
Motorcycles have produced more than just an industry of their own. Like many subcultures gathered around a common interest, motorcycle enthusiasts began to develop a fashion of their own over the years. This has evolved and changed into the style that we equate with motorcycles today. This is a closer look at motorcycle fashion as it’s developed over the years.
At the Start
The birth of the modern motorcycle is often traced back to 1884 with Edward Butler’s three-wheeled Butler Petrol Cycle. However, it doesn’t take an expert to notice that the design is a little different.

At this time, motorcycle fashion was practically non-existent. For a variety of reasons, you probably wouldn’t be able to pick motorcyclists out of a crowd. That’s because at this point in history, they mostly just wore what was already in style.
Move to Competition
By the 1920s, motorcycles were gaining more traction than they ever had before. This was when competition motorcycling became a popular pastime for people to pay attention to.

Once again, this changed the nature of motorcycle fashion once more. Now, the standard for motorcycling had something to help individuals stand out during a race. Usually, this meant a sweater made of wool specifically for the competition. These varied in color but were almost always bright hues.
Why Was This?
There are a few reasons that motorcycle fashion didn’t develop right away. For one, the motorcycle had just come to fruition. There wasn’t a following behind the concept yet.

On the other hand, early motorcycles were much slower and less developed. This meant that motorcyclists didn’t have to dress for the risk of an accident at high speeds. At its fastest, the 1885 Daimler Reitwagen could only go 6.8 miles per hour, so there wasn’t as much of a concern for injury.
Before the Classics
There’s a classic look that, today, we associate with motorcycles. This title belongs to the leather motorcycle jackets that have popped up again and again in popular culture.

Before switching to the leather jackets we know today, however, there was the first step into shorter, thicker jackets. In the 1920s, this place was filled with short leather jackets made with horsehide. This was thick enough to offer extra protection and give motorcyclists a bit of insulation from cold weather as well.
Starting Somewhere
Still, the fashion of the time hadn’t quite reached what motorcyclists today wear. There were no heavy-duty helmets or thick leather jackets to keep motorcyclists from harm.

However, they had to start somewhere. In this case, it was their hands and feet. Rather than leaving them exposed, motorcyclists started to wear gauntlet gloves to keep their hands safe. Additionally, footwear was swapped out for long, leather boots that would also protect the calves and shins.
Motorcycle Jackets
Today, fashion surrounding motorcycles is usually labeled as such. You can even find the perfect leather jacket for your motorcycle needs by looking up “motorcycle jackets.”

You can thank Irving Schott for this. In 1928, he became the first person to design and sell a jacket under the name “motorcycle jacket.” This jacket was known as The Perfecto and it was made with a thick layer of leather, closer to motorcycle jackets today. This would help protect the motorcyclist’s skin.
Who Pursued Motorcycling at the Time?
When it comes to what the standard fashion of the time was, you’ll have to look to the upper class. Of course, this isn’t just because they were remarkable trendsetters in their time.

Rather, motorcycling was prohibitively expensive to own a motorcycle at the time. So, many of the people who owned motorcycles at the time were wealthier men. At the time, motorcycles were seen less as a practical vehicles and more as a fun pastime.
So, What Did They Wear?
During the early days of the motorcycle, the general consensus for masculine fashion was that sportswear was appropriate. Obviously, this wasn’t like our sportswear today.

Instead, the proper attire to ride a motorcycle at the time was a tweed suit. In the late 19th century, this was what was generally considered sportswear. Dressing in anything else just wasn’t appropriate and would likely face criticism for being inappropriate wear for the activity. This sounds pretty toasty in the summer!
Keeping Up With Change
Motorcycle fashion changed, like many things, as the needs of motorcyclists changed. As new models were introduced in the early 20th century, the motorcycle had evolved.

Now, motorcycles were starting to get faster and, thusly, more dangerous. To keep up with this, motorcyclists started to wear more protection when they went out to ride. This way, they were more protected from harm if they were to find themselves in an accident than tweed could offer.
Changing Out the Jackets
We mentioned before that thick leather jackets weren’t quite in style yet among motorcyclists now. Yet, the style of the jacket was changing from the longer jackets common in the early days of the motorcycle.

