While an increasing number of persons in the United States are religiously unaffiliated, one belief appears to unify a sizable portion of them: astrology. According to a recent YouGov poll, a little more than a quarter of Americans (27%) believe in astrology, with 37 percent of persons under 30 believing that the position of the stars and planets effects people’s lives. Approximately half of Americans (51%) say they don’t believe in astrology, while 22% are undecided.
Younger Americans are more likely than older Americans to claim they believe in astrology. While 37% of individuals under 30 say they believe in it, only around half of those aged 65 and over say they do (16 percent ). Women are slightly more likely than men to say they believe in astrology (30%). (25 percent ). White Americans (25%) are slightly less likely than Black (31%) and Hispanic (32%) Americans to believe that the stars and planets influence their conduct.
Only 29% of Americans with a high school diploma or less believe in astrology, which is the same percentage as those with a college diploma (28 percent ). People with a higher education (24%) are slightly less likely to say they believe. Americans in the Northeast (32 percent) and West (29 percent) are slightly more likely than those in the South and Midwest to believe in astrology.
Catholics (31%) are the most likely to believe in astrology, followed by agnostics (30%) and persons who have no religious affiliation (28%) among the religious groups studied. Protestants (22%) and Jewish Americans (22%) are slightly less likely to believe. Atheists are the least likely of all the demographic groups we studied to believe that the stars and planets have an impact on human behavior (only 10 percent say they believe this).
We also discovered that the gender disparity widens with age: males under 45 are marginally more likely than women of the same age to believe in astrology (38 percent vs. 32 percent), whereas elderly women are substantially more likely than older men to believe. Women between the ages of 45 and 64 are more than twice as likely as men in the same age group to say they believe (29 percent vs. 15%), and women 65 and older are more than twice as likely as men in the same age group to say they believe (23 percent vs. 9 percent ).
When asked if they know what your astrological sign is and given a choice of 12 signs, 90% of Americans choose one, while 10% indicate they don’t know. While persons under 30 are more likely to believe in astrology, they are also less likely to know their astrological sign. Compared to 94 percent of persons 45 and older, 82 percent believe they know their sign. Women (92%) are more likely than males (87%) to recognize their sign, while Democrats (95%) are more likely than Republicans (86%) to recognize it.
While tens of millions of Americans believe in astrology, how willing are they to vote for a political candidate who believes in it? People frequently claim that knowing that a politician is a strong believer in astrology makes no difference to them (40 percent say this). Only 7% say they would be more likely to vote for the politician if they knew this information, while 34% say they would be less likely to vote for the candidate if they knew this information.
People who believe in astrology feel that a politician who practices it extensively would make them more likely (21%) or less likely (22%) to vote for them. Almost half of those polled (46%) feel it makes no difference. Over half of those who don’t believe in astrology (54%) say that if a candidate claims to believe in it, they will be less likely to vote for them (just 2 percent say it would make them more likely to and 34 percent say it would make no difference). Republicans (48%) are more likely than Democrats (35%) to say that a candidate’s astrology beliefs would make them less likely to vote for them, while Democrats are more likely than Republicans to think it would make no difference (43 percent vs. 35 percent ).
This poll’s toplines and crosstabs are as follows:
Do you believe in astrology or that the positions of the planets and stars have an impact on people’s lives?
Would you be more or less likely to vote for a politician who claimed to be passionate about astrology?
Methodology: YouGov conducted this Daily Agenda poll online on April 21-22, 2022, with a nationally representative sample of 3,472 U.S. adults. Based on gender, age, race, education, census region, and political party, the samples were weighted to be typical of the US population.
In This Article...
How many people think astrology is based on science?
In the United States, people have been asked if astrology is true “Very scientific, somewhat scientific, or not scientific at all. Around 60 percent stated astrology isn’t scientific at all, while around 30 percent said it is “Between 1988 and 2001, seven surveys concluded that it is “somewhat of scientific.”
What is the prevalence of astrology?
However, as science progressed, skepticism about the tradition of astrology grew, and modern research has frequently found it to be untrustworthy. For example, several studies have proven that astrology isn’t a determining factor when it comes to personality1.
