Name of Site: Astrology.com.au
URL: www.astrology.com.au
Load Time: Medium
Ease of Navigation: Walk in the Park
Plug Ins Required: Flash
Review: Dadhichi is a face-reading esoteric astrologer with powers way beyond mortal men. He managed to register a generic .com.au domain name way before the stars allowed anyone else to do so, and he has harnessed the universal conciousness to build a very attractive Website, complete with splendid animations and interaction. Members can join chat rooms to meet soul mates and discuss philosophy - although at the time of review the only philosophical question I had was "what is the sound of one man chatting?" There is a daily reading, general star sign guide and the ability to contact the man himself for a full report. The "shopping for the soul" e-commerce section allows you to spend up big on a whole range of cosmically enhanced products, including the chance to have Dadhichi arrive at your corporate event and wow your guests with his esoteric charm. When it comes to cosmic enlightenment, Dadhichi is right on the money. - SS
Name of Site: Matrix Australia
URL: www.matrix.com.au
Load Time: Normal
Ease of Navigation: Signposted
Plug Ins Required: JAVA
Review: No, the Wachowski Brothers haven't suddenly turned all new agey. Matrix Australia sells astrology software - and lots of it. Whether you are a beginner who wants to dabble in astrology, or a professional who wishes to market reports, charts and readings to believers the world over, Matrix has the program for you. Computers are very good at maths, so calculating a whole bunch of angles, times and positions is no problem. (Whether the data is astronomically correct, that is something you'll have to take up with your local astronomer.) From an astrological perspective though, Matrix will give you enough colourful wall charts to wallpaper your house and tell you more about yourself than your own mother knows. There is an incredible range of software here - some free, some on sale - including moon, Jupiter, I Ching, fishing guides and biorythms. Suspend your disbelief, open your wallet and prepare to be amazed. - SS
Name of Site: Ed Tamplin
URL: www.edtamplin.com
Load Time: Medium
Ease of Navigation: Walk in the Park
Plug Ins Required: None
Review: Ed is radio 2GB's resident astrologer. He also has a Website with a promotional photo where his face is half orange and half purple, so he must be good! Actually the site is a little lacking in stellar qualities, though there is a fair bit of his musing to rummage through. Ed's claim to have predicted war in Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks puts him on a psychic par with just about everyone in the western world, however he has put a lot of effort into his horoscope analysis. He explains everything from Kashmir to the Royal Family in terms of whether or not Pluto is rising up Uranus and he shows how a rising Mars a day can help you work, rest and play. If you believe any of this stuff, perhaps it's time to book in for a personal consulation. If not, then you can amuse yourself with his monthly and annual predictions for your star sign, or find out how specific astrological events might effect your bank balance, job opportunities and chances of winning on the pokies. - SS
Name of Site: Astrology on the Web
URL: www.astrologycom.com
Load Time: Medium
Ease of Navigation: Signposted
Plug Ins Required: No
Review: It's quite plain to see, after looking at a few of these sites, that astrology is a big money spinner. All you need to do is spout off the good old tried and true character descriptions of the 12 distinct human types according to a join-the-dots nighttime sky, then tempt us all with a personalised wall chart and planetary analysis. Since it is so easy, style and substance of delivery are the essence. This site packs a punch. It delivers the usual "Leos are Proud, Scorpios are sex maniacs" zodiacs, but goes way beyond that. Astrology and health, relationships, runes, sexuality, quiz and a nude horoscope (read them in the nude) - they even poke fun at themselves with a tongue in cheek 'bad news' horoscope. There are a lot of contributors, each with their own 'angle' on the whole subject that makes for interesting reading. Because they put so much value into the site, you will find it much easier giving value back by buying an interpretation or two in the online store. - SS
Name of Site: Astrosearch
URL: www.astrosearch.co.uk
Load Time: Medium
Ease of Navigation: Signposted
Plug Ins Required: None
