Can AI Accurately Read Your Birth Chart
The New Cosmic Companion AI in Astrology
It seems like artificial intelligence is everywhere these days, and the world of astrology is no exception. In recent years, a surge in AI chatbots has emerged, offering spiritual and cosmic guidance. People are turning to everything from specialized astrology apps to general-purpose tools like ChatGPT to decode their birth charts and understand their zodiac signs. This trend begs the question: Is AI the next great astrologer? For human practitioners like myself, the answer isn't so simple.
As a professional astrologer, I recognize the appeal of AI. The promise of unlimited information at your fingertips is powerful, and I can see some practical applications for this technology. However, as we're discovering across many fields, AI is a useful tool, but it's no substitute for the real thing.
What Astrology Seekers Say About AI
Many users approach AI astrology with a mix of curiosity and caution. Take Jenna, a client who sometimes uses ChatGPT for a quick dose of astrological insight during tough times. While it offers some general guidance, she finds it doesn't satisfy her need for a deep, comprehensive assessment. Matt, who has been studying astrology for a year, feels similarly. He views AI as a handy resource for a beginner when an expert reading isn't immediately available. Both agree that the advice from AI tends to be generic, lacking the personal touch and tailored analysis they crave.
How Professional Astrologers View AI
The professional community has a nuanced perspective. Astrologer and editor MaKayla McRae appreciates that AI can make basic astrological knowledge more accessible. "I'm happy they felt they could access helpful information when it wasn't easy to find otherwise. I understand this is the appeal, and I want to validate that people looking for answers are sometimes gatekept," McRae says.
However, she also points out the reliability issues. "There have also been clients who tell me ChatGPT gave them a fatalistic, fear-mongering response that leads them to reach out to me to explain what a transit or chart aspect really means. Or, clients have mentioned concepts in astrology that are simply inaccurate."
Other astrologers see AI as a potential collaborator rather than a replacement. Astrologer Alberto Toribio sometimes uses it to enhance his own work. "At times, I’ll feed GPT my notes from what I’ve learned... teach it all I have gathered on the subject so it can help me organize and expand on some of my notes," he says, noting it can help him form connections he hadn't seen before.
Astrology enthusiast Christina Pérez agrees there's "nothing inherently wrong with" AI astrology, seeing it as just one of many tools for self-discovery. "The intention is to dive deeper into your own truth," she says. But she also reminds us not to forget other resources. "Sometimes people forget that they can read things in books and they can look things up on other websites and talk to people… the ultimate thing is to make sure that you're getting the information."
The Downsides and Dangers of AI Astrology
It's important to remember the potential negative impacts of relying on AI for spiritual matters. These tools have a known significant environmental impact, they can be factually inaccurate, and when used for spiritual guidance, they may even contribute to delusional thinking.
Professional astrologer Lauren Ash highlights a key psychological risk. “ChatGPT offers all of the affirmation without the elements of interacting with other people," she says. “It tailors its speech to you so that you hear what you want — how you want.”
This opens the door to receiving sensitive information without the ethical framework a human practitioner provides. “With human to human connection, practitioners are expected to maintain a certain level of decorum, boundaries, and ethics with clients," Ash notes. "You can’t hold a GPT spiritualist responsible for what it tells people to do. It’s a chatbot."
The Verdict Human Touch vs AI Code
A significant part of an astrological reading's value is the astrologer's unique interpretation, built on years of dedicated study and practice. While there's nothing wrong with experimenting with a chatbot for fun or basic questions, it's unwise to depend on AI as your sole cosmic guide. To get the full, rich picture of what the stars have to say, it's best to read your horoscopes, dive into books, and study with your favorite human astrologer.