Despite this, a 2014 study by the National Science Foundation in the United States revealed that skepticism in astrology was decreasing, which could be because, in addition to the die-hard astrologers who have always believed, a new generation is welcoming it with open arms. More than half of 18-24 year olds believe astrology is a scientific tradition, according to the same poll.
In recent years, it appears that an increasing number of people are turning to astrology and examining their horoscopes with zeal. The newly interested should start with Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs, a tome that has served as an authority and benchmark in its subject since its first publication in 1968.
Looking within: why is astrology making a twenty-first-century comeback?
So, why are we flocking to astrology in increasing numbers? On Instagram, there are fewer ‘Mystic Megs’ and more everyday individuals from all walks of life who post about their signs as naturally as they would about their breakfast. The brilliantly funny Dorothea Lasky and Alex Dimitrov, aka the Astro Poets, for example, deliver advice, insight, and comedy via astrologically based poetry to their 700k followers on Twitter, as well as in their book Astro Poets: Your Guides to the Zodiac, and astrologers are connecting with us through fresh and current mediums (pun intended).
As the wellness sector grows and the #selfcareohyeah audience pays more attention to their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, it’s not unreasonable to believe that astrology’s current rise in popularity is tied to our growing obsession with all things wellness. And there’s evidence to back up this theory: online interest in ‘wellness’ and ‘horoscopes’ has doubled in the UK since 2010, according to Google trends. And it appears that around the start of each year, we have a greater proclivity to consult our internet horoscopes for the coming year, as well as searching ‘health’ than at any other time. Our zodiac signs provide a pattern for understanding who we are and what we need on a deeper and more significant level when we delve deeper inside and try to better and eventually understand ourselves.
Looking for certitude: does astrology predict what is to come?
If one thing is certain, it is that we are living in an age of immense uncertainty, regardless of the wellness trend. Zero-hour contracts, an unattainable property ladder, climate change, and, of course, the ever-present pandemic all contribute to a sense of ambiguity and instability in our existence. We’re predisposed to detest and avoid ambiguity, and it causes acute stress responses2, so it’s unsurprising that when we don’t know how our futures will play out, we turn to astrology for answers in increasingly greater numbers.
Of course, the information provided by our horoscopes is far from accurate, but astrology does give us a sense of control over our lives. People fall into two camps when they feel out of control due to uncertainty. Those of us who believe in a ‘internal locus of control,’ or that we are ultimately accountable for the events in our lives, fall into the first category. The second group believes in a ‘external locus of control,’ believing that other influences such as astrology, the universe, or religion are accountable for our lives’ results. Women are statistically more likely than men to fall into the second camp, believing that their lives are influenced by fate, luck, or destiny3, which corresponds to data demonstrating that more women believe in astrology than men4. Astrology is one location that could provide answers, direction, and significance for those of us who feel that forces greater than ourselves control our lives.
While it’s difficult to say how many of us believe in astrology, evidence suggests that over 90% of adults are aware of their zodiac sign. As we try to balance the outside world’s uncertainty with a better understanding of our own inner world, astrology appears to be a healthy place to start to place our awareness and reflect on who we are and what we need.
Emma suggests the perfect book for each star sign in this episode of Book Break:
Why do so many people think astrology is true?
Human beings are always looking for narratives to help them connect their past, present, and future aspirations and expectations, and this is where astrology comes in.
Is astrology considered a religion?
There have been certain themes that have confused even the sharpest minds on the planet since the birth of human civilisation. The link between the cosmic realm and our daily life is one such topic. Astrologers are specialists who work with the positions of the stars and planets. They turn what they’ve learned into what’s known as prediction.
While each religion is essentially a system of laws based on a set of beliefs, astrology is a perfect marriage of science and art that uses celestial body placements. So, whether Christians believe in Jesus Christ’s good works and teachings or Hindus believe in ‘the science of light,’ or ‘Jyotish Shastra,’ fortune telling is still the bottom line.