The problem with this was that longer jackets like dusters often came with the risk of the jacket getting caught in the motorcycle. That’s why, after the First World War wound down to a close, it became more common to wear a shorter jacket that would stay clear of the wheels at all times.
New Uses in WWI
Earlier, we discussed that wealthy individuals often enjoyed the experience of riding a motorcycle in the countryside. They weren’t the only ones, though.

Although, rather than enjoying their rides, the second group to use the motorcycle regularly was the military during the First World War. As is often the case with fashion, the needs and preferences of this new demographic influenced the forward progression of fashion for motorcycle riders. After all, the needs on the frontlines of WWI often took priority during this period.
From Tweed to Knickers
As a matter of fact, by this point, the tweed of the late 1800s was pretty much out of fashion for motorcycles. Most of the people riding motorcycles were in more modern sportswear.

Modern, at the time, for sportswear was knickers. These were knee-length bottoms that most men wore during this era during many sports activities. These were often paired with the long boots that we discussed earlier to offer ample protection to the lower part of the legs as well.
Moving to Today’s Motorcycle Helmets
Shortly after these helmets came into use among British dispatch riders, that same protection was offered to all riders. In the 1960s, the first one hit the shelves.

This was a helmet designed by Roy Richter of Bell Auto Parts. This was also cork-lined but served as the first full-face helmet. This means that it didn’t just protect the top of the head but offered to provide more protection to the entire skull. This was a big step forward in safety.
Replacing Gauntlets
Gauntlet gloves were especially handy for protecting the rider’s hands. After all, the style itself was inspired by the gauntlets worn in combat centuries before.

As time passed, the gauntlet glove was replaced with a shorter, cropped glove. These riding gloves still offered a lot of protection to motorcyclist’s hands while reducing some of the bulk of a gauntlet glove. This is an example of how streamlining designs and adding functionality have become important in motorcycle fashion.
Completing the Look
Brando brought to life the model of a motorcycle outfit that would inspire generations to come. Not only would Brando rock a leather jacket, but he’d also show off a whole outfit to match.
This is where the motorcycle outfit that was so popular amongst everyone from musicians to motorcyclists to teens came from. With a Perfecto leather jacket, boots, and a pair of blue jeans, the iconic look was set into history. It became an outfit synonymous with rebellion.
More to the Design
The waterproof cotton wasn’t the only recognizing feature of the J. Barbour & Sons jacket. The designers also took what a motorcyclist might carry in mind.

This included a set of four pockets in the jacket. On the upper left side of the design, there was a particularly large pocket. This was made to help motorcyclists carry their maps in a pocket made to fit their size. This way, everything they’d need to navigate was handy.
A Biker’s Engineer Boots
The boots that became so popular among bikers at the time were engineer boots. These offer far more protection than the average footwear motorcyclists relied on before.

They should offer that protection too! Before they became a staple to motorcycle lovers, they were already in practical protective use. This included helping to protect steam railway engine workers known as firemen or, fittingly, engineers. Lacking laces and using very little stitching, these boots were ready to handle anything the wearers threw at them.
Really Rebellious
Like we said, from here, motorcycle fashion managed to work its way into the mainstream. Now, you could see your favorite rock stars and punk musician in the leather getup.

In fact, The Wild One had such an effect that it suffered the consequences. The movie was temporarily banned in parts of not only the United States but in the UK as well. Censors at the time feared that it would add to a growing concern about young rebellion and delinquency but that only solidified the movie’s standing.
Blitzkrieg Bop
As we said, musicians weren’t far behind on jumping on board with motorcycle fashion. Oddly enough, even the most counterculture punk bands helped bring the style into the mainstream.

