The young and the young-ish take astrology seriously … perhaps at the expense of their serious relationships.
A recent survey from writing site EduBirdie found that 74% of Gen Zers and millennials check the zodiac signs of potential partners to avoid mismatches — and one in three won’t date someone incompatible.
Further, astrological allegiance can undermine an existing relationship, as 21% of young people admit they’ve been dumped over their zodiac sign.
This interest in star stats extends beyond the personal into the professional.
A recent study found that a staggering 41% of Gen Zers and millennials research the zodiac sign of their potential bosses and colleagues before accepting a job offer.
Bear in mind that we are all a crumpled mixed bag of vice and virtue, toxicity and tenderness, pros and cons. When it comes to the zodiac wheel, each sign has a set of qualities, positive and negative, that inform how they operate in all relationships.
While birth charts are an illuminating way to understand another person, reducing someone to the stereotypes of their sign can be a surefire way to kill an intimate connection.
Anastasiya Pochotna, a dating expert at Flirtini, offers her advice for shifting the star trash from red flags.
Read on to learn more.
Look for patterns, not predictions
Pochotna explains that obsessing over whether your sign “matches” with a partner can distract you from noticing how you interact with one another.
“If astrology says you’re more independent, ask yourself if that’s true in your relationship. Use it to spot habits, not to predict the future,” Pochotna advised. “It’s your actions and communication that count — not what an app or an astrologer says about your sign. Astrology can offer insight, but it’s not a substitute for addressing real issues as they come up.”
Use astrology to foster meaningful conversations
Astrology aids us in understanding ourselves and others using archetypes, a tenant of Jungian psychology. However, viewing astrology as an access point rather than an absolute authority is crucial.
As Pochotna recommends, “Use astrology to dive into deeper stuff — like your values, long-term goals, or how you handle conflict. If your partner’s chart says they’re super into emotional closeness, take that as an opening to talk about what emotional support looks like to both of you.
“Astrology is a tool to start the conversation, but the real magic happens in those deeper chats.”
Don’t hate a hater
According to the same EduBirdie survey, 13% of young people have been dumped by a partner because of their interest in astrology. Pochotna notes that being criticized for your passions, no matter what they are, is a sign of a larger issue.
“It’s about dismissing what matters to you. You want a curious and supportive partner, even if they don’t share all your hobbies. Mutual respect is essential in any relationship, and belittling your interests is a major red flag.”
Astrology 101: Your guide to the star
Keep it light, not literal
Relationships are about actions and accountability; blaming your behavior or excusing your issues based on planetary transits like retrogrades and eclipse cycles can be a dangerous crutch.
“While astrology can explain some rough patches, don’t use it as an excuse for avoiding real conversations. If something’s off, talk about it,” Pochotna expounds. “Sure, maybe the planets are a little chaotic right now, but your relationship needs effort and honest communication, not just star-powered blame games. Own your relationship issues and be accountable for them.”
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.
