Not to be mistaken with astronomy—a natural science that studies celestial objects, space, and the physical universe— astrology is a pseudoscience that analyzes how the movement of celestial bodies have influence on human relationships and the natural world. Civilizations throughout history have looked to the skies to predict what’s ahead. The Sumarians and Babylonians (who divided the zodiac into 12 signs) watched planets and stars to keep track of where they were in the sky. Hellenistic Astrology, which is the basis of modern western astrology, was developed in Egypt.
Depending on an individual’s time of birth, the alignment of the stars and planets can affect their mood, personality, and environment, which is why astrology apps usually require this information. Based on it, astrologers can give individuals daily advice that can guide them in making better life decisions. Placebo or not, it definitely helps to give some people peace of mind.
To understand the foundations of astrology, you’ll have to know the three most important signs: sun, moon, and ascendant/rising. The sun sign is the one people often refer to when they ask about your zodiac sign. It signifies the core of who you are—your ego and sense of self—similar to how the sun is the center of our universe. The moon sign represents the more private and emotional parts of yourself, just like how the moon only decides to reveal itself in the night. Your rising sign or ascendant is best described as the mask that you put on when you first meet someone; it’s what you want others to think of you.
If you’re curious about what the universe has in store for you, use this guide to help you find an astrology app (or two or three).
The Pattern
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Unlike other astrology apps, The Pattern doesn’t give you an overview of your specific sign. Instead, it gives you insights into how you’ll thrive and what you’ll struggle with currently. These insights are broken into three sections—foundation, development, and relationships. The app also allows you to connect with your friends and significant others, in addition to running a compatibility test.
Pros:
- It’s freakishly accurate (according to Channing Tatum)
- Allows you to create bonds with friends on the app
Cons:
- Advice tends to be more vague; doesn’t give you solutions
Download: Apple | Google Play
Co-Star
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Probably the most well-known astrology app on this list, Co-Star was the first A.I.-powered astrology app available. Based on your time, date, and place of birth, the app generates daily insights based upon your astrological chart. You can also compare your chart with your friends’ and delve deeper into compatibility with their different signs.
Pros
- Gives you advice
- Tells you what you need to hear in the moment
Cons
- Might be (too) negative at times
- Not accurate and relatable in some instances
Download: Apple | Google Play
Chani
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Created by Chani Nicholas, a New York Times bestselling author and astrologer with more than 20 years of experience, the app offers users a daily personalised reading of their birth chart. Chani also provides daily meditations, rituals, and a journal to set intentions and track your growth, in hopes of guiding you through your self-discovery journey.
Pros
- Many different functions
- Very detailed birth chart
- 5 per cent of profits go to Black, Latinx, Native/Indigenous, Queer and/or Trans survivors of gender-based violence
Cons
- Functional with only a premium subscription
- Some have complained the app gives the wrong charts
Download: Apple
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