One of the bands most easily recognized for their Perfecto leather jackets is The Ramones. As they started to take off in the 1970s, they opted for a uniform look to go with their matching stage names. So, if you enjoy the intersection of punk and motorcycle fashion, you can thank quintessential punk bands like the Ramones.
Introducing Racing Leathers
One concept about motorcycle fashion that we haven’t touched on yet is the full-body, single-piece leather suit that motorcyclists wear. These offer overall protection to motorcyclists.

This was a style, often referred to as “racing leathers,” that was also developed in the 1950s. It was a style first seen worn by Geoff Duke. The racer didn’t have the safety benefits in mind when he wore these for the first time, though. Rather, the horsehide leather was meant to work as a streamlining effort.
Steve McQueen and Barbour
Steve McQueen was another actor that was noted for his suave demeanor. However, he also dabbled in racing as well – including racing motorcycles.

He even participated in the 1964 International Six Day Trial. Held in East Germany, McQueen and the entire team wore original motorcycle suits as designed by Barbour. As for a lasting impact, Barbour launched an entire Steve McQueen Collection to honor the actor decades later in 2015. The collection includes more than just motorcycle fashion, though.
An Introduction of Leather Vests
Leather jackets and racing suits are essentials in motorcycle fashion but they’re far from the total array of options. For instance, leather vests have become a staple over time.

Leather vests initially began to rise in fashion in the 1960s. These were fairly aesthetic in purpose. After all, they don’t offer the same coverage as a jacket or racing suit. While modern designs of these garments exist, they fall outside the standard design of protective wear.
Today’s Motorcycle Helmets
If you’re shopping for motorcycle gear today, full-face helmets have become the standard. Yet, they’ve been heavily upgraded since their days of yore.

Cork and tin are no longer the go-to items to make a motorcycle helmet although it’s still generally a recipe with two main components. The inside of the helmet is soft to make it comfortable to wear thanks to expanded polystyrene or EPS foam. The outside of the helmet is the hard shell made of fiberglass, Kevlar, or polycarbonate plastic, most commonly.
Motorcycle Fashion in the 1980s
As it concerns fashion as a whole in the 1980s, people tend to either love it or hate it. The same is true for motorcycle fashion which went through a quintessential 80s phase.

For one, the simple black leather jacket that motorcyclists donned took on a variety of Day-Glo colors. These were often heavily decorated too with seam designs, zippers, studs, and more. This came from a desire to emulate racers at the time as well as match with the rest of the 1980s aesthetic.
Taking It Back
If there’s one thing that’s worth emphasizing, it’s that fashion doesn’t exist on a linear timeline. Time and time again, we’ve seen styles fall out only to pop back up a few decades later.

For motorcycle fashion, this happened in the 2000s as vintage items became more popular. To keep up with the demand, designers like Schott and Belstaff started to make modern renditions of vintage products. This has included modern re-releases of the Trialmaster and the Perfecto.
An Emphasis on Protection
As we said, there is more to modern motorcycle fashion than just aesthetics. As a matter of fact, the beauty of the design is only part of what modern designers concern themselves with.

Anymore, modern motorcycle design is intended primarily to protect riders. For example, you’re likely to see full coverage clothes that offer additional protection to traditionally vulnerable areas. This could include reinforcing your joints and your back, as an example.
The Effect of the Wild One
Like many other aspects of fashion, a big part of what makes motorcycle fashion so successful was the help of celebrities. The motorcycle jacket became much more popular once Marlon Brando donned one.

He did so in 1953 in the movie The Wild One. This was another model of The Perfecto designed by Schott. This one was referred to as model 618 that happened to actually debut a few years before the movie. It was very close to the 1940s model 613 but lacked the traditional stars and snaps.
Modern Motorcycle Wear Standards
The fact that motorcycle fashion hasn’t stayed focused solely on fashion is telling in the laws surrounding the industry. There’s a sizable focus on keeping riders safe as well as looking good.

This is even seen in the laws surrounding motorcycle wear. Naturally, the laws surrounding this tend to vary depending on where you are. In Europe, if you’re looking for actually protective motorcycle gear, you’ll want to look for a CE mark of approval.
Introducing Modern Technology
When it comes to motorcycle wear, the style hasn’t been left out of the rapid-fire innovation of recent years. There are even some styles that insert a certain amount of tech.

