Astrology has embraced a high-tech future

From Correspondent Rick Lockridge

ATLANTA (CNN) -- Astrologers, who look to the stars and planets to provide guidance for their clients, are also turning out horoscopes these days with the aid of software and search engines.

Evidence that the ancient art has changed came recently as the United Astrology Congress -- a convention of astrologers -- met in Atlanta.

Convention-goers could see some of the stereotypes of their trade -- gongs, flowing robes, crystal balls, iridescent gemstones and mysterious oils.

Watch the full report VXtreme streaming video (2:10)

Read your horoscope on CNN Custom News (In the 'alt' section)

But in a sign that astrology has embraced a high-tech future, the old ways were side-by-side with the new, including laptops, workstations and sophisticated software with pulldown menus of the planets.

Computers can be very useful to busy astrologers, says Ena Stanley, president of the Online College of Astronomy. ( 116K/10 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

Information that may have taken years to collect and tabulate can now be processed in minutes, adds Mark McDonough, president of Astro Databank.

Crystal balls are viewed as stereotypes of astrology

But Patricia White of Astrolabe Software says technology has not changed the basic premise of astrology: that one's place in the world is determined at birth and shapes everything about the life that follows. ( 93K/8 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

Contrary to what you might think, astrologers -- unlike psychics -- are not big on making predictions. But at CNN's request, astrologer Christopher Gibson used his computer to forecast what's in store for President Clinton in his running battle with Independent Counsel Ken Starr. ( 94K/6 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

Patricia White of Astrolab Software talks about using technology to make predictions
	707K/20 sec./160x120 QuickTime movie

While astrologers lack the endorsement of so-called "real" scientists, they are thriving nonetheless, says White, with or without computers. ( 229K/23 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

Check out what's coming up on next week's Tomorrow/Today