Kaelen Larocque was born on Jan. 1, 1996. To her, it’s far more than merely her date of birth.

It’s the date that determines parts of her personality, her passions, her romantic interests and, to some degree, her life decisions.

Like others who subscribe to astrology, she is a firm believer that celestial objects have a direct effect on human life. Learning about astrology, Larocque explained, has enhanced her self-awareness and deepened her bonds with others. She knows who she is cosmically compatible with — and, conversely, with whom she is not.

“I’ll never date a Pisces again,” she half-jokingly declared.

Astrology is a useful introspective tool “for people who want to delve deeper into themselves,” said Larocque, 27, a Boston-based middle school teacher and yoga instructor. “The best thing we can do as people is to learn about ourselves and try to improve.”

Larocque is not alone in turning to astrology as a means of self-improvement, introspection and personal growth. The astrology field is booming — a trend that has been driven by younger generations, experts say, and is evidenced by the countless websites and platforms that cater to the astrologically inclined. These include Co–Star personalized astrology — which is ranked among the top 40 lifestyle apps in the country — along with zodiac-centric dating apps, dozens of astrology podcasts, best-selling books and myriad astrology meme accounts on social media. “Mercury in retrograde” has become a household phrase.