One such example of this includes motorcycle jackets that feature airbags. This way, if you were to get into an accident, the airbags in the jacket would deploy to help protect you. It’s a pretty intuitive idea for a vehicle that doesn’t have the same protection as a car.
Addressing Helmets
One part of motorcycle fashion that we haven’t touched on as much yet is helmets. Today, you often see motorcyclists that wear all-encompassing and safe helmets.

It wasn’t always this way, though. Back when motorcycles were in their early days and safety wasn’t as much of a concern, you wouldn’t see these helmets. In the early 20th century, it was far more common for motorcyclists to sport flat caps. It wasn’t until later that safer, more secure helmets were introduced.
Why Just a Flat Cap?
When it comes to early motorcycle fashion, the reason behind it wasn’t usually safety. So, what prompted the trend of flat caps that would later be replaced by helmets?

The answer is actually rather simple and still slightly practical. While the cap wouldn’t protect you if you fell or had an accident, it was meant to help keep your hair in place. This way, you wouldn’t suffer from disheveled hair when you got off your motorcycle.
The Transition Into Modern Helmets
The innovations of modern motorcycle helmets are, like many things, thanks to an enhanced focus on safety. Today, it’s uncommon to see a motorcyclist without a helmet.

Again, like many other aspects of protective wear and fashion intersecting, this happened as motorcycles became more efficient. After all, a high-speed crash today necessitates a helmet in a way that early motorcycles did not. On top of that, there has been a variety of safety improvements in general since then.
Tragedy Prompting Change
Unfortunately, with helmets as with many other concepts, it took a tragic incident to highlight the need for additional safety regulations. This time, it was the death of T.E. Lawrence in 1935 that prompted the change.

Shortly after the time of his death in a motorcycle accident, the dispatch riders in World War II adopted crash helmets. These were typically made from either tin or cork to add extra protection to this traditionally exposed area. It was the beginnings of the motorcycle helmet we’ve seen today.
Adding Features
Another facet of today’s motorcycle helmets has a common feature of many aspects of motorcycle fashion. There are plenty of extra features for motorcyclists to take advantage of.

For example, today’s full-face helmets may include retractable visors, audio capabilities, tools to help eliminate blind spots while you drive, and more. There are even some concepts in the works like adding AR capabilities or the ability for a helmet to detect an accident and call for help if needed.
Striking a Balance
When it comes down to motorcycle fashion over the years, it’s changed drastically. Long past the days of just wearing general sportswear, the method behind motorcycle fashion has changed.

The biggest change is the practice of incorporating safety into motorcycle design. As motorcycles are improved upon and especially since they have gotten faster, it’s important to have an emphasis on safety as well. That’s why motorcycle fashion has evolved into a fashionable and functional practice all at once.
40+ People Share How They Really Feel About Astrology

Astrology is a system based on the movement of celestial bodies like planets and stars. From those movements, there are influences on humans and the world around them. There are plenty of people who include astrology in their daily life but sometimes, people will take the concept too far. We’ve collected some of the opinions about astrology around the internet about people taking astrology too far.
Get a Personality
There’s a frequent complaint that astrology is one of those interests that dominates someone’s personality. Yet, that isn’t always a strong argument.

For one, usually, interests make up only a part of someone’s personality. Secondly, you might not want to use this argument if you have something that other people might argue that you use to represent your whole personality. That’s what this person advised for people who were Tarantino fans, at the very least.
You Could Have Said No
When it comes to astrology, you may not believe in it but some people do. Dating apps seem to be a prime place to hear people’s various opinions on astrology.

To be fair, though, this person didn’t take things too far by just asking whether or not this person believed in astrology. A simple “no” probably would have sufficed to end the conversation. Still, this person decided that they needed to write a thesis instead of keeping things simple.
Way Too Far
There are some memes about astrology that go way too far in what they say. For instance, this meme is genuinely unsettling to take in.

