Young people love astrology – is it dangerous?

As teenagers, we used to look behind the magazines to see what the stars were saying about us. Of course, the most interesting thing was love, so which zodiac sign suits whom. No one took it seriously, but it was funny. Humbug or not – the interest in the horoscope is uninterrupted and is currently experiencing a hype. And not just for the new year.

Because meanwhile, the interpretation of stars has made the leap into the big, expansive digital world. Countless astro influencers in this country including Alexandra Kruse (42) are running around on social media, with 10,000 people following her talks, while the self-proclaimed “Magical Mother” contemplates Capricorn season as it is now: “Make your game”, make it, limit it. firm, soften your heart. cheeky. The Moon in Pisces wants you to feel everything. Good, bad, bad. And never forget: there are energy vampires!»

Astro applications high

Popular astro app “Co-Star”‘s advice sounds a little more nuanced. With over eight million users worldwide, it is one of the most successful of its kind. Tips like “Use this time to think about what you really want” or “Control your urges” will pop up on your mobile every day. Also popular is the “Refuge” or “Astrology Zone” by US star astrologer Susan Miller. To create a personal horoscope based on the exact date, time, and place of birth, the apps use data from NASA for star constellations and artificial intelligence – from which millions of astros spit out the wisdom.

Well-known German actress Palina Rojinski (37) is also an astro influencer on social media. He discusses the topic with key guests on his “Podkinski” podcast and has recently published his book “Folge dein Sternen” she said. He wants to make astrology accessible to everyone, especially the younger generation: “I think this genre needs a little refreshment. I want to translate what’s happening in the sky right now into real life.» Also known as astrologer Lori Haberkorn (32), who advises the stars.

cult of the stars

Monica Kissling, 65, President of the Swiss Society of Astrologers, confirms that interest is indeed particularly great among the younger generation. The federal government has registered a record number of new members this year, an increase of 25 percent. “Astrology cannot predict certain events. Rather, it is about self-knowledge, personality development, and finding meaning. You can use this to develop your personal vision of the future,” says Kissling. She became famous all over Switzerland as “Madame Etoile”. Instead of the individual zodiac signs as it was previously known, the overall position of the stars, a kind of weather report that has become a cult on SRF Radio for 25 years. until it was taken down by a petition by freethinkers as public radio was financed by license fees.

The classic at the beginning of the year is Elizabeth Teissier’s (84) prediction in “Schweizer Illustrierte” – the star astrologer has graced most of the front pages in the magazine’s 111-year history. He prides himself on this “as an ambitious Capricorn.” His clients include crowned presidents and politicians, and according to Teissier, Russian President Vladimir Putin (70) indirectly got his star read.

Stars don’t need magic

Wind always comes from science. Because it cannot be proven by astrological standards. According to astrophysicist Ben Moore (54), the star interpretation turned out to be incorrect in double-blind tests. “All early cultures recognized patterns in the stars, but they’re all different.” For him, stars are nothing but distant balls of gas. “But they’re beautiful and I love looking at them through a telescope. That’s magic enough for me.” He believes that there is no power from the stars acting on us. It’s a bit like religion, where people are the focus. “But we’re not the center of attention and we’re not really anything special.”

Rafael Walthert sees this as less strict. The professor of religious studies can understand the younger generation’s interest in astrology in times of pandemic, war, and climate crisis: “The often playful approach also reflects a deep need for orientation in an uncertain world.” For him, astrology is one of the many ways to deal with himself and his surroundings. This is not a measurable science. He likens it to the rain dance in tribal societies. “It used to be ridiculed because dancing doesn’t immediately bring rain.” Today it is clear that something else is at stake: “After the dance it usually does not rain, and despite the horoscope, the future is uncertain, but you found a way to deal with the problem.”

look new year

Finally, a quick look at the stars of 2023 from “Madame Etoile”: “Pluto transforms into Aquarius, which means a turning point with fundamental social innovations and great challenges. There’s no going back to what you’re used to, you need to completely reorient yourself.” Positive: “Lucky planet Jupiter transits Aries until mid-May and strengthens the desire to take action, then moves into Taurus, which can open up new sources of income.” Negative: “Saturn enters Pisces in March, indicating an increase in psychological problems such as anxiety or depression. The refugee crisis is also likely to worsen.”