Astrology as therapy: has Gen Z found an outlet?

Gen Z is the most stressed-out generation to date. Why some students are using horoscopes to self-soothe.

Welcome to my blog, where my goal is to explore college student health and wellness. As a student myself, I’m constantly balancing self-care with the demands of college, and I’m intrigued to learn about how others do it, too! This blog will focus on unique and emerging trends related to student health, even if they seem unconventional.

On that note, let me introduce the topic of this post: astrology as a coping mechanism.

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Lately, I’ve noticed how myself and many of my friends (all students alike) have flocked to the astrology fad. Many have apps like Co-Star, which offer the user predictions about their day, affairs, and future based off their zodiac sign.

My daily horoscope from Co-Star.

This obsession with astrology is a defining characteristic of Gen Z culture. But, it has also become a coping mechanism.

First: what is astrology?

Astrology is an ancient practice of interpreting the stars and planetary alignment, specifically as they relate to human destiny and the future.

The practice is centered around the 12 signs of the zodiac. Depending on one’s date of birth, they are assigned a zodiac sign that they can supposedly attribute to their personality traits and unique purpose in the world. Daily readings of the planets (horoscopes) are meant to interpret how planetary alignment may influence an individual’s future.

Astrology has surged in popularity these past few years. Its online market is valued at roughly 200 million dollars in the United States.

Why the surge?

Gen Z (the new generation of high school and college students) can be credited for astrology’s boom. A report by Fullscreen found in a survey of individuals aged 18-34:

• 43% would make a major life decision based off their horoscope or tarot reading.

• One third believe that “mercury in retrograde” causes negativity in their lives.

• One third agree with the statement: “In this time of instability in the world, I turn to astrology to make sense of things.”

The signs of the zodiac. Image: gettyimages .

The most stressed generation

The report's last point is notable. In 2018 the American Psychological Association reported that Gen Z is the most stressed generation to date. College students are heavily impacted, with 6 in 10 claiming that stress has inhibited their ability to complete work .

Gen Z college students crave reassurance. As untraditional as it sounds, astrology may provide an excellent outlet for self-reflection and consolation.

Astrology is therapeutic

For true believers, astrology provides a sense of structure and predictability in an uncertain future.

Additionally, according to clinical and consulting psychotherapist Paul Hokemeyer, practices like astrology allow individuals to project their insecurities and unconscious thoughts onto something else.

“Through this process, the patient can gain clarity on their feelings and find grounding in the uncertainty in which we are all currently living,” says Hokemeyer.

Predictions and advice from @costarastrology .

Additionally, the generic and generally positive nature of horoscopes can be uplifting and encouraging for those in need of reassurance.

The takeaway

While I never believed in the power of “planetary alignment,” I’ve noticed a sense of comfort in reading positive, “all-knowing” predictions about my future. Or, in believing that some power (other than myself) is guiding me toward my purpose.

College students and all Gen Z’ers alike find ourselves needing to self-soothe; so, why not experiment with the zodiac? Regardless of whether the answers are “in the stars,” astrology can help students find the answers we need within ourselves.