Have you ever received personalized astrological advice on your phone? For Gen Zers, it has become a daily ritual, as high-tech astrology apps gain popularity and claim to offer more personalized experiences than ever before. These apps, such as The Pattern, Sanctuary, and Co-Star, combine algorithmic and live readings to provide tailored insights and predictions.
Astrology Meets Technology
Astrology apps have seen a surge in interest, thanks to a combination of increased funding, a pandemic-induced fascination with self-development, and an influx of users seeking personalized predictions. Co-Star, for example, secured $15 million in venture capital funding, while Sanctuary raised $3 million. The Pattern, with its 15-million-user audience, is also preparing for its first round of funding.
Rather than simply relying on daily or monthly horoscopes, these apps cater to individual users, offering granular forecasts and compatibility testing based on personalized birth charts. Co-Star even positions itself as a tool for self-care, facilitating meaningful connections through compatibility reports. Sanctuary provides live, one-on-one text-based support with professional astrologists and tarot card readers. Meanwhile, The Pattern is expanding into the dating app space, using profiles to match potential partners. Together, these apps are tapping into a growing "psychic services" market valued at around $2.2 billion in the U.S.
The Personal Touch
The appeal of these apps lies in their personalization. Lisa Donovan, the founder of The Pattern, emphasizes that the app is not about predicting the future but understanding who we are in the present. By providing insights into our strengths and vulnerabilities, these apps offer a safe space for self-reflection and exploration. Donovan intentionally avoids using astrology jargon, making the app accessible to a broad user base. It's no surprise that The Pattern gained 30,000 users through word-of-mouth after a beta version was shared with just 25 friends.
Co-Star has experienced similar organic growth, with their app being downloaded nearly every three to four seconds in the U.S. Their aim is to validate experiences and define personal identities, providing a therapeutic and self-development experience for users. Many young people, like musician Bryce Neville, have found comfort and guidance in astrology apps. Neville sees astrology as a tool for self-discovery and understanding, particularly for a generation that seeks to save the world and clarify their own beliefs.
A Spiritual Alternative
Astrology apps have become more than just a passing trend for Gen Zers. As organized religion declines among younger generations, astrology and self-directed spirituality have filled the void. These complex systems provide intriguing frameworks for self-analysis and understanding the world around us. Along with the recent turmoil, the pandemic has further fueled interest in astrology, as people turn to it for guidance and solace. In fact, online searches for zodiac signs and birth charts reached a five-year peak in 2020.
Lucie Greene, a trend forecaster and consultant, explains that astrology apps align with the trend towards self-analysis and mental health monitoring. They offer a way to shape a digital identity and tap into the nostalgia of the '90s and early 2000s, when horoscopes were exceptionally popular. As interest in astrology continues to grow, Donovan predicts that workplaces may even use birth charts and astrology apps to better understand their employees, similar to the use of the Myers-Briggs personality test.
The Power of Apps
Although astrology apps provide personalized insights, it's important to remember their limitations. While they may offer guidance and predictions, they can never truly know you on a deeper level. The power lies within yourself, as Lisa Donovan wisely advised during a birth chart reading: "Trust yourself." These apps can be alluring and influential tools, but ultimately, they should be regarded as supplements to our own intuition and self-discovery.
So, if you're curious about what the stars have to say or in need of guidance, give these high-tech astrology apps a try. Just remember to trust yourself and embrace the journey of self-discovery.
