Why Monthly Horoscopes Are Sometimes Wrong

Why Monthly Horoscopes Aren’t Always 100% Accurate (and Why That’s Totally Okay)

Let’s be real, Magic Makers: we’ve all read a horoscope and thought, “That doesn’t sound like my month at all.” It’s easy to assume astrology is being a little, well, flaky. But here’s the thing—monthly horoscopes are cosmic broad strokes, not bespoke star maps. They’re like a one-size-fits-all sweater: cozy and fun, but maybe not a perfect fit.

So, why does this happen? And how can you get more accurate insights from horoscopes? Let’s dive into the astrology behind the magic and decode why reading for your rising sign changes the game.

How Are Monthly Horoscopes Written?

Most monthly horoscopes are based on Sun sign astrology, which is the zodiac sign the Sun was in when you were born. While the Sun represents your core essence and ego, horoscopes use it as a starting point to map out the planetary movements and their effects on your life.

Here’s the catch: When astrologers write a horoscope, they “fake” your rising sign. They treat your Sun sign as if it were your Ascendant (aka rising sign) and assign the first house of the zodiac wheel to it. From there, they calculate the planetary transits through the houses, using a Whole House System.

This simplified method gives a quick snapshot, but it assumes everyone with the same Sun sign has identical house placements—something your actual birth chart would laugh at. This is why Sun sign horoscopes can feel off: they don’t reflect the unique placement of planets in your chart or the exact areas of life being activated for you.

Why Reading by Your Rising Sign Matters

Here’s the golden rule of astrology: your rising sign determines how the houses (or areas of life) are set up in your chart. When you read a horoscope for your rising sign, the planetary movements align with the actual areas of life they’re influencing, like your career, relationships, or health.

Think of it this way: Your Sun sign tells you who you are at your core, but your rising sign is how the cosmic weather directly affects your life. Reading your rising sign horoscope is like putting the right key into the right lock—it just fits better and will give you a much clearer view of the upcoming month. It won't be perfect but can give you a feel for the vibe.

My Horoscope Secret: Why I Read for Capricorn

Okay, confession time: I’m a Libra Sun and Sagittarius Rising, but I’ve always found Capricorn horoscopes more accurate. Why? It all comes down to the Placidus house system (see why here)! Unlike the Whole Sign system, Placidus creates houses of varying sizes—some larger, some smaller—which means planets linger longer in some houses and breeze through others. My rising is at 10 degrees Sagittarius, which is almost halfway through the sign, adding an extra layer of nuance to how planetary transits align with my chart.

When I was first learning astrology, I’d read horoscopes and try to match the astrologer’s predictions to the actual transits in my chart. Time and time again, I noticed that Capricorn horoscopes aligned better than Sagittarius horoscopes about two-thirds of the time. Eventually, I started reading Capricorn horoscopes exclusively, adjusting them in my head if needed.

For example, let’s say a horoscope predicts, “This month begins your best year in 12 years for long-term relationships and business partnerships. You might find a committed relationship growing closer.” To break it down astrologically, this would be tied to Jupiter—the planet of abundance and expansion—which spends about a year in each sign. In my chart, I’d check where Jupiter is transiting and see if it aligns with the 7th house, which governs partnerships. Since my 7th house starts at 10 degrees Sagittarius, Jupiter wouldn’t activate my 7th House until it passes that point. A Sagittarius horoscope would only resonate while Jupiter’s transiting 10 degrees up to the end of that sign (my 7th house ends at 14 Degrees of Cancer); after that, Capricorn horoscopes reflect what’s happening more accurately for me.

I’ve experimented with the Whole Sign house system, which assigns each zodiac sign to an entire house. While it works well for some, I found through years of tracking my own and clients’ charts that Placidus aligns more closely with my experiences. Ultimately, no horoscope is as accurate as looking directly at my chart, but understanding these nuances helps me get the most out of generalized predictions.

What Can You Do for Greater Accuracy?

If you want more accurate astrology, here’s how to level up your horoscope game:

1. Read for Your Rising Sign: Trust me, it’s a game-changer. The rising sign aligns with your personal chart layout, so the horoscope reflects the areas of life being activated.
2. Learn Your Chart: Dive into your natal chart to understand where the planets and houses are in your life. Tools like astro.com or apps like TimePassages make it easy to start.
3. Work with a Trusted Astrologer: A professional can map out where planetary transits are happening in your chart, as well as the aspects they make to your natal planets.
4. Understand the System: Ask your astrologer about the house system they use—Placidus, Whole Sign, or others. Knowing how they calculate can provide extra clarity.

So, Should You Ditch Sun Sign Horoscopes?

Not at all! Sun sign horoscopes are like cosmic appetizers—fun, light, and a great starting point. But if you’re ready for a main course, start reading for your rising sign or dive deeper into your chart. The magic of astrology is in its layers, and each layer brings you closer to understanding yourself.

Final Thoughts

Astrology isn’t about perfection; it’s about exploration. Monthly horoscopes are snapshots of the sky, and while they can’t cover everything, they’re part of the beautiful puzzle that is your life. So, please don't say Astrology is useless because you've only read your horoscope. It's way more complicated than that. And, in the end, the stars may guide us, but the magic lies in how we choose to dance under them.