The Role of Horoscope Reading Timing in Shaping Daily Experience: A Cross-Sectional Study of Expectations, Behavioral Influence, and Reinterpretation

Abstract

Astrology often faces criticism as a pseudoscience, yet it remains a source of comfort and insight for many people, helping them navigate their daily lives. While past studies have largely focused on the psychological aspects that drive belief in horoscopes, less attention has been given to how the timing of these readings might affect daily thoughts and actions. This study aimed to explore whether reading a daily horoscope before or after the day’s events influences how individuals form expectations, act on those expectations, and reinterpret their experiences. We conducted an online survey involving 52 adults who occasionally read horoscopes. Participants provided information on their belief in horoscopes, expectations, behavioral influence, interpretations of daily experiences, and their levels of uncertainty intolerance. We then analyzed the data using various statistical methods. Results revealed that those who read their horoscopes in the morning reported significantly higher expectations and were more influenced in their actions compared to those who read them in the evening. However, there were no significant differences found in how participants reinterpreted their experiences based on when they read their horoscopes. Additionally, belief in horoscopes was linked to greater expectations and behavioral influence but showed no significant relationship with reinterpretation or uncertainty intolerance. These findings highlight that the timing of horoscope readings may impact how individuals process and respond to the information, particularly regarding their expectations and behaviors. This research adds to the ongoing discussion surrounding astrology, emphasizing the importance of considering when horoscopes are read in relation to their psychological effects.