There are a few things that people should never joke about. Threats of violence are pretty high up on that list. This post suggests a pretty sinister take on astrology and the ideas that are often negatively associated with it. Needless to say, being a Sagittarius isn’t exactly an excuse for this.
Why So Upset?
Yes, there are some people who take astrology too far. However, it can also be a problem when someone won’t let anyone innocently enjoy their interests either.

This person noticed that there was a pattern to this too. As it happens, the people attacking astrology are often men touting astrology as a ridiculous concept that women believe in. Most of the time, it isn’t so serious that it requires a high-emotion response. Someone casually checking their horoscope really doesn’t affect anyone else.
Taking It Too Far
Astrology has become pretty popular lately. There are plenty of people who keep track of the stars or at least check what the stars have to tell them every once in a while.

It can prove an insightful experience for some, a fun pastime for others, and, unfortunately, sometimes even a negative experience. It seems like there’s always a post like this one when you log onto social media. There are all sorts of opinions borne from this type of astrology content too.
Looking for a Positive Message
There are other times that checking out your horoscope might change your mind. That is, only if you get the message that you’re hoping for.

In this case, maybe you’re already against astrology before you get a compliment looking up you’re horoscope. There are times that this is just the boost you need on a hard day. In that case, though, you’re still not stepping over the line of judging others based on no more than astrology.
It’s All in Perspective
The person from the last moment made a further point later on in their comment too. They pointed out that as far as “negative traits” go, everyone has a “dark side” open to interpretation.

This stands even outside of astrology too. There are certain traits that are perfect for the right people. They specifically point out how one person’s childish behavior toward one person would make them great at parties to others. They point out that the “darkness” of a common trait is perceived by others as either good or bad.
Check Your Priorities
There are times that pointing out someone is going over the line with astrology is appropriate. Other times, it might show that your priorities are skewed.

For instance, if you want to accuse someone of taking astrology too far, it’s best to make sure you make yourself credible. It’s not exactly credible to believe in a conspiracy theory like the one that global warming is actually an elaborate hoax. It doesn’t help your argument at all.
Sometimes, They’re Just Right
We’ve already discussed that there are certain times that it’s easy to not believe in horoscopes. Other times, there are moments that it’s hard not to get drawn in.

After all, whether you put stock into it or not, you’re bound to find something relatable. Those moments may not always come from simple compliments either. You might find something negative that matches up with your experience. It’s tempting to take things too far from there.
It Fills the Time!
There are some people who don’t put much stock into astrology at all. Still, it’s a tempting concept to draw you in as you scroll through social media throughout the day.

Even if you don’t put any stock into it at all, you might fall for the temptation of learning what innocent concept that your star sign is related to. Who hasn’t fallen into a rabbit hole of threads about food related to your star sign even though you may not know anything about astrology?
There’s More Than One Sign
If you’re wondering why astrology would feature so much negativity, this Reddit user has an answer. They argue that it seems shallow because online, many people only consider one aspect of astrology.

That sign, they explain, is a person’s sun sign. This is the sign that most people claim as their own. By this person’s explanation, astrology yields more personalized and accurate information if you take other bodies into account. Just looking at one sign provides a shallow point of view that people can take too far.
There Has to Be a Reason?
There are times that people use astrology for something other than just personality traits. Sometimes, astrology can point out certain struggles, whether you believe that those are accurate or not.

This person made a pretty good point with their tweet. While you might not check your horoscope regularly, it’s a fun way to add levity to a bad day. Plus, it can seem much easier to some to get through a bad day if it’s out of their hands and they just have to get through.
That’s Not How It Works
Even if you believe in astrology, there’s a point where it doesn’t hold sway. For instance, you probably shouldn’t bring up astrology when someone is explaining their mental health.

Conditions like bipolar disorder are genuine and scientifically backed. On top of that, it’s just almost always a bad idea to react like this when someone is talking about their experience. From the “no way” to an unfounded astrology claim, it’s no wonder that this person was frustrated with the conversation.
Everybody Does That
Like we’ve said, there’s one argument against astrology that tends to take center stage. That is that the descriptions in a horoscope are purposefully generic.

