In a post on DIY MFA, Ashley Christiano says understanding astrology and the Zodiac can help you create characters and situations for your stories. “Astrology is more than a horoscope,” she says. “It’s full of mythology, patterns, personalities, and, of course, stories. As such, it is an amazing tool for writing, even if you don’t believe it can tell the future.”
Most of us are aware of the 12 signs of the Zodiac and the personality traits assigned to people born in those sun signs. Followers of astrology also know about the ways planetary orbits influence our signs and personalities, and how different areas of life are represented by 12 houses. Combined, these elements are used to create a birth chart. Christiano says we can use this mythology in our writing by:
- Tapping into cross-cultural mythology and astrology. “Astrology is a great tool for getting in touch with ancient stories and exploring archetypes, motifs, and even characters that have stood the test of time through a different lens,” Christiano writes.
- Designing a three-dimensional main character. Adapting the personality traits of a specific sign can help you build a character quickly. The sign you choose will tell you about your character’s personality, their purpose, and decision-making.
- Creating distinctive side characters. The same process can help you quick build your supporting cast. “Playing around with different combos is a fun exercise in developing tensions between characters as you plot or even edit your manuscript,” Christiano says.
