Astrology Website Reviews

By Lawrence Grecco

It wasn't all that long ago that astrologers depended primarily on books in order to learn about the planets and the impact they have on us here on Earth. But with the current prevalence of computers and the Internet, we now have an endless array of options for learning about astrology.

However, the quality and usefulness of astrology-related web sites varies just as widely as do books on this ancient subject. There really is something out there in cyberspace for everyone, whether you are a seasoned astrologer, a curious novice, or happen to fall somewhere in between.

Perhaps the most notable and extensive astrology site in existence today is Astrodienst (www.astro.com). Astrodienst offers free, individualized personal horoscopes based on your actual time, date and place of birth. This is definitely not the place to be if you are looking for a general Sun sign horoscope as found in most daily tabloids. Your personal transits (both short and long term) are listed and explained in a direct and meaningful way. After creating a personal account here, you can store dozens of people's birth data so you can generate everything from natal horoscopes to compatibility reports. There are also some very informative articles by noted astrologers Liz Greene, Robert Hand, and Mona Riegger. If you don't have astrology software on your own computer, or if you simply cannot afford it, Astrodienst makes astrology accessible to anyone who cares to utilize it. The natal chart interpretations offered here are richer and more complex than some of the more mainstream sites now in existence. Be aware that Astrodienst does walk a fine line between altruism and commercialism however, as it also offers longer, more in-depth versions of all its reports for fees beginning at $46.95.

STAR IQ (www.stariq.com) opens with a weekly blog that discusses current astrological trends and their potential impact on the world. There is also a large celebrity section that includes everyone from the Dalai Lama to Rosie O'Donnell. STAR IQ has an impressive collection of insightful articles by renowned astrologer Robert Hand on various topics pertaining to the relationship between astrology and science, as well as horary work and humanistic psychology. The "Politics & Astrology" section explores topics like "Mercury, Pluto, and the Vote count of 2004", "Presidents and Neptune" which discusses the famous death cycles of American presidents and the Jupiter Saturn conjunctions, and many other very pertinent essays.

And speaking of politics, ASTROWORLD (www.astroworld.us) is a left-leaning astro-political blog whose exploration of current astrological trends informs its commentary on current political events here in America. Learn the astrology behind Karl Rove, Dick Cheney and CIA leak case and the new CIA chief nominee G'l Michael Hayden. STARLIGHT NEWS (www.starlightnews.com) goes out on a limb with its "Timeline of the Bush Residency", making some bold predictions about the course of the Bush administration right up until January 2008. After each prediction column is a follow up column that lists any and all events that reflect those predictions as they occur in the news.

IVillage Astrology (www.astrology.com) caters mostly to mainstream astrology enthusiasts who want to keep it simple. Here you can calculate numerology reports, personal astrological natal profiles, and "love reports" for yourself and your significant other. Bear in mind that while iVillage does offer a fair amount of free information and astrological services, many of them require that you subscribe with an email address in order to actually receive the free reports that they offer. And once you subscribe you will receive frequent email solicitations in the form of sales and special offers that do require payment.

ASTROLABE (www.alabe.com) opens with the "Current Astro-Weather", a snapshot of the celestial sky (in the form of a horoscope wheel) just as it appears at the moment you access their web site, along with a list of all current aspects and void planets. Here you can also quickly and easily cast a free horoscope for yourself or anyone else you care to know or understand better. Software such as Solar Fire and Chart Wheels can purchased, and there are a number of poignant articles on astro topics such as "Where is the Person in the Chart?" and Electional Astrology, the art of choosing the most auspicious time to take action or begin a new endeavor.

For those of you who have an appreciation for the finer charts in life, specifically those of the rich, famous, and downright infamous, Lois Rodden's ASTRODATABANK (www.astrodatabank.com) is a must-see. Astrodatabank contains the world's largest database of horoscopes of public figures ranging from movie stars and politicians to religious and historical figures. Did you know that Joan of Arc had a Capricorn Sun and Pisces Moon? See just how much sense astrology really makes as you gaze upon the horoscope of Prince Charles and notice his royal Leo Ascendant and Taurus Moon conjunct his Midheaven. There is even space under each horoscope for commentary by anyone who cares to do so. Sometimes the discussions turn into some very lively and heated debates (see the George W. Bush section if you don't believe me).

Astro-Noetics (www.astro-noetics.com) is not only easy on the eyes but is also big on content. Its easy to navigate interface offers an quick way to access a monthly forecast which outlines and explains significant transits, a past month astrological review, a "Planet Cycles" report that delves into relevant planetary happenings, such as the Pluto station on the Galactic Center that took place in March 2006. There is also a regular "Spotlight" article which currently profiles former Vice President Al Gore. A monthly essay tackles relevant astro-matters such as the current Neptune-Saturn opposition. You can even order full color, graphically pleasing birth charts with or without a frame for gifts or personal use.

No article about astrology web sites would be complete without mentioning the NCGR New York City chapter web site(www.astrologynyc.org) Visiting here is absolutely mandatory if you need to find out what classes are available locally and if you want the latest news on conferences and other special events in our area. A directory of over 30 astrologers can be found here, in addition to an extensive collection of audio tapes from past conferences which can be purchased for a very modest fee.

It is important to remember that just because something is stated on the Internet does not necessarily make it true or even accurate for that matter, so during your cyberspace travels be sure to take in the information you come across with a welcoming but discerning eye.

Lawrence Grecco is an astrologer, artist, and a member of the board of directors of NCGR NYC. He can be contacted at lawrence.grecco@gmail.com. You may also view his astrology website at www.zenrising.com for more information.

June 29, 2006