Horoscopes, astrological birth charts, and Tarot cards seem to be all the rage lately, but are they accurate or do they just provide entertainment? Opinions on the science of astrology are mixed, but this hasn’t stopped the recent craze from spreading. 

However, even if there is no actual fact behind horoscopes and psychic readings, they have proven to provide insight and guidance in many aspects of life. 

What is the Science of Astrology?

The stars and planets have stirred up a sense of wonder in humans since the beginning of time. Astrology is the study of the patterns and relationships between the stars and planets and then applying it to find meaning in our lives. Instead of a science like biology or chemistry, astrology is more of a metaphysical study, or a study that goes beyond the physical world. It’s a tool for self-discovery depending on how far each person decides to take it and make sense of it. It provides cosmic signs as to why you’re attracted to certain people you meet and repelled by others. It can help you understand why some connections are smooth and easy while others are intense and demanding.

These clues are largely based off of what is called your sun sign. There are twelve sun signs grouped by element. The fire signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. The water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. The Earth signs are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. The air signs are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. The position of the stars, the Sun, the Moon and planets at the exact time of birth is said to shape people’s personalities, affect romantic relationships and friendships, and predict the fortune that will occur in their lifetimes.

These astrological birth charts map the sky as a full circle around Earth with us in the center of that map. It shows where the Sun, the Moon, and the planets were in relation to us at the time of birth. The interpretation of this chart can give information about a person’s life purpose as well as their spiritual, physical and social needs. The science of astrology may not be dependably proven through research, but it does have precision and purpose.

Does It Work?

A professional reading can provide a lot of detail about how a subject is affected by various astrological elements. Even complete non-believers can benefit from a reading in the sense that readings spark questions about how certain occurrences relate to your own life. In turn, your subconscious will try to figure them out, which can teach you a lot about yourself. 

Some astrologers claim that astrology is a true science with verifiable results. They claim that repeated experiments show that star and planet patterns really do affect the course of human life, thus creating an actual science of astrology. Criticisms to this claim are the empirical studies that have shown astrological predictions are just as reliable as random chance. These studies have shown that people who read horoscopes are just as likely to feel the horoscope applies to their life when the content of the reading is reversed — they will simply find a way to make meaning of it.

However, this doesn’t mean that astrology serves no purpose. Many people find comfort in the stars and the idea that there is some sort of way in which life is governed by the cosmos. It helps people delve into their subconscious and uncover how they truly feel about the issues and relationships in their lives. 

Tarot Readings

Tarot readings are another way people investigate their inner selves through questions about the deeper meaning of their current lives or about what the events to come will behold. There are two different types of Tarot readings — question readings and open readings. Question readings address a specific question while open readings address more broad aspects of life instead of focusing on a certain area. Most people say important decisions shouldn’t be decided based completely on Tarot readings, but that they should be used as a guide to help you uncover the path you’re supposed to take.

Tarot decks are based on various themes such as nature, fantasy, animals, etc. Much like a traditional deck of playing cards, Tarot cards have four suits: wands, swords, cups, and circles or pentacles. Each has a meaning toward a certain aspect of life. The cards are supposed to enlighten subjects about possible choices in their lives rather then specifically unveiling the future. 

Much like horoscopes and astrological birth charts, many critics of Tarot readings say that it all comes down to the subconscious mind. As perception relies heavily on the subconscious, many people think that the subconscious establishes its own interpretations on the reading. 

While there isn’t an established science of astrology to rely on yet, there is at least the assurance that astrology and readings serve a purpose in our lives. Even if the presumptions and facts don’t always line up, it’s still an outlet to dig deeper into our subconscious to discover things about ourselves that we may not have discovered without astrology.