Hermes Astrology
Mattering
Insights from Psychology and Astrology
At some point in life, almost everyone quietly wonders the same
thing: Do I matter to anyone? Not in a dramatic or
attention-seeking way, but in a human way. Would I be missed?
Does my presence make a difference? In Mattering: The Secret
to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose, journalist and author
Jennifer Breheny Wallace explores this essential human need
and why it sits at the center of emotional well-being, motivation,
and meaning.
Psychology has long known that mattering is not a luxury. It is a
basic psychological need. People who feel they matter are more
resilient, more engaged, and more emotionally stable. When
people feel invisible or replaceable, anxiety rises, motivation drops,
and loneliness deepens. Wallace’s book brings this research to life
through real stories, making the science feel personal and
relatable.
Astrology, though symbolic rather than scientific, has always
spoken about this same longing through the language of identity
and belonging. The birth chart begins with the Sun, which
represents the sense of “I exist.” When the Sun feels affirmed,
people feel grounded in who they are. When it feels ignored or
devalued, people search desperately for proof that their lives
count. Mattering is not about ego; it is about being seen.
One of the most important insights in Wallace’s book is that
mattering is not the same as achievement. Many people confuse
being impressive with being important. Psychology shows that
praise tied only to performance creates fragile self-worth. Astrology
reflects this tension in people whose sense of value is tied to
status or approval rather than inner truth. When the need to matter
gets attached solely to success, failure feels unbearable.
True mattering is relational. It comes from knowing that someone
cares whether you show up or not. Psychology calls this secure
attachment. Astrology connects this feeling of safety to the Moon,
which represents emotional belonging. When the Moon feels
supported, people relax. They don’t have to prove themselves
constantly. Wallace emphasizes that mattering grows through
attention, presence, and care—not through pressure or
comparison.
The book also addresses how modern culture quietly undermines
mattering. Social media metrics, constant competition, and
productivity culture can make people feel interchangeable.
Psychology explains that when people feel reduced to numbers or
output, they disconnect emotionally. Astrology would say the soul
loses contact with its center. The result is burnout, emptiness, and
a constant hunger for validation.
Wallace reminds readers that mattering cannot be outsourced. No
amount of likes, money, or titles can replace the feeling of being
known. This is where astrology’s Venus becomes relevant. Venus
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represents value and connection. When Venus is healthy, people
value themselves and others without needing dominance or
comparison. Mattering becomes mutual rather than competitive.
Another powerful theme in the book is how mattering shapes
purpose. Psychology shows that people are more motivated when
they believe their actions help others. Purpose grows from
contribution, not perfection. Astrology mirrors this through Jupiter,
the planet of meaning and growth. Jupiter expands when life feels
purposeful. When people lose a sense of mattering, Jupiter energy
collapses into cynicism or excess.
Wallace also speaks honestly about how lack of mattering fuels
division. When people feel ignored or dismissed, they search for
belonging elsewhere, sometimes in rigid identities or extreme
beliefs. Psychology calls this identity compensation. Astrology
associates this with intense Pluto energy, where power and
meaning become intertwined. When people don’t feel they matter,
they fight to matter.
Healing begins with recognition. Wallace emphasizes small but
powerful acts: listening without interruption, remembering details,
showing up consistently. Psychology confirms that these behaviors
signal significance to the brain. Astrology would say they nourish
the Moon and steady the Sun. People don’t need grand gestures
to feel valued; they need reliable presence.
The book also challenges readers to consider how they make
others feel. Mattering is not just something we seek; it is
something we give. This is where Saturn comes in astrologically.
Saturn represents responsibility. Mature mattering includes the
responsibility to treat others as significant, even when it’s
inconvenient.
Mattering is ultimately about shifting from a culture of performance
to a culture of presence. Jennifer Breheny Wallace offers a
hopeful, grounded vision of a life where people feel connected not
because they are exceptional, but because they are human.
Psychology explains why mattering stabilizes the mind. Astrology
reminds us that meaning is relational and cyclical. Together, they
point to the same truth: a good life is not built on being admired,
but on being known, needed, and remembered.
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When people feel they matter, they don’t need to shout to be
heard. They listen better. They care deeper. And they move
through the world with a quiet sense of purpose that no
achievement alone could ever provide.
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About the Author
Trusted Astrology Expert with 15,000+ Followers.
Hermes Astrology is a digital sanctuary where ancient celestial
wisdom meets modern self-discovery. Named after Hermes—the
divine messenger who bridges worlds—this project seeks to
translate the symbolic language of the stars into practical insights
for contemporary life.
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