5 Unusual Uses For Astrology You Might Not Have Thought About

Astrology has long been a subject of fascination, straddling the line between science and art. For some, it serves as a way to unlock cosmic truths, while others see it as a whimsical lens through which to interpret life’s mysteries. Whether you’re someone who checks their horoscope daily or someone who simply admires the stars, astrology’s influence is undeniable.

While most of us associate astrology with personality traits, relationships, or predicting future events, its use spans far beyond personal horoscopes. In fact, astrology has been applied in some truly unexpected ways across history—many of which you may not have heard about.

From influencing military strategy to guiding animal breeders, astrology has crossed into fields that may surprise you. Here are five unusual ways astrology has been used throughout time that you might not have thought about.

Astrology and Animal Breeding

Astrology isn’t just for humans—at least, it wasn’t in 17th century England. During this time, astrologers and farmers believed that the stars held influence over more than just people; they could affect animals too. Astrologers were often called upon to create horoscopes for livestock, much like the ones they made for humans. These charts were based on the time and date of an animal’s birth, and farmers would use them to make important decisions about their livestock’s care. The idea was that the alignment of the planets could determine the ideal time for weaning, castration, or even breeding, allowing the stars to dictate the health and productivity of the animals.

For example, a farmer might consult an astrologer to find out when the best time was to breed a prized horse, hoping to produce offspring with superior traits. The stars were believed to not only guide the physical health of the animals but also their temperament and behavior. A bull born under a particular astrological sign might be expected to be more docile or more aggressive, depending on the reading. In this way, astrology was deeply embedded in the day-to-day management of livestock, influencing key agricultural decisions and even shaping the breeding programs of the time.

While this practice may seem strange now, it highlights how astrology once played a vital role in more than just personal or mystical pursuits. For those living in a world where science was still evolving, the stars were seen as a cosmic blueprint for life itself—including that of animals.

Astrology in Wartime Strategy (WWII)

Astrology’s influence has extended far beyond personal predictions—during World War II, it even made its way into the highest levels of military strategy. Adolf Hitler, the infamous leader of Nazi Germany, was reportedly fascinated by astrology. He frequently consulted astrologers before making major decisions regarding military operations, believing that the stars could guide him to victory. This obsession with astrology was well-known, and it became an unexpected tool for psychological warfare.

The British government, recognizing Hitler’s reliance on astrology, devised a plan to exploit this weakness. They recruited Louis de Wohl, a German-born Hungarian astrologer, to create false astrological predictions that would be fed to Hitler. The aim was to use these fabricated forecasts to influence his decision-making, planting the seeds of doubt about future Nazi victories. By delivering forecasts that suggested the stars were not in Hitler’s favor, the British hoped to shake his confidence and slow down his aggressive military strategies. While it’s unclear how much influence these predictions had on Hitler’s decisions, it’s a fascinating example of how astrology was used as a psychological weapon in the chaos of war.

The British eventually stopped working with de Wohl, and his role in the war effort was kept quiet. Still, this brief moment in history shows how astrology can be manipulated for purposes far beyond personal use. The idea that an entire military campaign could be swayed by the stars may seem far-fetched, but during a time when belief in mystical forces was widespread, it was considered a legitimate tactic. This episode also reflects how astrology, once seen as a spiritual or personal tool, can be twisted into a strategic one in the most unexpected circumstances.

Past Lives and Future Predictions

Astrology isn’t just used to decode the present; many people believe it holds the key to understanding our past and future lives as well. According to astrological teachings, your birth chart can reveal much more than your personality traits or daily horoscope—it can offer insights into your soul’s journey through time. Some astrologers believe that the positioning of the stars and planets at the time of your birth can provide clues about your past incarnations, helping you understand the lessons your soul has carried from one life to the next.

By examining specific points in your birth chart, such as the North and South Nodes, astrologers can theorize what kind of person you were in a past life and what unresolved issues you might need to address in this one. For instance, if your South Node is in Aries, some astrologers might suggest that in a previous life, you were a warrior or someone highly independent, and in this life, you need to learn balance and cooperation. This concept adds a layer of depth to astrology, as it not only explains why certain patterns or challenges recur in your life but also suggests a karmic link to your past.

Astrology can also be used to make predictions about future lives, with the belief that the stars can offer guidance on what lies ahead. While we can’t know for sure if reincarnation exists, many who follow astrology are comforted by the idea that their actions in this life could impact their next journey. By using astrology to guide personal growth, believers hope to create a better future incarnation, building on the lessons learned from their past lives. This deeper exploration of astrology offers a more philosophical perspective, one that stretches beyond the current moment and into the timeless journey of the soul.

The Medicine Wheel and Astrological Healing

Before the advent of modern medicine and technology, astrology played a significant role in the field of health and healing. In ancient times, it was believed that the positions of the stars and planets directly affected the human body, with each zodiac sign governing a specific part of the anatomy. This system, often referred to as the “medicine wheel,” was used by early physicians to diagnose and treat illnesses. When someone fell ill, the first course of action wasn’t necessarily to prescribe medication—it was to draw up a star chart to see which planetary influences were at play.

Astrologers and physicians in the medieval period believed that the signs of the zodiac were linked to different parts of the body. For example, Aries was said to rule the head, while Pisces was connected to the feet. If a person had a headache, the physician might attribute it to an imbalance in Aries’ influence and tailor treatments accordingly. Similarly, ailments of the feet might be associated with Pisces, and the healer would look to the stars for guidance on when and how to treat the condition. The influence of astrology extended to the timing of medical procedures as well. Surgeons, for example, would often consult astrological charts to determine the best time for operations, believing that planetary alignment could affect the outcome of surgery.

This integration of astrology and medicine was widespread across many ancient cultures. The belief was that the macrocosm of the universe was reflected in the microcosm of the human body. Though astrology is no longer used in mainstream medicine, its influence can still be seen in holistic health practices today. Some people still turn to astrological insights for guidance on maintaining physical and emotional health, believing that understanding the stars can lead to a more balanced and harmonious life.

Astrology and Hiring Practices

In an unusual twist, astrology has even found its way into modern-day hiring practices. In 2011, an Austrian insurance company made headlines when it ran a job advertisement specifically seeking candidates born under certain zodiac signs. The ad was looking for people born under Capricorn, Taurus, Aquarius, Aries, and Leo for sales and management positions. While most of us would assume that skills, experience, and education would be the primary factors in landing a job, this company turned to astrology to guide its hiring decisions.

According to the company, a statistical study had shown that their most successful employees across Austria shared these five star signs. They believed that individuals born under these signs possessed qualities that made them better suited for the high-stakes and fast-paced world of sales. Capricorns are traditionally seen as ambitious and hardworking, while Leos are often described as natural leaders—traits that would certainly be desirable in management roles. The company defended its unconventional hiring practice, stating that it wasn’t discriminatory based on race, gender, or age, and that they were simply using astrology as a tool to improve their recruitment process.

Interestingly, the Austrian authorities allowed the company to proceed with the advertisement, since it did not violate any laws regarding employment discrimination. While this case may seem unusual, it reflects the growing influence of astrology in unexpected areas of life. Whether it’s a quirky marketing move or a genuine belief in the stars, this instance highlights how astrology continues to shape human behavior and decisions, even in places where we might not expect it—like the job market.