a birth chart is made up of several elements. The most

familiar is the sun sign, often referred to as a star sign, which is said to represent core

personality traits. Other elements, such as the rising sign and moon sign, are commonly

described as shaping first impressions and emotional responses. Whether or not these ideas

are taken seriously, their appeal lies in how easy they are to understand and talk about.

The human brain is drawn to systems and patterns. Having a simple and accessible framework

for thinking about personality and behaviour can be comforting. Astrology offers this without

requiring expertise or deep commitment. There is also a noticeable stigma around astrology,

particularly among men, who often dismiss it as ridiculous or meaningless. Many claim it is a red

flag if someone they are dating mentions star signs. This raises the question of whether the

discomfort is really about logic, or about a resistance to forms of meaning-making that are

coded as feminine or unserious. In this sense, astrology is not so different from religion or even

certain approaches to science. All attempt to explain our place in the universe and our

relationship to it.

Astrology can be a playful way to navigate a complex world. As astrologer Chani Nicholas puts

it, “astrology doesn’t tell you what will happen. It gives you language to understand what is

happening.” In this sense, star signs are less about fate and more about reflection. It offers a

shared language for understanding personality, relationships, and motivation. Used lightly, it

encourages reflection rather than judgement. It should not be used as an excuse for bad

behaviour or as a way to avoid accountability. Saying things like “I am always late because I am

a Sagittarius” misses the point entirely. Astrology works best as a tool for self-awareness, not

self-justification.

So perhaps it is worth giving in a little. Letting astrology into your life does not require

abandoning logic or believing in fate. It simply allows space for curiosity, imagination, and a bit

of harmless vanity. Reading about star signs and recognising yourself or others in them can be

a small way of connecting to something beyond the routine of everyday life. At the very least, it

is unlikely to do any harm.

Words by Ottilie Trevor-Harris, she/her