Posts filed under: ‘Reviews‘
Review of Lois Rodden’s Astro DATABANK
The following of the website http://www.astrobank.com was written by Ann Clark.
ASTRODATABANK & 3 OTHER USEFUL SITES
Astrodatabank is actually the name of software used in astrological research. This website, among its other functions, is the place to preview the software and/or place an order . I don’t have the software yet, but do visit the site frequently. There’s always useful information to be found, for casual visitors and customers alike.
A major component of this site is a list of thousands of dates of birth of famous people. The list is freely available to all.
Astrodatabank also regularly offers a series of sets of biographical details and natal charts featuring well-known individuals, with questions on the astrology, set by an expert for discussion on following pages, message-board style. These discussions are helpful in understanding chart interpretation. Interesting conversations and different styles of interpretation emerge from astrology buffs who contribute there. Arguments can surface at times, adding to the enlightenment and interest of readers.
For visitors with a little experience of interpreting charts, reports of research carried out using Astrodatabank software are available. The aim being to discover if there are “astrological signatures” for , for instance, Astrologers, psychic ability, alcohol abuse.
Anyone interested in astrological research will find the site invaluable – and pretty much unique on-line.
A couple more useful websites for those without access to astrology software are –
Arabic Parts Calculator ~~~~ http://www.noendpress.com/pvachier/arabicparts/index.php
Midpoints Calculator ~~~~ http://www.noendpress.com/pvachier/midpoints/index.php
Brief explanations are included along with the automatic calculators; more detail on using Arabic Parts and Midpoints can easily be found via Google or other search engines. For most Arabic Parts it’s necessary to know an accurate time of birth to ascertain the ascending degree, and if Moon is involved in a midpoint calculation, a birth time is necessary to calculate the exact degree of the Moon in a sign.
For anyone interested in Fixed Stars, there’s a good article and detailed list of the main Stars with their sign, degree and traditional interpretation at Astrology on the Web – http://www.astrologycom.com/fixedstars.HTML
One caution though: some of the traditional interpretations sound dire and dreadful to 21st century folk. I’m of the opinion that the old interpretations ought to be taken with a pinch of salt. They were determined in an age far removed from where we are now. It’s wise to take the basic “feel” of the interpretation and dilute it, modify it, put it in a context of today, when medical knowledge, technology, engineering etc. have developed and improved in leaps and bounds. The old interpretations ought never to be taken quite literally, or, more importantly, out of context of the chart as a whole.
1 comment February 22, 2009
Astrodienst / Astro.com Review By Ann Clark
Astrodienst / Astro.com
Part 4 of 5 – Ann Clark’s Favorite Astrology Websites
Astrodienst, also often referred to as astro.com, is a website of thousands of pages, and available in a choice of eight languages, at a click of the mouse. It’s an all-encompassing astrology website, invaluable to any who love astrology, at whatever level and style. Astrodienst, translated from the German means Astro-Service, and this site certainly gives excellent service to its readers. Link: http://www.astro.com/
Star act of the site for many is the facility to enter birth data – your own, or of friends and relatives, and instantly have the natal chart appear on screen. It doesn’t stop there though – you can customize the charts in many ways, include extra items such as rare and not so rare asteroids, Black Moon Lilith, some Arabian Parts, and much more. There’s a choice of chart styles, options to include progressions and transits – it’s almost as good as having your own astrology software to play with. As part of the Extended Chart Selection you can obtain a detailed reading of your own or others’ charts from your collection by going to “Pullen/Astrolog” and scrolling down the menu to simple chart delineation by Walter Pullen. This delineation is described as “simple” but there is a wealth of information not available elsewhere, to be gleaned from it. It’s impossible to do this area justice in a few lines, but time spent experimenting will convince any visitor of the value of Astrodienst.
There’s much else of interest: daily horoscope forecasts based on your exact date, place and time of birth, a personal astro portrait of you and any others from your collection of data. Areas of special interest to lovers include Astro-Click Partner, Astro-Click Love, and Liz Greene’s Astrology for Lovers.
A section called “VIP Astro-Twins” offers, under each birthdate, a list of well-known people born on that day, in various years. In some cases, a note of the rising sign is included. The list is more extensive than many other, similar lists commonly found on astrology websites. I found an almost exact astro-twin here!
