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 Astrology
Online
First Published: February 2002
Last Update: February 2002
Author: Computer Partners
Do a search using the term "astrology" on the popular search engine
Google.com. You will find
that it returns about 2.8 million pages. The search term "astrology"
continues to be one of the Top 20 most searched upon terms, 5 years running.
Nearly one/third of Americans believe in astrology according to a study done
in the year 2000, and there is a steady increase in the belief of astrology.
About 75% of believers are women, and woman make 80% of most household
purchasing decisions. An estimated $100 million is spent on astrology in America
ever year and is steadily increasing.
Astrology 101
Astrology, simply put, is the study of the positions and changes in celestial
bodies such as stars and planets in order to determine the future of earthly
occurrences or human affairs. One must not confuse "astrology" with
"astronomy" (the scientific study of matter and its properties in
outer space) though at one time the two terms were essentially synonymous.
Astrology has been a popular practice stretching back to Biblical times.
Soothsayers and mystics used astrology to gain favor with their masters or
clients. Even in those times complex systems of divination were developed. Only
a few claimed to hold the secrets of how to look ahead into time. One prominent
culture that holds a popular version of astrology is Chinese astrology (China).
Chinese astrology and the Chinese zodiac
The Chinese base their interpretations of the future largely on the
positioning of the heavens when a person was born. The zodiac (a imaginary band
in the sky along where the principal planets, moon, and sun move) of signs is
composed of 12 animals: dog, pig, rooster, dragon, ox, sheep, horse, rabbit,
snake, monkey, rat, and tiger. Click
here for more information on the Chinese zodiac and culture.
,
Traditional "modern" zodiac
The more widely known zodiac comes from Greek mythology. The 12 zodiac signs
are comprised of heroes or other important figures in Greek culture. They are:
Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius,
Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Learn more about them by clicking
here.
Modern astrology
Astrology today has come far in terms of its variety and applications.
However, the same systems and belief in the accuracy of those systems still
exist today. One may think that such "superstitious" beliefs only
exist in "less educated" societies. However, astrology is extremely
popular in Western culture, especially America. Daily horoscopes (the prediction
of one's future based upon the positions of the heavens at the time of one's
birth) are prevalent in any and almost every newspaper.
Yet, astrology has never been so popular since the availability of the
Internet.
Astrology online
Today astrology online is a phenomenon that is here to stay. All traditional
means of divination are easily and widely available to the surfer. Today tarot
card reading, palmistry, dream interpretation, biorhythms, and even psychic
readings are accessible by electronic means. One website, Horoscope.com,
has many online wizards that you can use in order to do any or all of the
aforementioned.
Today typical "mainstream" websites are quick to include
astrological information for the such-minded. For example, couples consider
carefully numerology (the study of numbers and their mystic applications) when
deciding to choose a name for a new baby. One baby name website ties numerology
and names closely together via Chinese astrology. Click
here to view it. A very common practice is the receiving of emails of your
daily horoscope. In fact, one Australian website that provided horoscopes took a
poll and asked if their visitors would be interested in SMS horoscope messages
being sent to their wireless devices; 78.4% said yes.
Astrology? No, thank you.
There has been, and is today, a large group of "anti-astrology"
people whom simply believe that astrology is unscientific nonsense. In fact, one
scientist did a funded study called "Skeptical Studies in Astrology"
where he tested many supposed psychics. You can find that article here.
Those anti-astrologists mainly are comprised of scientific professionals and
devout orthodox "creationalists". They are on the Internet, and out
there. One can find a directory listing on Dmoz.org
by clicking
here. Yet, one must realize that such websites seem drowned out next to the
overwhelming "pro-astrology" people that seem to dominate the Internet
community.
Conclusion
Surfers seem to have an insatiable thirst to know what is ahead for them in
their futures, or to discover innate qualities that seemed hidden to them.
Moreover, those who really "want to know" are very willing to pay to
know the answers. There are hundreds of "pay-for-prediction" websites
and appear to be increasing in number. In fact, an article called "Your
Future Profit is in the Stars" claims that it can show you how to make your
own Astrology profit-making website. You can find the article here.
With the near $100 million (and rising) each year that Americans are spending on
astrology in its many forms, coupled with the steady increase in its believers,
it is without a doubt true that astrology can turn big profits.
One does not need a crystal ball to see the profitable future of online
astrology.
Books about astrology and related topics:
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