When you hear the word astrology, what do you think of? I guarantee you might say things like “zodiac signs” or “stars.” Both are true, but astrology as a practice goes beyond both and therefore should be observed more.
I first began studying astrology when I was 16 years old. At first, I was a bit of a skeptic, but as I began to do my own research, I noticed that it helped validate and cultivate my identity.
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Seeing my natal chart and having it read was almost as if all of me was being seen for the first time. If it worked for me, I’m sure it can for others too.
Life is difficult for everyone, and no one leaves this planet unscathed. Therefore, if something like astrology helps us become happier and more at peace, there’s no harm in embracing it.
For centuries, humans have been asking big questions. ”What is life? What is my purpose? Who am I?” All examples of the kind of things that humans agonize over. It’s in our innate being to ponder in this way. We’re all on a quest of self-discovery or at least we should be. If you aren’t, astrology could help.
Since its creation thousands of years ago, astrology has been a way for humans to make sense of their existence. Some of our most respected scientists and philosophers were also astrologers like Galileo, Hippocrates and Carl Jung. Surely there’s something awe-striking about this field of study.
I’m aware of the negative remarks made about astrology. Some view it as nothing more than a pseudoscience, and others believe that it’s demonic. I can’t quite wrap my head around that one, though. Nonetheless, astrology is still very popular amongst Generation Z, and I think I know why.
For starters, it’s important to know what astrology is. According to Collins Dictionary, it’s “the study of the movements of the planets, sun, moon and stars in the belief that these movements can have an influence on people’s lives.”
This definition is simple and accurate in regards to the basic foundation of astrology, but there are layers beyond that. Within the practice, there are modalities, houses, aspects, elements, degrees etc., not just zodiac signs. All of them, including our signs, matter and must be analyzed.
But why is it so popular among Gen Z? I could answer this with astrology, but instead, I’ll simply say we’re more interested in defining who we are for ourselves.
Working from that understanding, I think schools across the nation should at least offer astrology as a course, not necessarily as a core requirement. Like philosophy, astrology can provide answers to our existential questions.
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If philosophy can be respected as an actual discipline, why can’t astrology? Both are theoretical and practical. Both can help us come to terms with who we are. Both can help students be more engaged at school, because there are different branches in both that can align with each student’s personality.
Both have the power to expand consciousness, which can lead to groundbreaking innovations and ideas. Both can help with problem solving and both are simply fun.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, there’s no way to deny the influence astrology has had on humanity, especially as it relates to discoveries, art, literature and cultural traditions. Besides, in a world of chaos, astrology offers us cosmic order.
Amyri Jones is a 22-year-old digital advertising and religious studies senior from Baton Rouge.