A useful collection of articles, written by renowned astrologers, appears in the section called “Understanding Astrology”. Astrodienst also makes available to its users an on-line 6,000 year ephemeris – this alone is worth a visit to the site if you happen to be without an ephemeris at home.
The website also hosts an astrology forum where views are exchanged on all manner of astrology-related issues, from general & psychological astrology, to horary, mundane and political matters. There’s also a section where inexperienced readers can place a request for more advanced members to present an interpretation of a natal chart, and/or answer questions on it.
Astrodienst is well-organized and clearly mapped – it’s difficult to get lost, and easy to find anything you’re seeking.
When I reviewed Astrotheme and Skyscript a few weeks ago, I wrote that Astrotheme reflects a Gemini-like image, while Skyscript has a more serious, Virgo/Capricorn flavor. Following that train of thought then, Astrodienst seems to fall somewhere between the two: lighter than Skyscript but more serious than Astrotheme (though lacking that handy collation facility at Astrotheme). Astrodienst has so much to offer for free that I’d say it resembles Sagittarius in its expansive generosity! As well as all the free information, there is opportunity to purchase personal forecasts and reports from a variety on offer at the Astrodienst Shop.
Finally, the newest feature offered by Astrodienst is Astro Wiki – a complete A to Z enclyclopedia of astrology. An introduction to the new feature, written by the CEO of Astrodienst, can be read at http://wiki.astro.com/astrowiki/en/Astrowiki-en:About. This will definitely be something to be saved in Favorites Files!
Add a comment February 16, 2009
Barbara Goldsmith – 2009 Horoscope Review By Amber Gooding
Amber Gooding
Sign Show would like to thank Amber Gooding for writing the following review. Amber is the creator of the Facebook Group “Proud To Be A Scorpio”.
Video Review: Barbara Goldsmith
Barbara was very knowledgable about predictions, and she explained everything very well. The sound quality wasn’t so good, but I kept watching because I was drawn to her words and her confidence. It was slightly distracting that there was so much space above her head in the video, but at least the background looks nice and comfortable.
I also thought it was wonderful how energetic she was about Scorpio predictions. It made me smile. She touched so many areas of 2009 that I feel confident in her words, and wouldn’t mind watching her forecasts again.
– Amber Gooding
1 comment January 25, 2009
Web Reviews: Cainer.com & FreeWillAstrology.com
Website Reviews By Ann Clark: Cainer.com and Free Will Astrology
Editor Note: Ann Clark is becoming one of our most consistent contributors to Sign Show. This is part of a series on Ann’s favorite web sites.
Two astrologers who specialize in Sun Sign forecasts feature in this week’s review: Jonathan Cainer at cainer.com, and Rob Brezsny’s Free Will Astrology. As it happens one is based in the UK, the other in the USA, but that’s coincidental, not a deliberate decision.
http://www.freewillastrology.com/
Some people like to scoff at Sun Sign astrologers, I prefer to defend the good ones. These are two of the best.
I’ll try to differentiate between Jonathan Cainer’s approach and that of Rob Brezsny. Both are what I’d term as “thinking persons’ Sun Sign astrologers”, and no, that is not any kind of oxymoron! They offer something different from common expectations. Both astrologers clearly realize the limitations yet attraction of Sun Sign astrology, and because they are highly experienced and qualified in astrology proper, they seek to satisfy the reader whilst not selling astrology down the river. Each does have a slightly different approach.
Jonathan Cainer appeals to a readership of all ages, from the very young to the elderly, some of whom come cold to the subject, knowing nothing of the depths and finer points of astrology. He writes in simple clear English, and though his points may often seem oblique and need further thought to extract the kernel, his writing is some of the most accessible of any astrologer, both in his forecasts and his books.
Rob Brezsny will, I suspect, appeal to a rather more sophisticated and experienced readership, yet that ought not to dissuade anyone from sampling his style. From being an acquired taste initially, it can quickly become addictive.
Cainer.com has been on-line from the mid-1990s, probably one of the first ever astrology websites. Jonathan Cainer has written forecasts for newspapers and magazines in the UK and in several other countries since the 1980s. I’ve been reading him from the start. His forecasts have always been different from the norm, they can be mysterious, oblique, funny, but always contain wisdom. There is, too, always optimism – a sense that even the bad times can be for the eventual good.
