Write a Personal Essay With Astrology
When I first heard I was a Libra, I knew astrology was superstitious baloney. Libras are apparently charismatic and stylish. I am shy, awkward, and own a closet entirely of basics, mostly in black to make matching easy.
On further reflection, though, Libras are fueled by beauty. During graduate school in Chicago, I would browse my local Anthropologie store as if it was a museum, fantasizing about the day when I might be able to afford more than a clearance-priced coffee mug. That same year, I lived in a studio apartment just outside the city, so my classmates would meet up at my place before going out. I may never be a charismatic socialite, but I can’t deny I was playing the role of host.
Going back even further, my first job was at Macy’s. I spent most of my summer wages on clothes, including designer jeans I’d seen girls wearing at my high school. My family, who had raised me to shop off clearance racks, laughed at me. None of my friends were wearing those jeans. How did I know they were trendy? And what made me motivated to invest in style, when it wasn’t validated by my immediate social circle? Well, apparently I was born a Libra.
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Astrology offers a snapshot of your personality, based on where the sun, moon, and planets are at the exact moment of your birth. Its focus is nature—not nurture.
It brings up the question: Is the personality a sum of our experiences, or is there something both innate and deeper?
Carl Jung is quoted as saying, “Until you make the subconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
Engaging with astrology is a process of inner inquiry, and that makes it an excellent entry point for a personal essay.
When I began to look at my life through the lens of being a Libra, I saw its signature of style, social fluency, and partnership in more places. The first time I bought an expensive handbag I couldn’t afford. My commitment to my childhood best friend. How I carefully word rejections.
No one in my immediate family is a Libra, but my maternal grandmother was, and she collected designer dolls, drove a Cadillac, loved shopping, and hosted church events in her backyard.
Knowing that I’m a Libra has also motivated me to try new things that don’t feel characteristic, such as public speaking. Who knows what hidden talents are buried in each of us!
How to Outline Your Astrology Essay
The standard personal essay structure we learned in school begins with a hook, followed by a thesis statement, then some personal experiences that support the thesis, and closes with a thought-provoking takeaway.
To add astrology to the mix, we select personal anecdotes that either support or challenge the astrological archetype, and include as part of the thesis statement something like, “A Libra is supposed to be ….”
To get started, you can use a free chart generator (such as the website Astro-Charts) to find out your Sun sign and a brief description of the associated personality.
Some questions to consider:
How does this astrological archetype fit me? What’s an example?
How does this astrological archetype not fit me? What’s an example that shows the contrary?
Who in my life does fit this personality type?
What would happen if I experimented with playing into this personality type even more (i.e., if I bought a new outfit and posted a selfie on Instagram)?
On your chart generator, you’ll also see that your chart also shows the sign each planet was in when you were born, and those add nuances to your personality.
For example, Venus was in Virgo when I was born. Venus rules love. So, the way I express love is of a Virgo flavor, particularly acts of service, giving advice, and pushing people to be the best versions of themselves (whether they like it or not!). In an essay, I might explore how this trait has helped or hurt me in my most significant romantic relationships.
Why You Should Write an Astrology Essay
Using astrology as a theme gives us a few advantages: It keeps the essay specific. We can cover a wide range of personal experiences because they’ll all be linked by the planet, which helps the reader follow from one to the next.
Second, astrology allows us to break up deep emotional material with the less-charged information about the planets and sign archetypes. This allows for natural pacing.
At its core, astrology is storytelling. It conflates mythology with the movement of the planets to create an ever-evolving screenplay in the sky. One of the greatest benefits of using astrology in your writing is that by treating the planets as sub-characters within the psyche, we see how the personality is a mixed bag of competing motivations, which has applications to writing fiction, memoir, and beyond.
Want my support in interpreting your astrology and life journey? Book a 1:1 session.
