Nearly one in three Russians turn to astrological forecasts when faced with important choices, and some admit to altering career plans or big transactions based on what the stars say. This observation comes from coverage of a study reported by TASS, drawing on data from Rabota.ru, the employment service.
The survey involved 3,200 adults aged 18 and over who use Rabota.ru, with responses gathered across all regions of the country. The scale of the study reflects a broad appetite for guidance that goes beyond traditional information sources, touching a cultural habit that many people see as a supplementary compass in decision making.
According to the findings, 29 percent of those surveyed tend to rely on horoscopes when making important life choices. Among them, 13 percent would reconsider a plan to change jobs, 12 percent would reject a major deal, and 11 percent would reschedule an important meeting. A portion of respondents, about one in ten, said they would only schedule significant events on days they consider auspicious.
Meanwhile, 39 percent of participants said they read horoscopes only when they happen to notice them, and a small slice, 2 percent, check forecasts for the upcoming month. On the other side of the spectrum, 49 percent indicated that they do not read astrological predictions at all.
In terms of personal engagement with astrology, 13 percent have consulted an astrologer at least once, and 2 percent do so on a regular basis. The figures suggest a layered landscape where astrology serves as a casual cue for some and a more deliberate resource for others.
Earlier, psychologist Mikhail Labkovsky offered context for why people gravitate toward horoscopes. He described astrological magazines as a conduit that shifts responsibility away from the reader. He also noted that psychotherapy can help people process beliefs and reduce anxiety, which may contribute to the spread of public interest in astrology. The discussion underscores how media narratives and psychological perspectives intersect in shaping people’s trust in horoscopes and the decisions they make as a result. [citation: TASS, Rabota.ru study; expert commentary attributed to Mikhail Labkovsky]