Cainer.com offers more than free daily, monthly and yearly forecasts. A glance down the sidebar to the left reveals links to useful items including a list of the day’s planetary positions, and a collection of Jonathan’s articles on the natal charts of some current celebrities. There’s a forum called “Astrochat” attached to the site, accessible from a link at the foot of the Home Page.
Each day, as well as a forecast for each zodiac sign, Jonathan writes a brief piece of general astrological interest on the site’s Home Page. Sometimes this piece will answer a reader’s comment, sometimes it includes information and comment about current events and related planetary positions. A delightful daily illustration by artist Sally Fisher decorates this opening page. An archived collection of these “Thoughts for the Day” can be accessed via a link in the sidebar.
For more in-depth forecasts there’s a “Five Star Service” at very reasonable cost. After submitting birth data access is provided to Jonathan’s weekly expanded spoken forecast and a bi-weekly one based on Moon sign.
Jonathan also offers full personal chart interpretation, with forecasts based on actual time, date and place of birth, again at reasonable cost. These are available immediately, and therefore have to be computer based – but they are written by Jonathan himself, and the best of any I’ve read.
Tarot and I-Ching readings are also available.
Rob Brezsny at Free Will Astrology offers weekly Sun Sign forecasts, again, forecasts with a difference. He’ll often refer his readers to literature or the arts in order to illustrate a point about prospects for the coming week. I find his writing intriguing, thought provoking, and well worth pondering upon if at first it seems to make no sense. Rob uses illustrations from the cards of a tarot-like deck designed by astrologer Antero Alli and his wife to illustrate the forecasts.
Expanded versions of Rob’s forecasts are available by web streaming or telephone for a modest subscription fee. There’s an annual forecast available on similar terms.
Additional items at the Free Will Astrology Home Page include a letter from Rob to his readers, and all manner of interesting snippets and links. Some of Rob Brezsny’s other writings are featured at “The Beauty and Truth Lab” with an excerpt from his book “Pronoia”.
A full site map is available via a link right at the foot of the Home Page.
I’m borrowing two lines from reviewers of Rob’s book “Pronoia” at Amazon.com to finish. Although these relate to his book, they can be applied equally to the weekly forecasts and to his writing in general:
“……. The prose is still poetic, circular, almost dancing…… ”
-Rain Taxi
” …. Rob Brezsny writes with devilish humor, spiritual audacity, and erotic intensity.”
-Jay Kinney, author of Hidden Wisdom.
Add a comment January 25, 2009
Video Review Of Master Ra Sema Ba Khaemille
Video Review by Stacy Michaella Bent: Master Ra Sema Ba Khaemille
Master Ra Sema Ba Khaemille Raltair video channel is overdramatic, and was boringto me. I did not enjoy watching this video channel because it put me to sleep. I would not recommend it to anyone to watch because he is discussing about Egyptian astrology, which the audience may or may not know enough information about, and the video was too long.
Master Ra’s Youtube Video Channel
Sample Video
Add a comment January 17, 2009
KT The Astrologer – Horoscopes Review
Video Horoscopes Review By Stacy Miccaela Bent: KT The Astrologer
KT the Astrologer has a lovely Australian accent that just brightens the day. I enjoyed this video channel because she is not like any other astrologer; her horoscope is currently annual instead of monthly or weekly. I would recommend this video channel because she gives wonderful insight on relationships and shes on the money for 2009. The background is intriging, which kept your eyes focused on what she is discussing about astrology.
KT The Astrologer’s Youtube Channel
Sample Video Of KT The Astrologer
Add a comment January 17, 2009
Skyscript Website Review By Ann Clark
Website Review By Ann Clark: Skyscript
Editor Note: This article is second of five part series on Ann Clark’s favorite astrology websites. Last week she reviewed Astrotheme.
Skyscript, based in the UK, is run by well-respected astrologer Deborah Houlding. The site has an organized, tighter and more serious feel to it than that Astrotheme, reviewed last week.
There is material in Skyscript to appeal and inform at all levels, from the casual reader to a fully-fledged astrologer already steeped in his/her subject. If Astrotheme had a representative zodiac sign I’d give it to Gemini. In contrast I’d give Skyscript to Capricorn or Virgo, for it leans to the traditional, gives great attention to detail, is carefully organized, clear and easy to navigate.
