We did a five-day experiment with an astro app and here's how it went

I was born on October 22, 1999, at 3:21 pm on a Thursday. If you happen to be someone who is into astrology, much like my friend—who was “practically raised by astro websites”—then you likely know your precise birth date and time, too. Apparently, there’s more than one celestial body shaping our personalities!

So, after years of treating my friend like a personal oracle, I finally decided to free up some space in my phone for Co-Star—an AI-powered application that collates data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), expert astrological knowledge, and detailed birth charts to furnish tailored daily horoscopes, and more.

I soon became obsessed with the app’s daily regimen of absolutely unhinged “dos and don’ts”, which prompted me to take up a five-day experiment of following the app’s directives to the T. And so, armed with curiosity and prepared for whatever the app might throw my way, I embarked on this intriguing journey.

Monday

‘Receiving can be harder than giving’

Do: Loose buttons, self-timer, boudoir

As I readied myself for another working Monday, a notification popped up on my screen, signalling my initiation into the asylum where they raised my friend. Surprisingly, the tasks outlined were quite ordinary, some even part of my daily routine. Loose buttons aka Annie Uniform! It felt as though the stars were aligned in my favour.

Given my love for selfies—a habit shared by many in this digital age—I take around 200 pictures of myself every day (yes, you read that right). So, when the request for a selfie came through, I eagerly obliged.

Regarding the third task, a thought crossed my mind: was Co-star suggesting I indulge in a day of rest and relaxation, or as X might say, a day of bed-rotting? Not that I mind, particularly on a Monday.

Obligingly, I decided to take a break from work, settled in with an episode of Desperate Housewives, and allowed myself to succumb to the comforts of my bed. In hindsight, perhaps I had misinterpreted the intention behind the directive.

Tuesday

‘Listen before you leap to conclusions’

Do: Sticky notes, mornings, sour cand

My Mars is in Virgo so, of course, I am annoyingly organised and adore sticky notes. My mirror, books, and major parts of my house are adorned with colourful reminders (I might have a slight obsession). So, the first task was rather doable. But what do mornings mean? Does it imply rising with the sun, or simply embracing the start of a new day? (Plea for Co-star to be more specific, perhaps?). Although I woke up rather early, the morning felt tardy nonetheless.

Wednesday

‘Keep moving forward’

Do: Palettes, tulle, take a bo

Day three of attempting to decipher Co-Star’s cryptic messages, and I am starting to think that maybe Co-Star just wants me to get a hobby. So, I dusted off my high-school art supplies and delved into painting, all while sporting a tulle top (mind you, in the scorching 35-degree Delhi heat). 

Take a bow? Is Co-Star a teenage girl obsessed with bows who knows that the phrase “taking a bow” has more than one meaning now? I promptly tied my Chanel ribbon into a and put it in my hair. At this point, I am putting my own spin to everything the app tells me to do, just for the heck of it!

Thursday

‘Be open to lessons that your past experiences bring you today’

Do: Experimentation, side projects, long way home

Let’s just say, in true Libra fashion, I thrive on juggling multiple side projects simultaneously— we Librans try to have it all and nothing at the same time. Whether it is feigning expertise on Vivaldi during violin class or strategically organising my Instagram-famous shoes based on anticipated trends—you get the gist.

Following instructions, I dilly-dallied on my way home, opting for the city’s Dara Shikoh road over the Aurangzeb Road, granting Dara a small victory and reaching home to a cold dinner.

Friday

‘Try responding differently today’

Do: Swap numbers, friendship bracelet, collective cooking

As per Friday’s directive, I hosted two newfound friends, we crafted friendship bracelets and shared a laugh over poorly cooked pasta, marking the end of my stint at the humiliation factory. 

Five days ago, when I began using the app, I had hopes of some personal transformation, yet, truth be told, it was merely for the plot. The app’s directives, while often entertaining, failed to yield the transformative revelations I sought. It left me thinking if the app prioritises popularity over cosmic truths. Or perhaps, in my folly, I expected too much from the alignment of stars and planets. Regardless, as I reflect upon the past week, I find myself unchanged, save for a few regrettable decisions—blame it on the retrograde, if you will.

This article originally appeared in Cosmopolitan India, May-June 2024 print issue.

Lead Image credit: Co-star

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