All
people have different perspectives of astrology. They interpret and dissect the
world for what it is or may be. When people do this, they are usually trying to
find some type of meaning to the world. Whether it is right or wrong some
people are dedicating their life to a certain belief and following the way
their mind enjoys for them. Sometimes people’s perspectives are altered due to
their culture. People’s perspectives and beliefs can also be altered when
introduced to completely different cultures than their own. By reading the
zodiac, an astrologer’s chart, people are being smitten and pulled into an
entire different world. Astrology also has become a huge marketing extravaganza
and a chance for many people to believe in something different. Many different
cultures sometimes share the belief of astrology. Astrology connects people
with the world in the sky. People become connected to the stars and the heavens.
This bond that people make to the stars and the sky, is their answer to the
rest of their lives. The author of, Astrology
as popular culture, deeply examines astrology history and how it has
changed from 600 B.C. to the present.
Marcello Truzzi has clarified the
zodiac carries a significant history starting from Egypt and Babylon. There is
no exact date that the zodiac was first created but the furthest back we know
of is around 600 B.C. The great significance of the history is the positioning
of the signs. Equinoctial points are what has been the determining factor for
the names of signs and the precise constellation. Because over time theses
signs have shifted they are no longer truly the same sign. A huge problem with
this is that current astrologers are not factoring in the fact that the signs
are no longer even the same anymore. (Truzzi, 1975)
Astrology has allowed for an immense
amount of marketing. Many people have found it a part of daily routine to check
their horoscope or zodiac based on astrology. Newspapers, magazines, books, and
even phone applications all include a variety of horoscopes. Sometimes these
horoscopes are what are actually selling these products. The study and work of
astrology has put almost 200,000 people in part time and full time jobs. It
sounds like a large amount of jobs but the number of readers and followers are
increasing from 40,000,000 people. That is a lot of people who are walking
around the world sharing the same belief.
Truzzi makes very relevant points in
his journal article. Astrology has a very large impact on popular culture.
Since most of society follows the horoscopes based on the Zodiac society is
altered based on beliefs and values. Some people will change their lives day to
day based on what their sign describes for the day. I believe the author makes
valid points when he describes the fact that the signs and constellations have
changed through out the years so reading them the same way may not be an
accurate reading. Following horoscopes is something I do often. I believe in it
to an extent and I use it as inspiration from day to do.
All followers of astrology should
read, Astrology as Popular Culture. The
importance of this journal is very significant based on the fact that the stars
are not aligned the same, people need to be aware that the reading of the stars
is not as accurate as it once was. This may create a decrease in the amount of
newspapers and magazines being bought but it is also important that people know
the truth.
Many people may not believe in the
Zodiac chart and its significance connected to astrology but it has been a
great inspiration and motivation for the people who do believe. Despite the
different perspectives of people having a common factor in popular culture
allows people to relate. The people with the same signs may truly have common
interests and it can create friendships and relationships that may not have
ever evolved with out the belief in astrology reading.
References
Truzzi,
M. (1975, March). Astrology as popular culture. The Journal of Popular
Culture, 8(4),
906-911.
doi:10.1111/j.0022-3840.1975.00906.x
This was a very interesting post about your journal article, Whitney! I had never thought about astrology being a big part of popular culture, but I do know that astrology readings frequently appear in newspapers, magazines, and websites. I wonder if it was more popular back when the article was written. I think back in those times people were especially into it, but given its presence in so many areas it does seem like a part of our current culture to some degree. I found the fact you gave about the Equinoctial points especially interesting, as I never knew about that or how our current signs are not even the same. I don't really follow astrology, but it has always made me curious. Sometimes it does seem that people's personalities match their signs, at least somewhat! Your analysis was very informative; it was a different, interesting topic to read about!
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