Review: These days every subject under the virtual sun seems to have its own private search engine, and Astrology is now no exception. The difference here seems to be that just about the entire contents of this engine resides within the site itself. A massive archive of astrological discussion on all manner of topics, from sun signs to planets, moons to asteroids, personality to interpersonal relationships. The discussions delve deeply into historical studies, a bit of science here and there and a lot of common sense advice on living a good life. The only difference here is that it is mercury telling you to drink 8 glasses of water a day, not your doctor. After a few hours poking around here, you will walk away quite enlightened as to where this whole astrology thing is at. Plenty of great stuff here too, like a free tarot reading, I Ching oracle and a sun sign guide to life's little problems. If you are searching for answers, maybe astro search has the clues you need. - SS
Name of Site:
URL: astrosurf.ninemsn.com.au/astrosurf
Load Time: Medium
Ease of Navigation: Signposted
Plug Ins Required: None
Review: Kerry Packer and Bill Gates have jumped into bed and produced a lovechild called ninemsn. One of its many arms is the astrology section. You need to sign in first, because they need your demographics. Market research has told them that you believe in astrology, so you'll probably buy anything. Here you find your daily or yearly horoscope - yes you are at a turning point and a lot of things you have been thinking about are going to start happening. You can play the name game - putting your name and your partners name in and getting an instant reading as to your compatibility - change partners or, hey, just change your name! Check your biorhythms and your career horoscope. It's all a little too pop for me, and I wonder if the only reason I am here is to feed the marketing machine, and the info I just put in to get my readings just qualified me for a discounted insurance policy. - SS
Name of Site: Aussie Horoscopes
URL: www.ozhoroscope.com.au
Load Time: Scorching
Ease of Navigation: Signposted
Plug Ins Required: None
Review: Designed to help you achieve a 'happier, richer and more meaningful experience' in life, the down under zodiac provides an interesting and detailed look at all aspects of astrology. They delve into the historical perspective - when people knew nothing about anything, they believed in astral configurations and attached a whole bunch of meaning to them. These beliefs have been embellished over time to the point that now anything and everything from world events to spraining your ankle can be explained by the alignment of the heavenly bodies. A lot of explaining is done here about how this actually 'works', and eminent astologers have written a few interesting articles on celebrity astrology, ascending planets and the dilemma of being born on a cusp and not knowing what the hell you are. Once you have it all explained, it's time to grace the order form for some quite resonably priced charts, including a "Mother Goose" chart for the kiddies, so you can imprint their minds when they are most vulnerable. - SS
Name of Site: The Zodiacal Zephyr
URL: www.zodiacal.com
Load Time: Normal
Ease of Navigation: Signposted
Plug Ins Required: Java
Review: When it comes to astrological resources, this one is one of the more diverse and interesting sites I've come across. It isn't much to look at, apart from a nice header graphic and a few colourful icons, but it provides a great range of tools and information about this whole celestial thing. Some of it goes a bit far, like attributing a spam email to a divine configuration, but they do give you plenty of rational and reasoned resources to begin your astral journey. Moon phase charts, biorhythm calculators, chart creators, bibliography, celebrity horoscope data, greeting cards, a Sabian Oracle, articles and an astrologers toolbox are just some of the treasures to be found here. I think the philosophy here is "throw it all at the wallchart and see what sticks" - and it's not a bad philosophy because everyone is looking for something different. I'm a total sceptic when it comes to astrology (as if you couldn't guess) but even I found some interesting stuff here. - SS
Name of Site: Astrodienst
URL: www.astro.com
Load Time: Medium
Ease of Navigation: Signposted
Plug Ins Required: None
Review: A consortium of highbrow astrologers and psychologists have banded together to create a whole new level of astrology - "Astro*Intelligence". They have built software solutions that they claim to be the best in the world at providing accurate and personalised horoscopes. This site is packed with content - input your date, time and place of birth and find out not only who you are, but who to love, what to do and where to go for a holiday. It doesn't stop there - endless reams of interviews and articles go indepth into how Saturn and Pluto caused September 11, Chiron and Pluto caused George Harrison's stabbing and why Russell Crowe starred in Gladiator. If you can swallow any of this, it's time to head to the shop and discover your place in the solar system through a magical combination of credit card numbers and expiry dates. - SS
Name of Site: Fatewatch
URL: www.fatewatch.com
Load Time: Medium
Ease of Navigation: Signposted
Plug Ins Required: None