This way, anyone can relate to the content that they’re putting out. So, you might see something that seems to fit your personality perfectly but, in reality, it would fit anyone like a glove. That way, they seem more honest because everyone agrees with the horoscope. It’s not actually specialized to anyone, in reality.
What a Prediction
There’s a large focus on the traits that people claim a zodiac sign can tell you. However, that’s not all that astrology sometimes claims to do.

We’ve all seen posts here and there predicting the future for the signs. The catch is that, like many of the traits associated with the signs, they’re fairly general predictions. We’re all going to fulfill these predictions at some point. In this case, they predict that you’ll eat at some point. Were they right?
Some People Find Them Generic
A big part of people taking astrology incredibly seriously is that they can relate to the descriptions of the signs. Others claim that, of course, they relate to these descriptions.

One of the arguments for this is that the descriptions are fairly generic. This line of thinking is that if you read your horoscope and you agree with it, it’s not necessarily accurate. Sometimes, the descriptions have a generic air that would fit almost anyone who reads it.
We All Have Our Preferences
At the end of the day, this person points out that everyone has something seemingly ridiculous that they turn to. Of course, they did it with a touch of humor.

Specifically, they point out that people who criticize astrology have probably had something questionable they once loved. This includes the bracelets that were once popular for supposedly boosting athleticism. As long as you aren’t going too far, it’s not hurting anyone to check your own horoscope from time to time.
Definitely Mercury
One of the most annoying things that people bring up about astrology is blaming it for your own mistakes. After all, others often expect a bit of personal responsibility at some point.

That’s why it can seem so over the line when someone blames a planet for their own mistakes. Take this situation for example – Mercury probably didn’t make this person forget to fill up their gas tank. We’re pretty sure that an empty gas tank has the same effect anytime.
Even the Experts Frown on This
A place where people using astrology becomes a debate is often dating. This sentiment was even shared in the opinions of someone who’s considered an expert in astrology.

They said that deciding compatibility based on just someone’s sun sign isn’t the correct way to interpret your compatibility. After all, you’re only using one measure of compatibility in this consideration. On top of that, they point out that traits associated with the signs aren’t universal in how they manifest either.
Don’t Judge on One Fact
This is another example of something that comes from using a single aspect to judge someone. In this case, that single aspect is their star sign.

Just because two people have the same star sign, this doesn’t mean that they’ll be alike. This means that if you try to judge two people based on their signs alone, you aren’t likely to come up with an accurate image of them. In the end, this person concludes that writing people off based on their sign is taking things too far.
Similar Experiences
For a different theory, we turn to this Redditor. They argue that being born around the same time of year is likely to make you have certain traits.

Yet, they don’t think it’s the stars. Instead, they argue that there are certain things you experience when you’re born at a certain time in the year. For example, people born early in the school year are used to being the oldest among their peers which would provide a different experience, prompting similar traits among these individuals.
Enjoy What You Like
This person was upfront about their relationship with astrology. They explained that they’re interested in it but mostly as a motivator when they were going through rough times.

They went on to point out that there is a line in the sand between enjoying astrology and using it negatively. The comment explains that using it as a guilty pleasure, motivation, or a variety of other purposes, that’s great! Once you use that information maliciously or let it control your life, you’ve gone too far.
Not Everyone’s That Into It
From a more casually interested standpoint, this person said that it’s actually interesting to see what astrology has to say about you. Some of your personality may line up more than you expected.

They continued on to explain that they haven’t often met someone who deeply believed in astrology. They also added that the internet seems to have a misconception that more people are over the line than there are. You aren’t as likely to run into someone who’ll judge you on your sign as you’d think.
We All Have Something
There’s a fair point to make about everyone having their own interests. After all, at the end of the day, everyone does something that other people might criticize.

For instance, as this person humorously pointed out, use questionable products like a 3-in-1 body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. While it isn’t recommended, it’s an option that people have, just like whether or not they want to pay attention to astrology. As they said, it’s all about conditioning.
What’s Your Astrology?
Like we’ve said, everyone has something they’re interested in. Maybe that subject is astrology or maybe it’s something else that you love.

