Horoscopes and wellbeing: what the Kyklos study really found

Whether on the radio, Instagram or in gossip columns, horoscopes are everywhere. They promise love, money and success – or warn of drama, stress and heartbreak. A recent social science study now firmly challenges those claims. The researchers’ sober conclusion is that star signs and planetary alignments have no measurable effect on your wellbeing.

What the study actually examined

Published in the academic journal Kyklos, the research does not scrutinise individual horoscopes. Instead, it addresses a more fundamental question: do people in different star signs consistently report different levels of happiness, life satisfaction or mental health?

To investigate this, the researchers drew on large datasets from population surveys, which included questions such as:

• How satisfied are people with their lives overall?
• How often do they feel low, stressed or anxious?
• How do they assess their work, relationships and financial circumstances?
• In which month were they born, and therefore which zodiac sign do they have?

The reasoning was straightforward: if astrology genuinely mattered, recognisable patterns should emerge. Aries people would supposedly be more impulsive, Cancerians more sensitive and Capricorns more serious – at least according to familiar stereotypes.

The analysis found no consistent, scientifically robust link between star signs and wellbeing.

A few very small differences appeared in isolated cases, but these disappeared once other influences were taken into account, including income, education, relationship status and physical health.

Why horoscopes remain so believable to many people

If the evidence is so clear, why are horoscopes still so popular? Three psychological mechanisms are particularly important.

The Barnum effect: seeing yourself in every description

Astrological texts often rely on broad claims such as “You long for recognition” or “Conflict affects you especially deeply”. Such statements apply to almost everyone, yet they can still feel highly personal.

• Vague wording leaves plenty of room for interpretation.
• Positive traits such as “creative”, “profound” and “loyal” appeal to the ego.
• Contradictory claims can cover several different types of behaviour at once.

Psychologists call this the Barnum effect: people recognise themselves in descriptions that would actually suit almost anybody.

Selective perception: remembering only what fits

People who believe in their star sign are more likely to notice events that seem to confirm a prediction. Information that does not fit is more readily filtered out by the brain.

For instance, a horoscope may say that workplace conflict is likely this week. One harmless disagreement with a colleague sticks in the mind, while the nine peaceful meetings beforehand are quickly forgotten. This creates the impression: “Wow, that really came true!”

Control and meaning: astrology as order amid chaos

Everyday life can feel unpredictable for many people: job insecurity, relationship difficulties and political crises all play a part. Astrology offers a pattern that appears easy to understand. From the researchers’ perspective, it can provide a comforting framework:

• Difficult periods seem less random.
• Successes appear “predestined” and therefore more secure.
• Decisions can feel easier to justify: “It suits my star sign.”

The study indicates that this very desire for meaning and guidance increases people’s susceptibility to astrological offers, especially during uncertain phases of life.

Where your wellbeing really comes from

The researchers’ data points to a different conclusion: life satisfaction is not determined by the month you were born in, but by tangible aspects of day-to-day life. Wellbeing is particularly strongly associated with:

• Social relationships: stable partnerships, close friendships and supportive family
• Health: enough sleep, physical activity and managing stress
• Working environment: recognition, fair pay and manageable demands
• Financial security: not living with persistent fear of bills or debt
• Having a say: feeling able to shape your own life actively

Stars may be beautiful to look at – but your wellbeing is created mainly through your relationships, decisions and habits.

Interestingly, some surveys find that people with a very strong belief in horoscopes are slightly more likely to experience stress and uncertainty. The researchers caution against jumping to conclusions about cause and effect. It is more likely that people who already feel inwardly insecure are simply more inclined to seek patterns of guidance, with astrology being only one of them.

When a colleague blames their horoscope for their behaviour

“I’m just a Scorpio, I can’t help it” – almost everyone has heard comments like this. From a scientific viewpoint, they are not evidence of astrological influence, but a convenient explanatory model.

This can even make everyday problems worse:

• Responsibility is shifted away – rather than working on their own behaviour, someone blames everything on their star sign.
• People are put into boxes – anyone labelled a “typical Leo” is given a fixed identity.
• Conflicts become entrenched – instead of discussing specific situations, people end up talking about supposedly “unchangeable character traits”.

Social research suggests that groups work better when people rely on understandable rules and specific feedback rather than cosmic labels.

Astrology as entertainment – where does the fun end?

The Kyklos study is not trying to stop anyone enjoying horoscope memes or astrology accounts on social media. It becomes problematic when astrological claims begin to guide real decisions.

Examples of concerning situations include someone:

• ending a relationship solely because the star signs are supposedly “incompatible”;
• turning down a job because a “bad transit” is allegedly approaching;
• delaying medical help because a horoscope promises healing;
• taking financial risks because “the stars point to wealth”.

The researchers stress that the more important a decision is, the more it should rest on verifiable information: diagnoses, contracts, figures and conversations. Not on a random text intended to address thousands of people at the same time.

How to read horoscopes without getting carried away

Anyone who enjoys astrological content can still do so without surrendering control to it. Three simple approaches can help:

• Read it as a story, not a rule: Treat horoscope statements more like short stories or prompts for reflection.
• Check the claims: Do all the statements really fit, or are you only looking for the ones that seem true?
• Consider practical actions: If something prompts you to “take more breaks”, ask yourself: what can I actually do today?

That way, you can enjoy the entertainment without giving up your autonomy.

What “wellbeing” means in studies

When scientists refer to wellbeing, they do not simply mean being in a good mood. It usually combines several components:

Area	Typical survey questions
Life satisfaction	“All things considered, how satisfied are you with your life?”
Emotional state	“How often have you felt sad, stressed or happy in recent weeks?”
Mental health	Standardised questionnaires on anxiety, depression and motivation
Social ties	“Do you have people you can rely on in a crisis?”

These are precisely the areas in which the study looked for differences between star signs – without finding any meaningful results.

What the findings can mean for your everyday life

Letting go of astrological promises can create more room for action. If the stars are not making the decisions, other levers come into view: a conversation with your partner, an open discussion with your manager, coaching, therapy, exercise routines or a realistic financial plan.

The science shows that wellbeing responds strongly to small, practical changes – such as ten extra minutes of physical activity each day, a regular sleep routine or a recurring meet-up with friends. These are all things you can influence, regardless of your birth date or zodiac sign.