From the Homepage you can take off into scores of pieces on the planets, their rulerships and mythology, with clickable paragraph headings leading on to lots of detail on each topic. There are links to biographies of some of astrology’s greatest luminaries from centuries past. These might appear to be of little interest to a newcomer, but in truth, those luminaries’ names come up quite frequently once you start getting your astro-feet wet. It’s as well to have a little background knowledge.
Skyscript does, as already mentioned, have a leaning towards traditional astrology, but there’s plenty of material which is common to both traditional and modern versions, and enough to engage readers with just a general interest in astrology.
There’s a huge library of articles covering all topics, from interpretations of planetary aspects, to horary and mundane astrology, interviews with professional astrologers, book reviews and much more. A helpful glossary of astrological terms is included to assist those not yet familiar with the “jargon”.
A fun astrology quiz is included on the site. It’s not for complete beginners, but something to aim to have the knowledge to complete after some months of study.
Personal consultations with a traditional astrologer can be arranged via Skyscript. If in the UK there’s also provision for one-to-one telephone consultations.
Also included in the site is an interesting forum where much useful information can be gleaned just from reading along. If you have a reasonable level of knowledge, especially in the area of traditional astrology, you’ll be welcomed to contribute questions and comments.
In a nutshell, Skyscript is for serious astrology students at all levels, or for seekers of historical information and background. It doesn’t deal in what I call the “fluffy” side of astrology, it deals with the hard nuts and bolts, but always in a clear, well-written and very knowledgeable manner.
.
Add a comment January 17, 2009
Sasstrology.com Review By Stacy Micaella Bent
Website Review: Sasstrology.com
Editor Note: Stacy Micaella Bent, the writer of this review, is a Facebook friend. I have have never had the pleasure of meeting here in person. However, I recently had drinks with Jeffrey Kishner, the astrologer behind Sasstrology.com at a great bar called The Dram Shop in Brooklyn. Jeffrey, Stacy, and I live in New York City.
The Sasstrology website is my favorite site for astrology. It gives the audience insight on relationships, sex, and celebrities, which is superb for a young audience. It has great relationship stories that relates to the readers. It has everything you need to read about a new love interest, their personality traits can be found by using their zidgo sign. I enjoy this site because it gives great tips on the bases of how to turn on a particular zodiac sign, and what to wear for that particular zidgo sign on a date. I think everyone who is not into astrology could be drawn to this chic website. I would recommend this site to everyone because it helps to know more about a person’s interest as well as their dislikes before going on date.
Visit: Sasstrology.com
Add a comment January 17, 2009
2009 Video Horoscope Review Of Terence Guardino
Amber Gooding
Video Review: Terence Guardino
This video was pretty good. I liked how Terence focused a little on the backround of Scorpios. This backround knowledge helped me understand a little more about how I will be reacting this year, and what I should expect. His knowledge of planets changing in the zodiac is amazing, and his calm collected tone wasn’t boring, but comforting in the sense that he knew much about Scorpio’s and that we are not all the same.
I also enjoyed that he brought current issues to attention and predicted improvements in those areas, giving hope. It was also great that he touched on other signs and how they were effecting Scopios and the outcome of those situations. The end of the video stopped quite abbruptly, but I liked that he didn’t give much information about himself, therefore if I was interested in him, I wouldn’t mind doing some research.
He spoke well and was very knowledgable about Scorpio’s and the planet’s alignment, but he seemed to get a little antsy at the end. Overall a wonderful video.
1 comment January 13, 2009
2009 Horoscope Video Review of David Cammegh
Amber Gooding
This video was quite good. David seems to be quite knowledgable about seeing through to the year and connecting with Scorpios and what we’re looking for. A little confusing when he was talking about the houses, but I’m sure it would have made more sense if I had a little more knowledge about it. I also thought it to be a bit strange that this plant was sitting right in front of him, it was slightly distracting but I suppose that it made the video a little more interesting to look at.
I also noticed that he would keep saying “it will happen generally speaking”, but I know that many of his predictions are generally speaking, but that could have been left out. So overall this was a good informative video with great information, and I’m interested in more of his predictions.
Add a comment January 13, 2009
Sign Show: An Astrology Blog 