Review: Fatewatch puts it all together in a cornucopia of mysticism. Numerology, astrology, Chinese astrology, mantras - if it's mystical, you're looking at it at Fatewatch. "Astrology is a science, not a fiction..." they say, and with that all disbelief is suspended as you blame your entire life on the moment you were born. Makes you wonder why more doctors don't induce labour more often to create a race of superhumans with perfect birth charts. This site is set up very well, with categories for men, women, teens, love, money, travel, passion, gems, etc. There are a lot of free services and of course the paid ones, once your curiosity has been piqued. This is the 'gateway to authenticate your destiny' (and credit card details) so get on board the magical cosmic ride to inevitability as the stars control your every move. Submit and surrender (your money) and all will be revealed (in the financial pages as Fatewatch floats on the stock exchange) - SS
Name of Site: AdZe MiXXe
URL: www.adze.com
Plug-Ins: No
Navigability: Easy
Graphics: Medium, Good Quality
Internal Links: 50
Review: Strange name, not so strange site. WIth an emphasis on making astrology enjoyable as well as useful in your day-to-day life, AdZe provides a good selection of services. Daily horoscopes are a click away, there are a few "try before you buy" readings and a large selection of personalised charts, reports and personal planners that you can order for immediate download or snail-mailing to your door. There are celebrity reports, hints on finding your star-crossed lover, general astrology info, and plenty of marketing devices built into the site to ensure its popularity, which of course makes for a better site all round. The natal chart looks good for this baby. - SS
Rating: ****
Name of Site: Oz Horoscopes
URL: www.ozhoroscope.com.au
Plug-Ins: Yes
Navigability: Easy
Graphics: Low, Medium Quality
Internal Links: 30
Review: Basically, this site is provided as in introduction to astrology and to the various astrological products on offer. There is quite a bit of general info about the history and significance of the various zodiac signs, some explaination about the types of readings available, and some articles written by astrologers. Numerous charts and readings are for sale, including a special "Aussie Portrait", "Yearly Forecast", "Mother Goose" for toddlers, and a relationships compatibility chart. A little background info about the company and the chance to subscribe to their monthly mailing list. Not a huge site, but enough to satisfy the curious. - SS
Rating: ***
Name of Site: Matrix Astrology Software
URL: www.matrix.com.au
Plug-Ins: No
Navigability: Medium
Graphics: Medium, Good Quality
Internal Links: 30+
Review: Where would an on-line astrology business be without astrology software? Matrix are the creators of a galactic selection of applications, and have been in the business for eons. They have developed very complex analysis techniques and reporting functionality and have managed to package a program for every need. Their flagship, WinStar, covers most bases, then there is the talking program, that reads your chart to you, Tibetan Astrology, Oracle, Woman to Woman, Child-Star and a whole constellation of other specialised products. If you don't want to buy the software and set yourself up as a fully fledged consultancy, you can order personalised reports direct from Matrix, all at quite reasonable prices. Why not buy straight from the manufacturer? - SS
Rating: *****
Name of Site: Clairvision School
URL: www.clairvision.org
Plug-Ins: No
Navigability: Medium
Graphics: Medium, Good Quality
Internal Links: 30
Review: You too can learn psychic powers, and save thousands on all those expensive clairvoyant sessions you've been forking out for. Awaken your third eye, travel back through your past lives, map your subconscious, see auras, master "throat friction" and "psychic sleeping". Soon you'll be setting up your own 1900 number, appearing on talk shows and syndicating yourself to hundreds of magazines. Astorolgically, there is a free downloadable program and a astro-newsletter. The school seems very established with courses both residential and correspondence, covering all manner of esoteric practices. A range of books are for sale, as well as music and some free vegetarian recipies thrown in for good health. All you need for your new life of psychic, cosmic and karmic wonder. - SS
Rating: ****
Name of Site: Merlin The Wizard
URL: www.merlinthewizard.com
Plug-Ins: No
Navigability: Easy
Graphics: Medium, Good Quality
Internal Links: 3
Review: Whether you own a cafeteria, caravan park or hotel, you can set up your own instant astrology centre with the magic of computers. Merlin is a complete kit that installs on your own computer and comes with a laminated sign, instructions, brochures and artwork to get you going. Merlin covers Western and Chinese astrology, tarot and numerology and adds a few entertaining tid bits to keep your customers coming back for more. If you don't want to splurge all the money up front, a profit-sharing arrangement can be made. Will you make truck loads of money out of it? You'll have to ask Merlin... - SS
