Highline students continue to practice astrology, but not everyone is happy with it.
Astrology is a type of divination involving the reading of celestial bodies, according to Britannica. The first form of astrology originated millennia ago in Mesopotamia, during the third millennium BC, where it was considered to be the same as astronomy.
Several other forms of astrology exist as well, Mesoamerican, Celtic, and Chinese zodiacs, but one of the more famous ones used by horoscope websites is the Western Astrology charts, which has significant roots in the Astrology developed by the Mesopoamians.
A horoscope is a form of fortune telling based on the astrological symbol one is born under, not too different from the divination of the Mesopatamians.
Some Highline Students still claim to have strong spiritual connections to Astrology.
“I believe in it, I feel connected to the universe in some way,” said a student who wishes only to be known as Laura. “The energy around us affects us in our everyday lives.”
“I first experienced it from my Mexican culture, I grew up with it,” she added.
People mostly use astrology today to see what their horoscope is going to be like, be it for curiosity or because it seems fun, or because they have a little bit of faith in it.
“I think there’s some truth to it, in general,” said Miranda Santos. “Like with the planets moving and how it can affect certain behaviors, but that’s about it. I look at horoscopes for entertainment,” she added.
“It’s something fun to do, not something to live your life by,” said Kira Nutter.
“It’s a fun thing to do, I started looking into it when I was 13,” said Ammie Piedramartell.
“I think it’s kinda cool, but I don’t put any basis in it,” said Bobby Hanson. “I know what it’s about, but I don’t put any belief into it,” he added.
“It’s interesting. I know it’s about stars and comets and all that stuff, but I’m not really deep into it,” said Deepika Mehmi.
“I think it’s fun to have that categorization. It’s kinda fun to think you’re part of a group,” said Joe Alvarez. “I think any time it’s used to categorize and dislike someone, that seems kinda funky. My friends use it as a talking point, but it’s not too prevalent in my day,” he adds.
However, among all of the people who partake in astrology recreationally, there are those who are against it.
“It’s a whole lot of correlation, not a lot of causation,” said Rishik Chand.
“It’s pretty silly. People base so much off of it. They act like it’s so important when it’s not,” said Mateo Llewellyn.
“It’s kinda weird,” said Jack Sundnes. “There are a lot of people who’re like ‘ew, you’re a Leo.’ It’s disingenuous to write people off based on the time they were born,” he added.
“I personally don’t believe in it,” said Godfrey Ip. “I don’t think birth time affects people, rather their culture, beliefs, and experiences,” he said.
Several students get their horoscopes from websites such as Astrology Cafe, while others get it from social media influencers on Instagram. Others still get it from apps like Nebula, Time Passenger, Astro Future, The Daily Horoscope, and Co-Star.