Art by Sarah Rietz
Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
New students are discovering they will spend most nights studying and hanging out in Payson Library. Amidst breaks from their studies, students find themselves immersed in late-night conversations with friends about their Zodiac signs. Diving deeper into the interstellar intersection of romantic connections and horoscopic predictions is beyond intriguing, but is it actually realistic?
It’s undeniable that the stars have an uncanny way of impacting our relationships, according to Insider. This makes breaking down the astrological understanding of love essential, delving into a realm of insights that, while not scientifically proven, are embraced by many as meaningful beliefs.
While astrology adds a dash of enchantment to the tumultuous journey of college relationships, it’s essential to strike a balance between cosmic insight and grounded reality.
Astrology can impact relationships in a variety of ways. The idea of chemistry between signs suggests there exists a powerful connection when two individuals share the same astrological sign, according to Co-Star. A Taurus and Virgo could get along well because they both have a practical nature, while a Leo and Aries might click because they share a lot of energy and excitement, according to Astrotalk.
Beyond connection, astrology is considered a tool for communication.
Many consider astrology a tool for communication. Trying to explain a friend’s impulsiveness? Just blame it on the fact that they’re Aries, and accept that this a characteristic to expect in Aries, according to Cosmopolitan.
Some believe astrology can facilitate growth. The best relationships often push us to grow and evolve. Astrological insights can offer a roadmap for understanding your friend’s strengths and areas that need growth. Not one Zodiac is perfect.
However, Zodiac signs may allow us to scapegoat our friends and maneuver our way out of arguments.
Depending solely on astrological charts, Zodiac descriptors and what phase the moon is in may lead to unrealistic expectations. These impractical aspirations can arise if the other person does not believe in astrology or is unaware of its role in their relationship.
Remember, we’re more than just our Zodiac signs –– we’re complex beings. Life shapes our upbringing, experience and personal choices.
Some believe conflict can arise from astrology’s influence. During Mercury retrograde, a period astrologists believe to disrupt communication, it becomes tempting to attach every misunderstanding to this cosmic event, hiding the real root issues.
Things could get a little tricky when we start acting just like our Zodiac sign and try to change or exacerbate certain characteristics that are similar. For example, if you’re a stubborn Taurus, you might find yourself sticking to your point during an argument because that’s what you believe Tauruses are supposed to do, which can actually make the situation worse instead of fixing it.
Imagine all the dorm halls on campus were split based on Zodiac signs, and one misunderstanding with one dorm hall could lead to everyone stereotyping this dorm and all the people related to it because of its Zodiac sign. It seems unfair and unlikely that each individual living there is exactly the same, despite sharing the same sign.
We should embrace people as unique individuals rather than relying on predetermined assumptions. We shouldn’t go about our relationships eliminating people based on past experiences or our friends’ experiences with them.
Relationships of all kinds go beyond the stars –– they’re shaped through experiences, willingness to grow and aspirations. So, let the stars be your guide, but let your hearts and intellect be the captains of your collegiate cosmic ship.
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Follow the Graphic on Twitter: @PeppGraphic
Contact Victoria La Ferla via email:
Victoria.laferla@pepperdine.edu or by instagram @vlf_insider
