The question “What’s your sign?” does not only appear on matchmaking game shows like Love Connection. According to the National Science Foundation, nearly half of Americans believe that there is some science behind astrology, more so than in the past. A 2009 survey by iVillage, as reported by the Huffington Post, found that 37 percent of women check horoscopes on a monthly basis, 41 percent share their horoscope with friends and nearly 28 percent say their horoscope can change their mood depending on what it says.

And, according to some sources, astrology is particularly popular and comforting for people in times of stress. Psychology Today notes that we are feeling the least control in our lives, one of the ways that we can seek security is by believing systems lacking data, such as astrology.

But do most people read horoscopes just for fun or do some plan their lives around the stars? The latter may be rising in popularity as people hold off on purchasing electronics during the time that mercury is in retrograde, for example, according to the New York Times. Even decades ago, it has been widely reported that President Ronald Reagan cleared major White House decisions based on advice from astrologer Joan Quigley.

Is a consultation with the stars healthy? Experts tell WebMD that while they do not recommend acting on horoscopes because the information is random and has not been proven to have any scientific effect, doing so may boost confidence. However, there might be better ways, like research and preparation, to increase confidence and help make decisions.

Ultimately, as we look for validation of our choices and assurance that “our quests for happiness will eventually be successful” the zodiac may be one way to find what we are looking for.

© 2019 Silver Disobedience Inc.