Whimsical Women: How Astrology Has Empowered Women

Despite being one of the central topics of popular culture, astrology still receives snarky comments from people who do not understand the belief system.

In a way, this is also likely because there is a rise in New Age spirituality.

The unlikeliness of the current generation to subscribe to Judeo-Christian teachings has paved the way for the prevalence of daily horoscopes and apps that give you your daily predictions based on your birth chart.

But what people don't know, or at least brush over on, is that most of those who consume astrology are women.

Astrology as a Response to the Societal Conditions

According to Holden (1996), astrology derived from the Babylonians in the second millennium B.C. During this time, it was practiced mainly by 'wise men,' but in current times, it has been seen to have changed drastically.

In 2018, it was reported that there was a significant shift in the niche interest of astrology to becoming more palatable to women and queer people.

Furthermore, it has been said that the rise of astrology is also an extension of fourth-wave feminism because it is within this belief system wherein activities like horoscope and tarot reading were dominated by female 'witch types,' which has now been better seen as an expression of a woman's identity in a way that is not related to that of a man's.

Currently, women and the LGBTQ+ community still experience the brunt of inequality.

With society being riddled with political turmoil and economic instability, astrology is one of those beliefs that has given women a sense of empowerment that tells them that they have control over their lives.

It encourages them to learn more about their future and tackle it with more certainty because, at the very least, they can turn to astrology answers.

Astrology as a Safe Space for Minority Groups

Despite mainly deriving from the placements of planets and celestial bodies, astrology is not a one-size-fits-all type of thing.

This particular fact has been of the greatest benefit for people underrepresented in the media.

Joseph R. Gay, in 1993 wrote essays entitled the Lifelines of Success which included a section that discussed astrology and the traits of zodiac signs, in a book that was targeted to Black women, and that that particular section was one of the sections that sold well.

So, hence, this shows that astrology has been an interesting topic that all types of women want to indulge in and not just white women.

Furthermore, despite the lack of literature that POCs and Black women on astrology release, they are still encouraged to write books on it.

Since most POC women are very culturally versed, their lived experiences and insights could help widen the traverse of the world of astrology.

In recently organized events within the astrology community, it was recalled that during the Great Depression, a 1930 radio show led by Evangeline Adams provided astrology horoscopes and predictions that provided certainty to people in those tough times.

Furthermore, online summits such as Astrology of Awakening II: Renewal of Hope have been made to merge the themes of astrology to discuss women's issues.

Astrologer MizChartreuse even proudly proclaims that the seminar is taught entirely by women.

Astrology and the Rise of Female Individualism

Over the years, the intent of studying astrology has also changed.

In the beginning, most of the interest was only focused on using astrology as a compatibility guide to find out if a person would click well with the person that they are seeing.

However, currently, that is not the only case.

Female individualism can be described in many ways, but astrology has highlighted its quest for personal autonomy.

Historically, a woman's worth was only defined through the male counterpart that she was partnered with.

However, a more modern take on astrology completely negates that.

Modern astrology promotes the idea of discovering oneself first to determine the best situation that would fit you.

Furthermore, modern takes on astrology have also allowed people to hone their power instead of looking outward. Hence, this means that the understanding of astrology being primarily empowering better fits the narrative of female individualism.

However, this can be seen in two ways: the first being an asset and the second being a liability.

Yet, regardless of how you may view the themes of individualism in astrology, you have to concede that it has become a more serious pursuit over time that aids in developing oneself.

Agree to Disagree with Astrology

It's hard to explain the hate surrounding astrology.

Many people say that a lot of hate surrounds it for the mere fact that women like it.

Most people that ridicule astrology are straight men, and historically we know that straight men find every way to hate what women like.

In the end, as long as astrology continues to serve as a point of interest for women, people shouldn't condescendingly mock women who believe in it.

Much like how religion exists, you do not have to scientifically explain that it is true if it gives its followers the positive influence that it promises.