A recent study made headlines with a provocative claim: people who believe in astrology might be more narcissistic and, on average, a little less intelligent. Naturally, that sparked quite a reaction. Some rolled their eyes, others got defensive, and a few paused to really think about what that says—not just about astrology, but about how we’re using it.
Let’s be honest: astrology is having a moment. It’s everywhere—from Instagram charts to dating app bios. But this isn’t exactly the version of astrology that ancient philosophers practiced under the stars. So, what’s changed? And is astrology really just a reflection of our self-obsessed culture, or is there more going on beneath the surface?
From Cosmic Order to “It’s All About Me”
Astrology has deep, ancient roots. It wasn’t always about “What does my birth chart say about me?” Originally, it served as a sort of cosmic roadmap, helping people of all backgrounds understand their place in the universe. It was more about awe and connection than individuality.
Today, though, it’s often tangled up with concepts like self-care, manifestation, and personal branding. Scroll through social media and you’ll find astrology memes boiled down to star signs behaving badly—think, “Of course she ghosted you, she’s a Gemini.” It’s entertaining, sure. But it’s a far cry from astrology’s more reflective beginnings.
This modern spin tends to focus on the self—our personalities, our futures, our compatibility with someone cute on Hinge. That shift toward personal validation isn’t inherently bad, but it’s definitely narrowed astrology’s focus. And when that happens, it’s easier to understand why some critics see it as shallow or unserious.
Is the Criticism Fair?
Let’s break it down. The study that started all the buzz connected belief in astrology to narcissism and lower cognitive ability. Is that overly simplistic? Probably. But like most critiques, there’s a kernel of truth to explore.
Some practitioners admit: when astrology is stripped of its complexity and used purely for self-affirmation, it loses depth. In classrooms or workshops, instructors notice how often people skip the fundamentals and go straight to “What does this mean for me?” It’s understandable—people are curious about themselves. But it also suggests a tendency to bypass nuance in favor of quick insights.
And in professional astrology, the line between influencer and expert can be blurry. Without grounding in symbolism, mythology, or history, some practitioners end up sounding more like life coaches or entertainers than interpreters of a rich and ancient system. From the outside, that can look like fluff—and researchers take note.
There's More to the Story
Still, to reduce astrology to a mirror for narcissism misses a much larger picture. Not everyone approaches it with a selfie stick in hand. For many, astrology is still a practice rooted in humility—an attempt to align with something bigger, to see patterns and cycles rather than push an agenda.
In this light, astrology can foster patience, self-awareness, even compassion. It reminds us we’re not the center of the universe, just part of a much larger one. That’s hardly the mindset of someone consumed with self-importance.
Plus, there’s the matter of meaning. In a world that often feels chaotic and impersonal, astrology offers structure—a symbolic language for processing experience. Especially for those who don’t find comfort in rigid materialism or traditional institutions, astrology can provide a sense of order and belonging.
A Better Question: How Are We Using It?
Maybe this isn’t a black-or-white issue. Maybe instead of asking, “Is astrology good or bad?” the better question is: “How is astrology being used?”
Because right now, astrology exists on a spectrum. At one end, it’s a pop culture phenomenon—sharable, simplified, sometimes superficial. At the other, it’s a contemplative tradition, tied to philosophy, history, and deep systems of knowledge.
Where you fall on that spectrum says more about your approach than about astrology itself.
Final Thoughts
Yes, astrology today often overlaps with trends in self-obsession and consumer spirituality. But dismissing it outright, or reducing everyone who engages with it to clichés, misses the point.
Astrology’s enduring appeal suggests a basic human need—for orientation, connection, and meaning. Even when filtered through the language of self-help, it offers something rare: a symbolic space to reflect, imagine, and maybe even grow.
So, before we mock Mercury retrograde tweets or roll our eyes at someone’s rising sign obsession, it’s worth remembering: astrology, like any tool, reflects the hands that use it. Whether it sharpens insight or flatters the ego is really up to us.
In a nutshell: Astrology isn’t the enemy—it’s a mirror. The question is, what are we really trying to see in it?
