Can the Stars Influence Consumer Behaviour? – The Intersection of Astrology and Marketing
- Brainz Magazine
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
Emily King is a marketing & breathwork consultant specialising in helping female founders in wellness, lifestyle and beauty industries scale both their business and mindset. Through her unique approach, she blends strategic marketing consultancy with targeted breathwork sessions to unlock new ideas, enhance clarity, and drive growth.
Astrology has long fascinated humanity for hundreds of years, influencing everything from personal decision-making to cultural movements. In recent years, its resurgence, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z audiences, has elevated it beyond a personal belief system into a powerful marketing tool.
As consumer interests shift toward spirituality, self-discovery, and cosmic cycles, brands are increasingly weaving astrological insights into their strategies.
But the real question is, can the stars genuinely influence consumer behaviour, or is this just another fleeting trend?
Let’s explore the intersection of astrology and marketing.
Astrology as a branding and consumer engagement tool
Astrology's rise in popularity is closely tied to the broader trend of consumers seeking meaning, identity, and personalised experiences. Brands that incorporate astrological themes into their messaging can tap into deep emotional connections with their audience. Consider:
Personalisation at scale: With platforms offering horoscope-based recommendations (e.g. Spotify’s Cosmic Playlists or astrology-focused beauty product pairings), brands create hyper-personalised experiences.
Emotional resonance: Consumers gravitate toward brands that align with their values, and astrology offers an emotional and psychological hook that feels tailor-made for the individual.
Community building: Astrology fosters niche communities, allowing brands to engage with highly active, like-minded consumers who share and discuss astrological content.
The psychological influence of astrology on purchasing decisions
Astrology may not have a scientific basis, but its influence on human psychology is undeniable. It operates as a cognitive bias, reinforcing beliefs and guiding decision-making in subtle yet powerful ways:
The Barnum effect: Consumers see themselves in vague yet relatable astrological descriptions, increasing trust and brand affinity when messaging aligns with their perceived traits.
Decision-making based on zodiac archetypes: Some consumers consciously make purchasing decisions based on astrological advice. For example, a Leo might seek bold, luxury products, while a Virgo may prefer practical, minimalist designs.
Timing and seasonal cycles: Retrogrades, eclipses, and planetary transits influence consumer sentiment. Brands attuned to these cosmic shifts can create well-timed campaigns that align with emotional and psychological states.
How brands are using astrology in marketing strategy
The commercialisation of astrology isn’t new, but today’s brands are leveraging it in more sophisticated ways. Here are some notable examples:
Fashion and beauty: UK-based brands like Charlotte Tilbury and ASOS have launched zodiac-themed collections, aligning product aesthetics with astrological symbolism.
Tech and content: Apps like The Pattern have redefined personalised astrology, engaging millions through AI-driven insights and push notifications.
Retail and e-commerce: Brands curate astrology-based shopping guides, helping consumers choose products aligned with their signs, birthdays, or planetary influences.
Luxury and wellness: High-end brands are infusing cosmic themes into luxury experiences, from zodiac-inspired fine jewellery to astrologically aligned wellness retreats.
Is astrology a gimmick or a long-term marketing strategy?
While astrology trends ebb and flow, its psychological impact remains constant. The key for brands is authenticity.
Consumers, particularly younger generations, are highly attuned to inauthentic marketing tactics. If astrology is merely a gimmick, audiences will disengage. However, when astrology is used as a cultural storytelling tool that genuinely connects with consumer values, it becomes a powerful and lasting strategy.
Final thoughts
Astrology and marketing share a common thread: both seek to understand and influence human behaviour. Whether through personalised product recommendations, content strategies, or community engagement, the stars have found their place in modern branding. While astrology alone won’t dictate consumer choices, it undeniably shapes the emotional landscape in which those choices are made.
For brands looking to explore this cosmic connection, the key is to go beyond the surface and align with the deeper psychological needs of their audience.
In a world craving meaning and connection, astrology offers a fresh, mystical, and compelling lens for marketers to engage with consumers authentically.
Read more from Emily King
Emily King, Breathwork & Marketing Consultant
Emily King is a marketing & breathwork consultant helping female founders in wellness, lifestyle, and beauty industries scale their business and mindset simultaneously. She blends strategic marketing consultancy and coaching with transformative and targeted breathwork sessions to unlock new pathways and ideas to expand and catapult growth. She is also the founder of The C Word Magazine, an online website dedicated to elevating women's lived experiences and amplifying women's voices on a wide array of topics. Her mission: create supportive spaces online for females in business and beyond to flourish, grow and cultivate a positive relationship with themselves.