Surprisingly, these prophecies or foretellings may be found in many civilizations and religions. The tactics may change, but the outcomes remain consistent. Have you ever considered how these ideas can be related despite the fact that the belief ecosystem is so dissimilar? So, here’s a no-brainer: everyone is, and will continue to be, concerned about their future and seeking to be their best selves, capable of overcoming problems. Almost everyone else aspires to anticipate what will happen ahead of time and to act as efficiently as possible when events do occur. People of all faiths and cultures may agree on this.
Calculations are performed by all religions, albeit the methods used may differ. The outcomes, on the other hand, are the same. Almost everyone else aspires to anticipate what will happen ahead of time and to act as efficiently as possible when events do occur. People of all faiths and cultures may agree on this. There are various viewpoints on the matter, but it all boils down to education. Look for an astrological institute that teaches you everything you need to know about the various astrology courses that are accessible online. Online astrology classes are available, as are astrology courses offered through distance education.
Have you ever observed how our celebrations are organized when it comes to astrology and religion? The celebrations highlight the connection between astrology and religion. If you look closely, you’ll notice that all of the festivals are based on the position of the stars/moon and the sun. This is true of all religions, to the extent where astrology has become an integral part of religious rituals.
So, if you look at data from the beginning of time to the present day, you’ll discover a wide range of astrological systems, all branching out of different systems but ultimately pointing to an astrological-religious tie. In India, one of the most prevalent forms of astrology is Vedic astrology.
Astrology is the foundation of Hinduism. People hurry to their astrologer as soon as a baby is born to get his ‘Janam Patri’ made and to choose the best name for him. The Mahabharata, for example, mentions astrology in several Hindu epics. Only the ‘Brahmins’ had access to astrology knowledge at first. Then they would sit in the temples and predict the future. As a result, a relationship was created between astrology and Hinduism.
The concept of Astrology became increasingly available to the general public in the area as time passed. In 2020, everyone with even a passing interest in astrology will be able to find lessons and research. Astrology is a ‘pseudoscience’ that calculates and interprets the movement of planets. It isn’t predicated on wild guesses. Several Hindu households consult their astrologer before making major decisions.
In Islam, astrology is also a belief. Their forebears believed that the movement of the stars, sun, moon, and other heavenly bodies might influence the lives of individuals who lived on the planet, as seen through the eyes of India’s best astrologer. Their faith in astrology has waned over time, and just a few people still believe it. It is entirely dependent on the individual. While a conservative Muslim may not believe in astrology, someone who does not believe in any religion may have faith in it.
Christianity is the only religion that is known to believe in astrology. People should not trust astrology, according to the Bible. Despite this, there are numerous astrologers in the Western world. They claim that the Bible has been misinterpreted and that it warns about specific sins committed by specific persons. Western countries have much fewer astrologers than countries like India. This also reveals how little astrology is believed in Western countries. People were already skeptical about astrology, and the Bible only adds to their concerns. As a result, astrology is only believed by a small number of Christians.
India is a top country in terms of astrological believing, as may be deduced. At least once throughout their life, more than half of the population has sought the advice of an astrologer. Because Hinduism and Islam are both widespread in India, astrology devotees are likely to be as well. Astrology does a fantastic job of predicting the future and providing solutions to difficulties.
Individual belief systems differ, and it is up to them to decide whether or not to believe in something. Despite its 5000-year history, astrology continues to thrive. This confirms our belief in astrology.
Here are some crucial details:
- The hostility of some devout religious believers dates back to a time when priests and religious leaders attempted to interpret and mediate all religious experiences from their positions of authority. Before the development of male-dominated organized religion, our predecessors sought heavenly inspiration directly from the stars and thought themselves to be an intricate part of an active universe unfolding.
- Anyone could use astrology as a tool and a belief system based on an enchantment with the divine orchestrations of the heavens. Astrology presupposes the existence of an unlimited and purposeful mind that pervades the skies and the earth in a grand symphony of meaning, rather than the worship of a particular deity or leader.
