Star sign. Horoscopes. Lunar Node. Ascendant. Descendant. Mercury retrograde. Terms you are likely to come across most often. Whether in more than one magazine, online platforms, podcast apps or social media. The yearly horoscope is a classic, but astrology in general and horoscopes in particular are becoming more and more popular. The so-called psychic services sector - which includes, among other things, personal horoscopes or tarot card readings - had a turnover of around 2.2 billion dollars in 2022. In this country, too, the predilection for providence seems to be growing and, interestingly, astrology and the interpretation of the stars also fascinate many who otherwise believe more in facts than in spirituality.

For a long time astrology and science were inseparable. Until the 17th century, astrology was one of the so-called seven liberal arts, i.e. one of the compulsory subjects for students of theology, medicine or law. Today, astrology is only considered a pseudoscience. The fact that modern science is critical of astrology may also have to do with the fact that so far no empirical evidence has been found of a real connection between a person's star sign and his or her personality traits. After all, it sounds too simplistic to base something as complex as a person's character on their date of birth, doesn't it?

Nevertheless, many of us are fascinated to find ourselves in horoscopes. Yes, after all, we are sensitive like Pisces, fickle like Gemini and ambitious like Capricorn. The so-called Barnum or Forer effect. This goes back - no joke - to circus director Phineas Taylor Barnum, who wanted to offer something suitable for all audiences in his shows. This principle is also the basis for the so-called Barnum statements, i.e. statements formulated in such a vague and unspecific way that almost everyone can relate them to themselves. The American psychologist Bertram R. Forer used these general statements in the 1940s in an experiment with his students. He had them take a so-called personality test and then gave them a score that most of them rated as very accurate. The trick: all the students had been given the same text of a newspaper horoscope.

The fact that we feel understood by astrology can be explained, among other things, by confirmation bias. Human beings are programmed to interpret new or ambivalent information, which can mean one thing or another, in a way that fits our expectations, opinions and motives. Our perception is aligned with appropriate stimuli. Astrology may not give an exact answer to who we are, but it can help to improve our self-awareness and thus increase our self-confidence. This is especially important when it comes to dealing with stress and uncertainty, and maintaining control in times of crisis. And one thing is certain: today's world is full of uncertainty, stress and crises.

Climate change, inflation, war and the current Corona pandemic: that the demand for horoscopes and astrology has increased in recent years is not surprising. In times of crisis, astrology can help you a lot. You feel a little bit more welcome and not so lost. With astrology it's a bit like with the weather: if I know it might rain, I'd better put on my umbrella and wellies.

If we look at the last few years and examine who consumes astrology, it tends to be younger people: Millennials and Gen Z. I think a lot of things come together in these generations. A study by the American Psychological Association showed that Generation Z is currently the most stressed generation. Today, we have too many choices. Work, holidays, free time... even on the supermarket shelves. Every day we are confronted with thousands of offers. Of course, on the one hand this choice is pleasant, but on the other hand it puts us under enormous pressure. We have to make decisions all the time, both big and small,' he says, adding that astrology and horoscopes can help us make them. The good thing is that, unlike traditional institutions such as the church, astrology offers a less strict framework of possibilities: astrology is like a kind of framework or draft. The fact that Generation Z is particularly receptive to astrology also has another reason: this generation itself has grown up with a much more open mind and has forged an eclectic worldview early on, in which rational thinking and a more intuitive, emotional approach to things are not mutually exclusive.

However, if one believes the analysis, not only age but also gender is relevant when it comes to the appeal of astrology. In fact, women are said to believe in astrology more than men. Psychologists explain this with 'external control beliefs'. In psychology, this term refers to the idea that one cannot influence one's own destiny, but is largely dependent on external factors such as other people, predestination or the constellation of the stars. And statistically speaking, women are more likely to have an external conviction of control than an internal one. Women are probably more open to other beliefs and explanations. They do not consider astrology to be right or wrong. They do not care whether it is an empirically proven science or not. Honestly, so what! I think these women are just curious and want to try things out. They are open-minded and want to see what else they can take for their personal development. I also think women doubt more often and question things, even decisions. And last but not least, horoscopes or astrology simply pick up issues that are important to them.

A new study puts another personality trait up for debate. In their analysis, researchers found that people who believe in horoscopes are particularly narcissistic. When we read the stars, we are reading them in relation to ourselves, to our person. That has a bit to do with egocentrism, and that is of course the central theme of narcissism, which is not at all to be condemned, quite the contrary. The increased demand for astrology is pleasant after all, if only because it means that people in our society are interested in themselves and others. In my opinion, astrology is a very good tool to learn more about oneself. With the aim to accept oneself at some point, even with the supposedly bad sides. Once we have achieved that, it is easier for us to understand and accept the perspectives of others, and that is the best thing that can happen to us as a society. But following horoscopes can have other positive effects. That is, when the information they contain encourages us to actively change something in our lives or to try new things. Key word: self-fulfilling prophecy. Manifestation can be a powerful tool. If you are well aligned and really want something for the right reasons, the universe will help you fulfil your desire. Don't pay too much attention to how it comes about. Otherwise, you may not recognise the opportunity presented to you. Astrology is absolutely justified. We can empirically prove that believing in it can actually help you to cope with stress, to be calmer and to increase your self-efficacy. If there is something good in our horoscope, it motivates us and perhaps gives us the final push we need to do something for ourselves or make a difference to others.

Horoscopes can have negative consequences if followed too dogmatically. In 1966, for example, an unusually high number of abortions were performed in Japan. A study found out what the reason must have been: According to the zodiacal calendar, it would have been bad omen to be born a girl in that year. Of course, one should never let the stars - nor anything or anyone else - dictate or define one's life to such an extent. Horoscopes and astrology give us guidance. They provide a framework. But what we make of it must be in our own hands. And if horoscopes are fun to read, so much the better! One should not mistakenly think that natal horoscopes or even astrological predictions are prophecies. The birth chart shows you your potential and its possible obstacles, but you freely decide what to do with it. And also astrological predictions give more than one mood and show possibilities. They help you understand, for example, why some moments may seem more stressful and others easier. But they do not determine how you use these periods yourself.