Do you ever find yourself scrolling through social media until you inevitably come across that daily post about horoscopes? You keep scrolling because, “horoscopes aren’t real,” until seconds later that same post is up on your screen and you are binge-reading all the content you can find out of pure fascination. Of course, the description is completely accurate and you then decide to do more research on your horoscope because what does it even mean to be an Aquarius? Soon you are consumed with the details of your Zodiac sign, your daily horoscope, your monthly horoscope, your yearly horoscope, until the accuracy is so bewildering that you force yourself to move on and scroll onto something new.

It’s ok, we’ve all been there. But why are horoscopes so fascinating and why are they so accurate?

First, there are many aspects that contribute to the making of a horoscope. The word itself is derived from the two Latin words, “horo” and “scope” which when combined means, “view of the hour.” Basically, a horoscope describes certain celestial energies resulting from patterns in outer space. More specifically, each horoscope is based upon the position of planets in space in relation to the different Zodiacs. When complete, all the information gathered to form a horoscope results from various calculations, making each horoscope extremely personal.

To find your horoscope, you must know your Zodiac sign which undoubtedly most individuals know, but what you might not know is what each sign represents. The term Zodiac is derived from the Latin word which translates to “zoo of animals.” It relates to the 12 constellations found in the path of the sun, each constellation representing a different Zodiac sign. Of course, the Zodiac is much more complicated than a cluster of constellations in an enormous galaxy, but you get the jist.

I could go on and on about the origin of the Zodiac and the calculations and astronomy necessary for each individual horoscope, but the fact is people are going to believe what they want, and horoscopes happen to be one of those things where it is unclear what to believe. I’m not here to tell you what to trust and what to practice, but I am here to tell you why I think horoscopes are so important.

Horoscopes are a source of comfort. When living in a world riddled with chaos, struggle and mystery, horoscopes are one way in which individuals are able to understand the mystery of life and life’s obstacles. I find horoscopes very similar to religion. Both are simply a way to deal with hardships in life and to find the meaning behind them. I have certainly relied on the details of my horoscope to help me through times of hardship or doubt. For me, it is a way to accept my life path and educate myself on the possible situations I may face in my future. Not only do horoscopes provide information about the future, but more specifically, Zodiac signs clarify the mystery surrounding the characteristics of our personalities, even the characteristics we so often disavow.

Horoscopes should no longer be questioned about their validity, but rather they should be accepted as a way to deal with life, a coping skill. So next time you’re scrolling through social media, don’t fight the urge, click on the post and learn more about yourself. Learn about your horoscope.