When Astrology Becomes a Platform-Policy Issue

In China, astrology and tarot can be treated not simply as entertainment but as forms of “feudal superstition,” a label authorities use for beliefs they regard as incompatible with a modern, productive society. The stated concern is that such content can distract young people from work and practical goals. That framing turns horoscope posts and tarot readings into a matter of public values, not just personal taste.

How Removal Changes What People Can Find

WeChat and Weibo are major routes for sharing posts and building audiences. When they remove popular astrology or tarot accounts, creators lose a direct way to reach followers, and users may find it harder to locate familiar sources of readings or advice. The platforms therefore act as gatekeepers: their decisions can limit the visibility of a belief-based practice even when people remain interested in it.

The consequence is more than a missing horoscope in a feed. A platform account can make a niche practice visible at scale; removing it can push that practice out of ordinary online view.