The Madness of Crowds and Mass Formation Psychosis: What It Means and Why It Matters

Using astrology to better understand and identify our own vulnerabilities to the hive mind

I recently watched an interview on UnHerd with Mattias Desmet, who introduced the term Mass Formation Psychosis. It was an insightful discussion, and I’ve noticed many people online sharing the video and discussing the concepts it explores. Desmet is well-spoken and knowledgeable, making it a highly engaging watch. I will share a link below.

Desmet’s theory gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic and struck a cord with many who felt like they were surrounded by others acting like robot zombies—people blindly following whatever they heard on TV or saw on social media. It felt like something out of The Matrix, where individuals resembled Agent Smith clones, all pushing the same ideas without independent thought.

What struck me is that these terms might sound new, the idea of large groups acting irrationally or being influenced by shared beliefs is very old. The madness of crowds has shaped societies for centuries, often in strange or dangerous ways. This behavior isn’t limited to mainstream groups either—it happens in alternative communities too, where people claim to think differently but often end up following another crowd. Think of any counterculture, such as mods or punks, where individuality often merges into collective identity.

What is Mass Formation Psychosis?

Mass formation psychosis occurs when large groups of people begin to believe in something together, even if it’s detached from reality. This typically happens when people feel isolated, fearful, or uncertain about the future, creating the perfect environment for collective beliefs to take hold without being questioned.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many followed rules and advice on masks, vaccinations, and government guidelines without much thought. Some viewed this as responsible behavior, while others watched on as they witnessed those around them acting out of fear or simply copying the crowd.

Psychologists have long studied how people can lose their individual judgment when part of a group. When we’re surrounded by others, we tend to follow their actions, even if they don’t make sense.

A Brief History of Crowd Madness

Crowd behavior is not a new phenomenon. In 1841, Charles Mackay’s book Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds explored how large groups can behave irrationally. Some examples include:

• Tulip Mania (1636–1637): In the Netherlands, people became obsessed with tulip bulbs, treating them like valuable commodities. Prices skyrocketed, with people trading houses for tulips. When the market crashed, many were left in financial ruin.

• The South Sea Bubble (1720): In England, investors poured money into the South Sea Company, hoping to get rich. The company's stock price soared, but when reality set in, the bubble burst, and many lost their savings.

• Witch Hunts (16th–17th centuries): Fear of witchcraft spread through Europe and colonial America, leading to paranoia and the execution of innocent people. Communities were driven more by fear than facts.

These examples show that people can easily be swept up in collective emotions, often with negative outcomes. This pattern continues today, whether through financial crashes, political movements, or social panics fueled by emotional crowd behavior.

The Alternative Scene: Another Form of Crowd Madness?

While it’s easy to point to mainstream media or government policies as examples of mass hypnosis, we are all subject to manipulation - alternative communities are not immune to the same group dynamics. People who follow alternative narratives often see themselves as free thinkers or awake, but they can also end up following their group's beliefs just as blindly.

Many in these communities support the newest thing without much critical thought. They might follow a particular guru or thought leader with the same unquestioning loyalty as those who follow mainstream narratives. Unfortunately, the alternative movement is just as questionable as the mainstream.

It is interesting to watch people who see themselves as unique or different that are actually just part of another crowd, exhibiting the same herd behavior, but with different beliefs that the protest against.

Astrology’s Take on Mass Behavior

Astrology can shed light on our susceptibility to groupthink and manipulation by revealing patterns in our natal charts. Focusing on specific signs and the 8th and 11th houses helps us understand how we interact with groups and the influence they have on us. To gain insight, start by identifying which sign is on the cusp of each house and look at the ruling planet of that sign.

Planets within these houses also play a key role, shaping how their energies are expressed. By analysing these placements, we can uncover tendencies towards group conformity or resistance, and recognise where we may be vulnerable to outside influence.

• The 8th House is associated with deep psychology, transformation, and the hidden forces driving our actions. It reveals how fear, anxiety, and collective emotions can influence mass behavior.

• The 11th House represents groups, communities, and the human need to belong. It highlights how ideas spread through crowds and how individuals can lose their sense of self by blending into the group.

• Aquarius is the fixed sign that governs groups, crowds, the alternative, and the future. Ruled by Saturn, Aquarius values societal progress but can also become dogmatic in its belief that it knows the right way forward, dismissing other perspectives. By looking to which house Aquarius falls in, we can understand how and where we may unconsciously hold rigid viewpoints around groups.

Astrology in Shadow Work

Astrology can help us recognise our own limitations and challenges, serving as a tool for shadow work. By acknowledging our shadow selves and the potential for harmful behavior, we can transmute this energy into something constructive. This self-awareness helps us stay grounded and true to our own sense of knowing in a world full of tempting distractions.

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The astrological concepts discussed are part of a widely accepted body of knowledge shared by Astrologers across time. Caroline would like to extend her gratitude to the many Astrologers who have come before her, whose wisdom and insights have influenced and inspired her own work. Their contributions continue to shape the astrological community and guide the interpretations presented here.

Caroline, an Astrologer and Mentor based in the Scottish Highlands, offers personalised 1:1 sessions exploring birth charts, emotional insights, career guidance and relationships. With her background in education and specialisation in neurodiversity, Caroline tailors each session to the unique needs of her clients, helping them navigate the complexities of their emotional and personal lives. For more information on how to explore your natal chart, visit http://saturnseminary.com