Why are astrological horoscope readings so popular?

It is popular because enough people swear that they are accurate that even those who know they aren’t are intrigued, amused, and entertained by them.

Sheese! I think they’ve been popular like forever.

I know there’s people out there that are like “Wow that’s so cool!” but I’m talking about those people who are borderline religious about it.

@likipie Here’s an article on Ron & Nancy Reagan’s astrologer

I think it’s just something some people put a lot of worth in. It seems to work for some people. Maybe that’s because they want it to…possibly it really helps them.

@SpatzieLover Thank you!

I just use them for fun, not religiously! I get these 2 free morning papers every day. Both of them have horoscopes. To me they are like fortune cookies. I don’t take them seriously but sometimes they are uncannily on target. Sometimes they are worded so funny they make me laugh. It is just a little game. Who doesn’t look for advice? And this is take it or leave it advice. If it helps you, good. If it doesn’t? Ignore it, lol.

The same reason UFO stories, creationism, and palmistry is popular. Mostly. Probably.

Because people want to believe that “something” out there is directing their lives instead of believing that the world is random.

Enough people believe in it.

Many people just find them fun I suppose. Most of the people that I know who are into horoscopes are usually women for some reason.

Way too many gullible idiots out there.

Venus is rising in your aura, which makes this your lucky day.
You will see words on a screen indicating all this is quite definitely bullshit.

I suppose the reason is because to the ones who believe in the readings, it gives them an illusion of being in control of their lives (as long as they follow the dictates of the readings). As @tranquilsea said, it keeps their lives from feeling totally random.

Because there’s a great deal of comfort in believing that one knows the future. The future can be full of uncertainties, and getting predictions from a horoscope allays that fear of the unkown.