Saturday, July 25, 2020

Is There Comfort in Astrology?

A New York Times article on "Room For Debate" titled "The Charm in Our Stars" reveals why some people find horoscopes comforting. We wish to all know what the future holds for us. This makes complete sense from an evolutionary perspective: predicting the future is key to survival. In fact, as a necessary part of that survival, our brains are constantly producing predictions, predicting danger and possible hazards as well as future development. When our world is in order, it feels as though our life is in order as well.

On that note, it is no wonder that astrology is so fascinating, even if people don't believe in it. Horoscopes provide order patina, limits, and sequence. They give the illusion that we are patterning our lives and it's not a series of random events. Have you ever seen those posts with all the astrology signs on it? I'm sure you have. When you read them, you feel as if it were true. Weird, right? Your sign of astrology is based on your date of birth and yet it seems as though those horoscopes predict your future. They know exactly what you're like and what the future has in store for you. 

Even to those who don't believe in astrology, if you knew what the future holds in store, you would feel more secure. For example, what's more joyful and soothing than watching the same film over and over again, particularly if they already know the ending? Astrology serves the same function, especially in times of uncertainty when individuals are keener to find a way to make sense of life.

How about you? Do you believe in astrology? Can you relate to any of the horoscopes your sign has to offer? Has any of the horoscopes ever come true? And do you find any comfort in your horoscopes?

1 comment:

  1. Personally, I don't truly believe in anything 100%, so I believe in astrology to an extent. I feel like people find ways to connect their life to the horoscopes they get, even if it is far off. Then again, the mind is a powerful thing, and if you believe in something enough there's the idea that you will manifest it. So I think that's the scoop with whether or not our horoscopes come true. Now did the horoscope predict this manifestation? I do not know; maybe it's come full circle, or maybe I'm looking into too deep. I do sometimes find myself finding comfort in my horoscopes because I feel that it justifies and explains my actions. I think this is the case for a multitude of people, which also explains why so many people adhere to these star patterns and predictions.

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