The world is in astrological disorder. Earlier this year, NASA announced that the original creators of the astrological signs, the ancient Babylonians, forgot to mention that there are actually thirteen constellations in the zodiac. They had previously ignored the thirteenth, Ophiuchus, so that the horoscopes could correspond with the twelve-month calendar. The new sign has caused disarray because the dates that correlate with each sign are different. Now I, a former Leo, am a Cancer, making me question the legitimacy of horoscopes as a whole. [spacer height=”20px”]

So what constitutes for the differences in behavior depending on what date one was born? Are horoscopes just for excitement or are they really accurate? Junior Crystal Navellier thinks that “horoscopes are just to get people motivated to do something that they wouldn’t normally do. All horoscopes have templates that change slightly every day. If people’s signs are changed but the same templates are still used, I do not see how the new sign is really an issue; people will continue to get motivated if they believe in horoscopes no matter what.”  [spacer height=”20px”]

My new sign is very different from my old one, and in some ways they contradict each other. Leos are generally characterized as overtly ambitious and very bold. However, Cancers are warm and emotional people. These zodiac traits are on opposite ends of the personality spectrum and should not, in my opinion, be used as general characterizations for people that are born around the same time of the year. Sophomore Lauren Fromkin thinks that “basing your life off of your horoscope is a bad idea because it says the same thing for everybody else born in the same month as you.” [spacer height=”20px”]

Sophomore Amanda Klafter asserts that “some people base their lives around horoscopes and believe in them so much. I do not see how it is possible that such generic things could explain anyone’s behavior.” [spacer height=”20px”]

I, on the other hand, do fall for the “zodiac trap.” Most days I get up in the morning and the first thing I do is read my horoscope.  I know these horoscopes are very general in their nature, but I still set out to make them come true in reality, which could be considered beneficial; however, sometimes it can be detrimental.

So, is there any real evidence for why people are generally assumed to have certain traits?  As of now, I do not believe there is. Astrology does not have a legitimate scientific basis. However, horoscopes keep me moving throughout my everyday activities. The addition of another sign, in my opinion, makes horoscopes consequently more accurate and more telling of one’s future, since with the addition of the new sign, all of the constellations are accounted for.  On the topic of horoscope predictions, Junior Tristan Wille believes that “they can be relatable and cool sometimes” but he “does not really believe in them.”

Although I still consider myself a Leo and will probably continue to check my horoscope daily, the new zodiac sign has caused some unnecessary havoc in the world and has only intensified disbelief in the pseudoscience of astrology.  Yet, despite this, I’m still a believer.