Instead of swiping left, millennials and Gen Z are swiping up on their birth charts 

Arundhati Banerji, a Mumbai-based media professional, received the same parental advice many youngsters get when anxiety creeps into their lives: “Netflix kam karo, jaldi so jao and focus on your work, sab theek ho jayega.” (“Watch less of Netflix, sleep early and focus on your work, all will be well.”)

But the most mundane tasks at the workplace left the 26-year-old overwhelmed, and every disagreement with her boyfriend or parents ignited panic attacks. The traditional coping mechanisms of distraction, deep breathing and mindfulness weren’t helping. “I needed something more – and I found it in astrology. My sun, moon and rising signs provided me with a profound understanding of myself, unveiled my strengths and challenges, and helped me identify coping mechanisms suited to my personality,” she says.

In the world of mental health care, therapy, medication and time-honoured dadi ke nuske remain incredibly valuable solutions. But millennials and Gen Z are increasingly turning to the stars for solace and answers to life’s questions; from ‘What am I doing with my life?’ and ‘Why does my avocado toast order always come out wrong?’ to ‘Should I blame my zodiac sign for my online dating mistakes?’

So much so that today astrology is a multi-billion-dollar industry. As per Allied Market Research, the global astrology industry was valued at $12.8 billion in 2021. By 2031, it’s expected to rise to $22.8 billion. Popular horoscope apps like Co-Star, Sanctuary and Nebula are driving this revival, captivating millions of users worldwide with their customised insights and therapeutic approach. In India, too, platforms like Astrotalk are connecting the astrologically curious with experts. “Mercury in retrograde” has become the go-to excuse for any mishap, from a tech glitch to social faux pas.

“The allure of astrology has always been there, but what is fuelling its resurgence is its perceived ability for self-improvement, introspection and personal growth,” says Noida-based psychologist Soumya Sinha.

Better accessibility via technology is now helping it reach more people. The pandemic, too, has played a role in its revival, exacerbating the need for self-understanding and coping mechanisms. Research shows that people are more drawn to divinatory practices in times of stress, anxiety and uncertainty. “It offers a sense of control, understanding and hope, providing individuals with a personalised framework for navigating life’s currents,” says Sinha.

Know it all

It is also no longer just about reading the daily horoscope, though research does suggest that a whopping 90% of adults know their zodiac sign. For a growing number, particularly millennials and Gen Z, the interest goes much deeper. They’re delving into the intricacies of birth charts and transits to seek an understanding of their lives.

A birth chart, for instance, is a personal celestial map, capturing the exact alignment of the planets at the moment of an individual’s birth. Transits, on the other hand, track the ongoing movement of planets through the zodiac, revealing their dynamic influence on daily life. Astrology apps are popularising a deeper exploration of one’s astrological profile, especially the ‘Big Three’ – the sun, moon, and rising signs.

Bengaluru-based Srishti Agarwal was born on January 1, 1996. To the social media executive, it’s far more than merely her date of birth. It determines parts of her personality, her passions and, to some degree, her romantic interests. She knows who she is cosmically compatible with and vice versa. “After a rough breakup, a colleague looked up my moon and rising sign on Co-Star. I’ll never date a Pisces again,” she declares half-jokingly. Now hooked on Co-Star, Agarwal thinks of astrology as a powerful ally for self-discovery and comfort.

Make it personal

She isn’t alone. Experts have observed a growing trend of individuals tapping into astrology to help them handle hardship or cope with change. “Our brains are constantly looking for patterns and ways of anticipating the future, and we grab onto anything that gives us a sense of control. People can feel empowered by astrological insights and feel like they are able to tackle life experiences with greater resilience,” says Lucknow-based holistic mind therapist Bhushan Srivastava.

What also works is that it doesn’t demand blind adherence to every prediction, so individuals can embrace the aspects that align with their personal experiences. “You pick what resonates with you ignore what doesn’t,” explains Srivastava.

This emphasis on personalised interpretation resonates particularly with millennials and Gen Z, who are more inclined towards self-exploration and holistic well-being, and feel like their current lives are a constant battle between their sun sign and moon sign. Pune-based Edith D’Souza, 34, for example, found solace in astrology during the pandemic when budget cuts at her advertising firm left her unemployed. She likens horoscopes to the “quote-a-day” calendars she enjoyed as a child. “Sometimes, you read the message and it rolls right off you. Other times, it resonates deeply, speaking directly to your current situation. They offer a different avenue for connecting with your inner self.”

On the other hand, for Bidisha Singha, 37, a media professional from Assam, astrology provides a sense of connection to something greater. “I felt alienated from the traditional religion I grew up with,” she says. “In astrology, I found a community, a sense of belonging, and the perspective that there is something bigger than myself in the universe.”

Perhaps that’s the point. Fact or fiction, astrology today is serving as a tool for personal growth and comfort. That is, for those who choose to believe in their stars, and have a subscription to a good astrology app.