Tiktok and Corona are driving the astro hype – that’s not unproblematic

Whether it’s that next suitor, the perfect job, or the day everything will change, young adults see the future in the stars. It is also noticeable on social media: astrology is again extremely popular among young people worldwide. For example, the English search term #astrology now has 51.3 billion hits on Tiktok.

The trend started more than two years ago when everyone was at home and social media was the window to the world. Since then, so-called astrofluencers, ie influencers who show how the stars are at that moment, have been busy on the photo and video platforms Instagram and Tiktok. For example, they call themselves @zodiac.boyfriend, @witti.indi, @glossy_zodiac, and @sternzeichenpost.

However, the recent popularity of astrology is at odds with the trend that people are increasingly striving for uniqueness. In particular, Heftli horoscopes, which are limited to the signs of the zodiac, put people in only twelve drawers.

Child and adolescent psychologist Philipp Ramming says, “The need for an explanatory model that reduces the complexity of the world is nothing new.” It comes back stronger, especially in times of crisis. “When the unknown, like the pandemic in early 2020, seems threatening, we try to understand what is happening and seek protection,” he says.

Trying to use astrology to predict the future would give a sense of control, especially to young people. “For them, astrology is a kind of life support in a time when life is complicated,” says the former president of the Swiss Society for Child and Adolescent Psychology.

So says an astrologer

For the astrologer Markus Bachmann, the growing popularity is more than a short-lived fad. He has another theory: “New generations always bring new topics.” Bachmann does not see Corona as a trigger, but astrology itself. He says, “We’ve been in a so-called Air Age since about 2021, which replaces a longer Earth Age that lasted about 200 years.”

This means that “spiritual themes and values, as well as information and networks” would gain in importance, while a predominantly materially oriented lifestyle would lose importance.

Bachmann: “Old value systems are crumbling and the previously known explanatory models do not go far enough.” Therefore, more and more people would turn to astrology and spiritual approaches.

Bachmann also explains the increasing belief in astrology with its inclusion: “Astrology does not exclude anyone because of their origin or sexual orientation.” He draws the comparison with faith. In many religions there are commandments and prohibitions, individual minorities are excluded. “Astrology, on the other hand, doesn’t judge.”

Child psychologist Ramming makes a similar comparison: “In religious communities there are often obligations to behave in a certain way. Otherwise you will be disfellowshipped.” This is not the case in astrology.

Astrology is not an excuse for behavior

Ramming doesn’t think believing in astrology is reprehensible: “If the explanatory model helps you understand yourself or the world a little better, that’s great,” he says. It only becomes unhealthy when a dependency arises. For example, if a person lives only according to the predictions of his horoscope. “As long as astrology remains a life recommendation, it’s not a problem.”

And if someone excuses his behavior with his horoscope and zodiac sign? Astrologer Martin Bachmann thinks this is no problem in jest, but the horoscope should not be used as an excuse. “It’s an abuse of astrology.”

Ramming doesn’t think that’s okay either: “These are people who need to work on their self-esteem. People who can’t yet say: ‘I am like this’, and so say: ‘My zodiac sign is like that.'” If astrology is the only way is to understand yourself, that is not a good sign.

However, for Ramming, the most important thing is that you work on your self-esteem. He says, “Read horoscopes if they help you, but above all, believe in yourself. That’s the most important thing.”