The point that this person was trying to make is that there’s something for everyone to be interested in. Even if you hate astrology, you may have something else in your life that you love just as much as some people love astrology. They say if your name is Chip, that interest is probably economics.
Try to Learn Something
Whether or not you believe in astrology strongly, the concept can be pretty interesting. No matter what your opinions are on the subject, it can be interesting to learn something new.

This person said that they wished that people would give astrology more than a passing glance rather than making a split-second decision on the topic. They even said that they’ve taught others before only to see them realize that it could be an interesting subject.
Citing the Forer Effects
We’ve already discussed a few different times that horoscopes and the like are often written as generic as possible. This way, they can fit anyone who reads them.

In this Reddit comment, someone pointed people towards the Forer Effect to explain this. This is also sometimes called the Barnum Effect or the Barnum-Forer Effect. It’s what happens when people highly consider something to be true because it matches up to their perceptions. The cause of it is a broad characterization that many people relate to and consider accurate.
It’s Not the Whole Story
This perspective comes from someone who is interested in astrology. Still, they added that there are limits to what astrology can do for someone.

They said that they think that it’s only part of a bigger picture. While astrology could have some answers, there’s a lot more in life to look at. By this logic, it makes sense that someone who doesn’t know this would put too much into their star sign alone. They have a point stressing the importance of considering the bigger picture.
Why Not?
This person has a fair point. They point out that astrology has no validity but that many things people enjoy don’t, so why not? That is, as long as it’s entertainment.

They specifically point out that there are plenty of other pieces of entertainment that use the same principles like personality tests. Still, as long as people don’t go overboard, it’s just entertainment. They advise against planning your whole life around it as a caveat.
All in Perception
This person posed their opinion as a question and it does make many people wonder. They ask whether astrology is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

This means that what information is given isn’t actually a prediction for the future that’s uncontrollable but that it’s something people make happen themselves. For instance, if you know that you’re expected to have certain traits as your sign, are you likely to adopt those traits or perceive yourself with them?
The Human Brain and Patterns
Someone else had an interesting take on the question about why people might take astrology too far. They focused on why people were attracted to astrology in the first place.

They explain that the human brain loves patterns. So, when you see a trait and the person it’s predicted for line up, it seems like a validated belief. Still, they stress that you have to recognize that this can serve as an example of correlation, not causation that lends these patterns’ perceived validity.
Drawing a Line
This particular opinion comes from the opposite perspective. This person says they never found a reason to put a lot of time and effort into astrology or stake a lot of belief in it.

However, that doesn’t mean they’re totally against it altogether. They said if someone enjoys astrology, that’s not a problem at all. On the other hand, it becomes a problem when people use astrology to pick other people apart or use it to defend their own poor actions.
Separating the Chart and the Person
Another person, from the perspective of someone who does lean in favor of astrology, said that it isn’t concrete. You have to separate the chart you’re looking at from the person.

They argue that this is because the chart is a general idea, not an image of a person. Each person should be judged on their own merits rather than their astrological chart. They later went on to continue saying that it’s a method meant to provide insight rather than concrete information.
Not How It Works
In one Reddit thread, someone posed a question about people acting negatively regarding astrology. Specifically, about people who wouldn’t associate with certain signs or judging people solely based on their star sign.

According to this person, that isn’t only a pretty upsetting thing to do but it’s just not how astrology is meant to work. They state that there’s far more to astrology than just looking at star signs. So, unilaterally deciding that someone isn’t a good friendship based on that alone isn’t very accurate.
Blaming Negative Traits on the Stars
Astrology is interesting because it can mean something wildly different to two different people. It’s a subject that has been long subject to interpretation on a personal level.

This Reddit user made sure to point this out. It’s an important thing to understand the difference between enjoying astrology and taking it too far. However, they argue that people take it too far when they let their star sign bear the guilt for their actions instead of owning up to them.