Stars or Standards?
The Pressure of Astrology Trends in Modern Dating
Astrology has been used for centuries to help people look for answers, predict their future and provide them with signs. There is evidence to suggest that people have relied on the stars to guide their lives and decisions for a very long time. For example “farmers used the skies as a calendar as long as Ancient Egyptians, when the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star, around mid-July, was seen as a marker of the imminent annual flooding of the Nile”.
Reports have also suggested that the practice was also used by Travelers as they used the stars to guide them where to go, almost like a compass. Since then however, astrology has been used for various purposes, ranging from career guidance, to self-understanding, and even relationship guidance. It is mainly used as a reflection and decision-making tool. However, are people relying on astrology too heavily when it comes to modern dating?
Should we believe in astrology?
One key way in which astrology is constantly used today is through popular culture. Magazines, podcasts, and websites constantly talk about horoscopes and provide astrological analyses as a way of engaging readers and offering a sense of personal connection.
As Catherine Tennant, expert astrologer says: ‘“Tell me a belief system that’s got more proof - there’s as much proof as most belief systems! In a sense you can say, if it seems to be accurate, it doesn’t matter who knows why. No one claims to know!’”
This supports the fact that astrology has as much evidence to back itself up as many other belief systems, meaning that if astrology appears useful or accurate to someone, the underlying reasons don’t necessarily matter. Also, despite the fact that astrologers don’t claim to fully understand the working behind astrology, there are other systems out there with zero explanations which many people don’t believe in either. Therefore, perceived accuracy can be enough, even without knowing the exact cause.
Does Astrology Hinder Genuine Connection
Many people today go as far as believing that star signs are so significant that you should choose your romantic partner based on what their star sign is. Some do this as they believe certain signs are more compatible with each other, while others may use signs as a way of offering insights into personality traits, helping them to understand what they seek in a partner, for instance fire signs, such as Aries and Leo tend to form strong connections with one another. This may be due to their energetic, passionate nature.
However, researchers such as Martin Rezy have stated that “knowing the star sign of your partner is not going to help your relationship in any way”, he later goes on to imply that you definitely shouldn’t choose a romantic partner solely based on their zodiac sign. While I understand it’s important to acknowledge that relying on the stars for compatibility is unlikely to provide meaningful insights to any form of relationship, I think the scientific facts should be explored.
For example, as President of the Astrological Association, Roy Gillett says: ‘“ I don’t think any intelligent astrologer is saying that planets have an influence on us - it’s more a question of looking at where they are and where the Earth is in terms of gravitational forces that the solar system imposes.”
This demonstrates that the positions of the planets and Earth reflect the gravitational forces within the solar system at a given time. Therefore the idea here is that these gravitational patterns might correlate with events or personality traits, not because the planets cause them, but because they reflect a broader cosmic arrangement.
Dating Apps and Astrological Filters
Astrological dating apps such as ‘Align’, ‘Karma’, and ‘Ilios’ are used by many today as a means of trying to find more compatible matches based on astrological signs. Some people may also believe that using such dating apps can help offer insights into potential partner’s personalities and relationship styles. As stated by Bela Gandhi, dating and relationship coach:
‘“There’s something beautiful about thinking my love was preordained by the stars”
Therefore, some people find great comfort in the idea of fate in romantic relationships. Many find appeal and romance in the belief that their love story was meant to be, guided by the stars. It adds a sense of magic and significance to their connection, making the relationship feel so much more destined.
Beyond the Stars
Overall, it could be said that while there are trends in terms of astrology and modern dating, these trends don’t necessarily have to be followed. Evidence proving that there is just as much scientific evidence to support the claims made by astrologers as there is if not more for various other widely believed systems. Although some have argued that knowing your partner's astrological sign won’t do anything to improve your relationship with them, that doesn’t mean it will do any harm to the relationship either. Additionally it has also been found that the use of astrological dating apps help some individuals to find comfort in being brought together by the stars as it provides them and their relationship with more significance and meaning. Therefore, it could be said that while there are significant trends with astrology and modern dating, there is no harm in believing in the stars if it benefits you and makes you feel more connected to your partner.