CHICAGO ― As a young girl, Rebecca Rivera would often sneak into the bathroom at her grandmother’s home with the latest edition of TVNotas, a Mexican magazine. Rather than focusing on the latest gossip about soap operas, she longed to read her horoscope instead.

Rivera later delved into astrology to understand herself better as she transitioned into adulthood.

It was only in May of this year that the 24-year-old considered how astrological influences might impact the forthcoming 2024 presidential election. After seeing a TikTok video featuring an astrologer analyzing the charts of presidential candidates shortly after former President Donald Trump was convicted on criminal charges, Rivera felt intrigued.

“Exploring astrology gives me hope about how the elections might unfold,” shared Rivera, who identifies as a Leo Sun, aligning with her birth date.

Rivera is part of an increasing number of millennials and Gen Z individuals who are turning to astrology for comfort and answers. Following a polarizing 2016 presidential election, a socially isolating pandemic, and a tense election cycle, younger voters are seeking astrological insights for optimism as the November election approaches.

A Pew Research study from last year indicated that 70% of American adults now describe themselves as “spiritual,” reflecting a shift away from organized religion. Additionally, about 26% believe that spiritual energy can inhabit objects like crystals and gemstones.

While astrology isn’t necessarily the deciding factor for how individuals are voting, many astrologers and voters believe it can provide deeper insights into potential outcomes.

Renée Watt, a 36-year-old astrologer from Portland, Oregon, observes that astrology enthusiasts are searching for alternatives to traditional data sources like graphs and polls to find comfort and preparation during a challenging election season.

This election cycle has presented unique challenges. Trump faced an assassination attempt where a bullet grazed him at a rally in Pennsylvania. President Joe Biden recently withdrew from the race after a struggling debate performance against Trump, who is noted for being a Gemini Sun. Now Vice President Kamala Harris, a Libra Sun, has stepped into the spotlight as a leading candidate as national divisions continue to widen.

“It’s a blend of seeking spirituality and wanting a sense of security in these turbulent times,” Watt explained.

Astrology’s Historical Connection to Politics

This isn’t the first instance of astrology intertwined with political matters.

“Throughout history, astrology has been used to anticipate election outcomes,” Watt noted, highlighting that various leaders historically consulted astrologers to navigate crises or for strategic decisions in warfare.

“Astrologers have always had some influence in politics to one degree or another,” added Watt.

Astrology, which traces back to ancient Mesopotamia and became widespread around the 18th century, has experienced fluctuating popularity in the U.S. Horoscopes began appearing in newspapers in the 1930s, and understanding one’s birth chart—especially the “Big Three” signs—has become a cultural touchstone. It’s common now to ask someone’s name, where they reside, and what their zodiac sign is upon meeting them. (As a side note, this reporter is a Taurus Sun, Gemini rising, and Virgo moon.)

In the 1980s, former President Ronald Reagan relied on astrologer Joan Quigley, a practice initiated by his wife, Nancy Reagan, after an assassination attempt on him.

Astrologer Lisa Stardust, based in New York City, explained that the Reagans consulted Quigley to optimize timing for critical events, including discussions concerning the Iran-Contra affair.

“They strategically chose times when celestial conditions would reduce backlash,” Stardust pointed out.

In her book, “What Does Joan Say?”, Quigley chronicled her influence in the Reagan era, detailing the timing of speeches and public engagements while reshaping Nancy Reagan’s public image.

“No astrologer has held such a consequential role in U.S. politics since the time of the Roman emperors,” Quigley mentioned in her writings.

Currently, astrology mainly serves as a source of reassurance and perspective for many voters.

A significant portion of the population finds solace and empowerment in astrological practices, according to a recent report from the Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice released in February, a poll revealed that almost all (95%) Americans recognize their astrological sign.

Although more than half (58%) of individuals turn to astrology primarily for entertainment, a closer look at generational differences shows that 31% of millennials explore astrology in search of meaning, and 28% for guidance, based on findings from Harris Poll, a company that has assessed American adults’ behaviors and motivations since 1963.

“This election represents a significant moment,” remarked Sarah Potter, an astrologer from New York. “People are inquisitive and eager for insights, prompting us to seek knowledge from any available source.”

Trump or Harris? Insights from Their Zodiac Signs

Voters are not simply searching for comfort and advice regarding the election outcome; some are interested in astrology’s ability to forecast results.

“Overall, there is increased anxiety surrounding this election, as we face two distinct paths,” stated Catherine Urban, a professional astrologer in Cleveland, Ohio. “If astrology holds true, we should be able to anticipate what lies ahead.”

Urban has been among the astrologers who predicted Kamala Harris’ political ascent in recent years. Following her election as vice president, Urban began analyzing Harris’ astrological chart due to its historic nature: she is the first female vice president and the first woman of color to occupy this role.

“I confidently stated years ago that her political influence would continue to grow,” Urban affirmed. “But after reaching the vice presidency, the question arises: what comes next?”

This year, while Harris is surrounded by positive astrological influences, Stardust, another astrologer, pointed out that Trump also has favorable energy in his astrological chart. Both candidates have Gemini placements, indicating that “both are experiencing fortunate energies” this year.

Another significant astrological event this year is the United States’ Pluto return. This rare occurrence, which happens roughly every 200 years, affects the nation but not individuals. Astrologers suggest that it heralds a period of transformation and renewal.

Urban explained that the Pluto return signifies a “complete breakdown of the system.” Trump, whose surprising victory in 2016 shocked many in Washington, D.C., symbolizes the advent of this transformation currently underway in the U.S.

“I’m still working on my predictions for the post-election landscape; it appears a bit chaotic,” Urban noted. She also indicated that both Harris’ sun and moon placements in her birth chart align with the United States’ Pluto, suggesting that Harris may play a role in leading this new era.

However, for some voters, the decision is less about astrology and more about the candidates themselves.

Rivera, a Washington D.C. resident, initially planned not to vote this year, arguing that neither Biden nor Trump deserved her support. However, with Harris as the lead candidate, she is now eager to participate.

“She seems prepared to lead and is open to discussing challenging topics,” she expressed, adding her hope that the U.S. can elect a female president.

While this may not be dictated by astrological signs, for Rivera, it’s more than enough.