The new age of astrology: how horoscopes became cool again

By Sarah Joan Ross on 27/1/2021

It may be written in the stars, but does astrology and this new mysticism really apply to us here on earth? Here's a look at the new apps, books and products for some celestial inspiration

THE NEW AGE OF ASTROLOGY

Whatever your thoughts on birth charts, crystal healing, and this new age mysticism that seems to be lurking at every corner; from manifestations on your social feed to the crystals in your eco-friendly water bottle – there is undoubtedly a re-ignited interest in finding some meaning and direction in our lives.

It's no surprise. The past 12 months have been a rollercoaster and in times of great stress, humans tend to turn to something else – and it appears horoscopes are having their celestial moment.

According to a study by psychologist Graham Tyson, he found: 'Under conditions of high stress, the individual is prepared to use astrology as a coping device even though under low-stress conditions he does not believe in it.'

Even though astrology has been around for thousands of years, it's had a technological upgrade and makeover of sorts.

Gone is the stereotypical woman, gazing knowingly into a crystal ball, wearing full liner, fake lashes, the prerequisite headscarf, and the jingle-jangle of jewellery ringing in our ears.

Now it's witty, intelligent and astrologers are becoming the rockstars of our times.

Take Chani Nicholas…

She has the swagger of a red-carpet regular and is featured on the New York Times bestseller list. Her main domain is birth charts – and her no-nonsense, modern approach has earned her over one-million users per month on her CHANI app, launched late last year.

Her clients include the likes of Lizzo to Jane Fonda and she is one of the most prolific astrologers around today, famous for making birth charts easy to digest in her book, You Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance, £9.99 – buy here.

Lunalogy

Another million-copy bestselling author is Keiko, the creator of Lunalogy, a method for attracting good fortune using the Moon.

Her book, The Power Wish: Japanese Moon Astrology and the Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness and the Favour of the Universe, has been translated into English and is published here on Tuesday 9 February.

Expect a Marie Kondo-style takeover of your channels. And, talking of Kondo, she's also an advocate, saying: 'Keiko's method can help people to make their dreams a reality.'

And don't we all want a bit of success right now?

The Power Wish: Japanese Moon Astrology and the Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness and the Favour of the Universe by Keiko, £14.99 – buy here

Frank Clifford, the principal at the London School of Astrology, agrees: 'These are particularly challenging times and astrology offers meaning and insight. At its best, astrology helps us get in touch with our needs, purpose and vocation, and to make constructive use of the planetary alignments. It's one of those subjects that most people have an opinion on but haven't studied!

'Although astrology has a reputation for prediction, most astrologers of good reputations don't predict or "tell people what to do".

'We're simply translators of the heavens; we're map-readers. We describe the planetary climate (now and at birth), give clients options and help with timing and planning.

'Astrology is really about actively participating in what's going on "up there" to help us navigate daily life "down here". It's a great mirror.'

There's a new kind of mysticism coming to town too. Aesthetician Natali Kelly has launched a clinic on Walton Street that seamlessly merges facial fillers and aesthetics with psychic readings and reiki.

She says, "I believe we are holistic human beings. To feel truly good, we must have the mind, body and soul in balance, so we offer a 360 approach to health, beauty and wellness.

In one day, you could have a tarot card reading, Reiki facial, skin and body tightening and fillers, imagine how good you will feel afterwards?"

A new online shopping destination, The House of Roxy, is also championing this mix-and-match wellness-meets-mystical offering. Roxy Marrone says she wanted something that makes 'spirituality chic' and their site is certainly both unique and alluring.

Marrone says, 'We focus on uplifting and positive rituals and aim to bring magic into your everyday life!'

Their clients include everyone from new mums to business leaders, all looking for some daily rituals to clear the mind – and their mantra of 'What you bring in is what you'll get, and vice versa' seems to be a success all round.

House of Roxy Full Moon Manifestation Kit, £80

Full Moon Manifestation Kit, £80 – buy here

Aesthetically speaking, other favourite e-tailers are also busy stocking their pages with zodiac-style offerings.

Surf Net-a-Porter and Matches Fashion to see the popularity of everything from high-end diamond-laden celestial jewellery to sophisticated star-gazing homeware.

One of the most hi-tech offerings comes in the form of Co-Star – an app powered by AI that merges NASA data with the insight of human astrologers.

It raised £4.3 million in investment to deliver daily, no-nonsense advice to clients. It launched on Apple and then had a waiting list of over 120,000 people for the Android version.

It's slick and modern with absolutely no hocus-pocus insight. It's occasionally outrageous and naughty, sometimes rude and delivers some small pieces of wry horoscope-esque humour into our somewhat bland days – whether you're a sceptic or a believer – perhaps that's why it is so appealing right now…