It is very common to take a long look to the sky to find various stars for guidance and celestial navigation to foretell our fates. In fact, astrology has been around for thousands of years. While it’s no longer regarded as the scholarly tradition it was centuries ago, many individuals continue to study the influence of celestial bodies on human activity. However as science progressed, scepticism of the astrological tradition grew and modern research discovered it untrustworthy. In recent years a lot of people have been trending to astrology and examining their horoscopes with zeal. The interest in astrology has grown rapidly over the past few decades.
Origin of Astrology:-
Since the beginning of time, humans have looked to the stars for guidance. Astrology has actually been practised in reality for thousands of years. Many people continue to search for the influence of those celestial bodies on human behaviour, even if it is no longer considered a scholastic tradition as it was centuries before. Over the last few decades the general public’s interest in astrology has gradually increased.
The internet is full of evidence of the present astrology craze. If you spend enough time online then you could find many horoscope social media accounts and zodiac themed listicles. Nowadays people even find astrology based apps to determine love compatibility and interpersonal reactions.
Horoscopes and birth charts are only the tip of the iceberg, there’s no denying that many are clearly intrigued by what the stars and the planets have to offer. So, why does it seem like everyone is into astrology recently? Experts say several factors might make astrology particularly alluring, like helping people cope with stress and uncertainty during difficult times or gain a better understanding of them.
Why is astrology so popular these days:-
So, why is everyone's interest in astrology increasing in numbers? On the internet there are several mystic megs and more everyday they post about their signs as naturally as they would about their breakfast and astrologers are reaching out to us in new and innovative ways. As the wellness sector grows and the selfcare audience pays more attention to their physical, emotional and spiritual well being; it’s not at all unreasonable to believe that astrology’s current rise in popularity is tied to our growing obsession with all things wellness. There are few distinguished reasons which make astrology highly popular in recent times.
•Stress and Uncertainty:-
Stress and uncertainty may raise the individual’s interest in astrology because whenever people will be in turmoil they always try to get over from that situation and astrology is definitely a reliable medium to know about a person’s coming steps. It may also bring a sense of belief during uncertain times. According to the American Psychological Association since 2014, young people and the active generation are most prone to stress. For 56% of respondents, anxiety and stress are caused by reading the news, everything related to wars, cataclysms, climate change, and the financial crisis. In response to stressful situations, disturbing news, people are increasingly turning to astrologers. This is their defence and an attempt to influence events in life.
According to a study taken place in the year 2017 stress actually originates from our uncertainty about future outcomes. A study of 2016 found that uncertainty about a negative outcome can actually be more stressful than knowing it is sure to happen. Astrology may not give definite answers every time but it surely provides a meaningful explanation of some confusions which can increase in an individual's mind and bring people great comfort and reduce their feelings of distress.
•Self-Discovery:-
Restrictions are a common thing which astrology often thinks of, but on the contrary, a variety of individuals may be strained to it as it can help them expand more lucidity about themselves and articulate ideas that are difficult to put into words. This might explain why “people experiencing a lower self-awareness are more likely to endorse astrological beliefs,”- says Good. It is highly possible that people connect with astrology to know better and definitely increase their self-awareness. Studies show that astrology can highly influence and even authenticate a person’s self-concept, as well as increase their confidence about their personal attributes. In short, the nature of astrology encourages self-reflection, enabling individuals to understand themselves and their environment more clearly. “People who believe in astrology also tend to believe that generic statements of common human characteristics are accurate descriptions of themselves,” says Benning.
•Increased Exposure:-
Astrology’s current popularity naturally can be traced to its greater importance in pop culture. Exposure to various parts of astrology regularly may increase a person’s curiosity and lead them to engage with it themselves. Furthermore, reading and exchanging astrology knowledge may aid in establishing astrology communities.
Frequent exposure to various aspects of astrology may attract a person’s interest, and later influence them to engage in the practice themselves. In addition, reading and sharing information about astrology may help build communities around and that's why more people get involved .
•Astrological Prediction:-
We are all now living in an age of immense uncertainty, regardless of the wellness trends. After covid period, vagueness in an individual's life became a serious issue. unbalanced career, atmospheric changes, political behaviour make people’s life unstable. It causes acute stress response so it’s not at all unsurprising that when we do not know how our future will come out we go to an astrologer to get answers to every odd situation in our lives.
Astrology prediction is one of the best things that could give answers, direction and significance for those who feel that forces are more significant.
•Blooming of Wellness Industry:-
As the wellness industry bangs and the audience tunes into their physical, mental and spiritual health, it's not illogical to hypothesise that the recent rise in the popularity of astrology is linked to our increased obsession with all things wellness.
As we look deeper inside and try to improve and ultimately understand ourselves, our zodiac signs provide a template to comprehend who we are and what we need on a deeper and more meaningful level.
•Social Media:-
Catching generation Z’s attention, a new wave of influencer astrologists are now a trend. Social media accounts use amusing bite-sized pieces of material to provide insight into human behaviour, work life balance and mood swings. There is currently a huge range of astrology apps and websites available now. People easily check their compatibility, their love life or their personality.
Astrology is a meme, and it’s spreading in that blooming, unfurling way that memes do. On social media, astrologers and astrology-meme machines amass tens or hundreds of thousands of followers.
Modern society promotes development, self-improvement, growth, the opportunity to learn and "become the best version of you."
In 2020, under the influence of these trends, the search queries "astrology", "birth chart" have grown significantly and reached a peak (according to Google Trends).
A 2019 IBIS World report shows that the US market for astrological consultation and tarot services is valued at $2.2 billion.
These services are in great demand because people are ready to grow spiritually, develop and become better.
Man has always been curious, he is interested in introspection, his past, present and future - the whole life, the causes and consequences of problems.
In addition, it makes it possible to get rid of the eternal anxiety for the future and prepare in advance for some events.
It comforts and supports the person and helps to understand the outside world and how it affects someone. Responsibility for everything that happens is in the hands of a person, and astrology prompts and supports, making life easier for him. If we are working on ourselves for our own betterment and happiness then knowing about our natal chart will help us to live properly. So the popularity of astrology is accumulating and growing.
Dr Sohini Sastri, recipient of awards from the Hon’ble President and Vice President of India, is available for consultations at www.sohinisastri.com and at sohini.sastri@gmail.com and on 9163532538/9038136660 to provide solutions to critical issues of people seeking help.
Her YouTube channel https://m.youtube.com/c/DrsohinisastriIn-Best-Astrologer-in-Kolkata-India features her regular interactions with celebrities and people of eminence; she also offers her guidance through her informative talk shows.
