Become a Better You With Astrology

If you've spent any time at all at brunch or on dating apps, it might be obvious that astrology has gone more than just mainstream. And while you might not be able to argue that Mercury is retrograde or that you have a Libra ascendant, learning just a few key building blocks could make you more self-aware (and help you keep up with your friends and those horoscopes on your screen).

Astrology claims that the movements of celestial bodies can affect a person's life beyond basic weather patterns, depending on their birth date. This claim has been a major point of contention, with ancient skeptics such as the Roman orator Cicero and the Hellenistic schools of philosophical skepticism criticizing it. In the 16th century, Galileo's astronomical achievements gave astrology some academic and scientific standing, but as modern scientists have refined the methods of testing, they've disproved many astrological claims.

The most popular form of astrology in America is natal astrology, which relies on the zodiac, a circle of constellations whose names are derived from Greek words for "little animals." Its 12 signs are Aries (roughly March 21-April 19), Taurus (May 21-June 20), Gemini (June 21-July 20), Cancer (July 21-August 22), Leo (August 23-September 22), Virgo (September 23-October 23), Libra (October 23-November 23), Sagittarius (November 23-December 21), Capricorn (December 21-January 20), Aquarius (February 20-March 20) and Pisces (March 20-April 20).

One important aspect of astrology is learning about how different planets and stars interact with each other and their houses in your chart, such as the degree to which your sun sign is conjunct the moon and the degrees to which your Venus opposes Jupiter. These relationships are a key to identifying patterns and events that can shape your personality, including both the strengths and challenges you face.astrologer