Rating: ***
Name of Site: Dog Horoscopes
URL: www.doghoroscopes.com
Plug-Ins: No
Navigability: Easy
Graphics: Medium, Good Quality
Internal Links: 24
Review: You've seen pet cemetaries, pet health insurance, now it's doggie horoscopes - believe it or not! Now you can find out why your dog keeps messing up the carpet or chewing up your favourite shoes - his Aquarian nature is pining for a better world where dogs and humans live in perfect harmony and equality. This site is definitely lighthearted and makes a bit of fun of the whole Zodiac thing, assigning all the usual human astrological traits to our canine friends. Dog lovers can send in their puppy photos for inclusion in the dog-star gallery, find out how compatible they really are with their pets, purchase popular doggie book titles through Amazon.com and share dog owning tips with other visitors. A few links to other good dog sites are provided as well. To sum this site up in one word..."woof!" - SS
Rating: ****
(reviewer's choice)
Name of Site: Astrology.com
URL: www.astrology.com
Plug-Ins: Yes
Navigability: Easy
Graphics: Medium, Good Quality
Internal Links: 100+
Review: The planets were definitely in alignment when the iVillage Women's Network secured the ultimate astrology domain name and approached Aussie-born Kelli Fox to be the figurehead, and turn it into her idea of the ultimate Astrology portal. Her mission is to reveal to the world that astrology is so much more than your daily horoscopes - although they are readily available here. She believes that the stars, and your place in amongst them, can guide all aspects of your life from romance to career to fitness and even technology. She has packed enough in to keep even the most skeptical reader amused for hours, with explainantions for celebrity break-ups, dozens of quizzes and profiles, Karmas, Auras and Chakras galore. Although most of what you will get is free, including emailed daily predictions and general star sign info, you'll have to pay for any full charts and reports. When you look at how thorough our Kelli is, a few dollars spent here should be quite rewarding. - SS
Rating: *****
Name of Site: Astrology.com.au
URL: www.astrology.com.au
Plug-Ins: Yes
Navigability: Easy
Graphics: Heavy, Very Good Quality
Internal Links: 16
Review: The stars were definitely in their proper places when astrologer and face-reader Dadichi was born. He has recently relaunched this domain to be a heavenly outpouring of predictions, enlightenment and esoteric shopping. A lovely flash intro takes you to the various departments - zodiac, soul connector (a star-crossed meeting place), compatibility factors, soul shop, and info about Dadichi's more personalised services. The visual impact of the site is enough to keep you hanging around, and the well presented free information will tempt you to try a more thorough reading. Enter the paranormal contest and share your spooky experience with the world. The value of this site is in the 'grand design'. - SS
Rating: *****
Name of Site: 1Horoscope
URL: www.1horoscope.com
Plug-Ins: No
Navigability: Easy
Graphics: Heavy, Medium Quality
Internal Links: 15
Review: If you can't secure a good domain name, why not just tack a "1" at the front - it'll catch on for sure. Actually, though this site is not the mega-portal you might expect, it has some very simple interactive devices and tools designed to brighten up your starry night sky. Some drop down boxes ask a few questions of each zodiac sign, both banal and "sexy". Check your biorythm for the day, and even pick your lotto numbers. There is a Palm Pilot program demo, free natal chart, paid readings, a "save the world" on-line discussion and email newsletter. That ought to keep you busy, at least until your biorhythms get back into sync. - SS
Rating: ****
Name of Site: Real Astrology
URL: www.realastrology.com
Plug-Ins: Yes
Navigability: Easy
Graphics: Medium, Good Quality
Internal Links: 50
Review: Rob Brezsney writes horoscopes. He also writes books, political ponderings, this web site and a lot of intelligent rock and roll. He is an unlikely astrologer, more of an iconoclast, using the esoteric tendencies of his world-wide audience to tune them into some new ways of thinking. His Zodiac column is syndicated in 125 publications. Here you get to learn a lot more about the man through his other writings, and even listen to him recite your astrological predictions in Real Audio. All his work is done with a sense of humour and a sense of irreverence for established stereotypes. He calls it "predicting the present". If you really like his work, you won't get a personal reading - he is way too busy - but he'll connect you with a few like-minded practitioners. In the mean time, there is plenty to see, do and hear right here. - SS
Rating: *****
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