A client’s confidence might be boosted with the help of a trustworthy, neutral astrologer. I’ve helped several customers reclaim and activate their religious roots through a chart analysis, guiding them toward the power that comes with following a religious path.
For some people, religion is a cornerstone of psychological and mental well-being. Astrological principles and practices are free of sexism, racism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression, unlike many organized faiths. Even the classic astrological metaphors of masculine and feminine planets and energies have been reinvented as non-gendered receptive and active energies. Every individual, like every planet and star in the sky, has a firm seat at the table of the universe.
This is a large issue, and I’m not sure if I’ve offered enough material to tie everything together. Please keep an eye on my column for more information on this topic in the future.
Is it permissible to believe in astrology in Islam?
Astrology is the study of celestial bodies’ movements and relative placements, which are thought to have an impact on human affairs and the natural world. According to historian Emilie Savage-Smith, astrology (ilm al-nujm, “the study of the stars”) was “by far” the most popular of the “many activities aiming to predict future occurrences or perceive hidden phenomena” in early Islamic history.
Despite Islamic prohibitions, some medieval Muslims were interested in studying the apparent motion of the stars. This was partially due to their belief in the importance of the celestial bodies, and partly due to the fact that desert inhabitants frequently traveled at night and relied on knowledge of the constellations for navigation. Muslims needed to determine the time of prayers, the direction the kaaba would face, and the correct orientation of the mosque after the arrival of Islam, all of which helped give a religious impetus to the study of astronomy and contributed to the belief that the celestial bodies had an impact on terrestrial affairs as well as the human condition.
The criteria for Islam’s attitude on astrology are laid out in Islamic jurisprudence, the Quran, the Hadith, Ijma (scholarly consensus), and Qiyas (analogy). The idea is further differentiated into that which is either halal (authorized) or haram (forbidden) (forbidden). The view that astrology is forbidden by the authorities, as enshrined in the Quran and Hadith, is shared by all Islamic sects and academics.
Which countries believe in astrology?
The majority of human civilizations, including India, China, Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Maya, and the Inca, built their cultures on elaborate astrological systems that offered a link between the cosmos and the conditions and happenings on Earth. For these people, astrology was more than just divination; it also served as the foundation for their spiritual culture and knowledge systems, such as the calendar (see Mesoamerican calendrical shamans) and medicine (e.g. I Ching). The study of the heavens provided essential insights into celestial bodies, hence astrological tradition aided the development of astronomy. For example, several of the planets in the Solar System and their movements have previously been listed in the Ptolemaic astrological tradition.
The following is a partial list of astrology’s various traditions, kinds, systems, methods, applications, and branches.
Is astrology based on science?
Is astrology accurate? Reading horoscopes is a popular pastime, but is there any scientific evidence that they are accurate?
When you’re enticed by a familiar interruption and your willpower weakens, problems can occur.
Every day, up to 70 million Americans consult their horoscopes. At least, that’s what the American Federation of Astrologers claims. According to a Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life poll conducted twenty years ago, 25% of Americans believe that the positions of the stars and planets have an impact on our daily life. In 2012, the General Social Survey indicated that 34% of Americans think astrology is “extremely” or “kind of scientific,” with the percentage of individuals who think astrology is “not at all scientific” dropping from two-thirds to about half.
Astrology is the concept that astronomical phenomena, such as the stars over your head when you were born or the fact that Mercury is retrograde, have the potential to influence our daily lives and personality traits. Of course, this is distinct from astronomy, which is the scientific study of celestial objects, space, and the physics of the cosmos.
A particular facet of astrology, the foretelling of a person’s future or the provision of daily counsel via horoscopes, is gaining in popularity. The Cut, for example, recorded a 150 percent rise in horoscope page views in 2017 compared to 2016.
Clearly, a lot of people are trying to figure out how to read the stars for guidance. Understanding the positions of the stars is the foundation of astrology, which appears to be a scientific discipline in and of itself. Is there any scientific evidence that astrology has an impact on our personalities and lives?
But, since I still have five minutes of this six-minute podcast to fill, let’s take a look at how astrology has been put to the test.