Ruled By Their Stars

Astrology is an ancient philosophy used for predicting future events based on the movement of the planets, the sun, the stars and the moon. It played an important role in early civilizations and was used to predict weather patterns, forecast natural disasters and war.

While many people have a natural curiousity towards their star signs and what their horoscopes reveal, many world leaders have used astrologers to guide their actions and aid their decisions.

Carroll Righter, astrologer to stars such as Marlene Dietrich and Cary Grant, was also a close friend and confidente to Ronald and Nancy Reagan. Considered to be the most closely guarded secret of the Reagan White House, the Reagans consulted astrologers for every major move and decision in the White House. (People Magazine May 23, 1988)

But he was not the first American president to hold such a strong interest. Calvin Coolidge, Richard Nixon, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt have all been reported to have sought advice from astrologers at one time or another.

Astrology was widely used during World War II as a psychological weapon by both Germans and British. Winston Churchill used an astrologer to better understand the actions of his adversary, Adolph Hitler. Napoleon Bonaparte was also a strong believer in the stars.

William Lilley, the English astronomer, advised both Oliver Cromwell and King Charles I during the Civil War. Queen Elizabeth I was also known to consult John Dee, an English alchemist and astrologer. He was asked to name a day for Elizabeth's coronation, and he gave her lessons in the mystical interpretation of his writings.

The Queen Mother, Princess Diana and Princess Grace of Monaco have also pursued an interest in astrology.

Boris Yeltsin, the Russian president was a keen follower of astrology as was Indira Gandhi. French President Francois Mitterrand was known to have consulted the stars. Even Margaret Thatcher was not immune.

Astrology is considered to be part of the new age movement which encompasses other beliefs such as reincarnation, crystals, meditation and holistic health. Yet all of these beliefs appear as a sharp contrast to the personalities of the leaders and rulers mentioned above.

Article Source: http://www.therepozitory.com.au

Written by Michelle Sweeney.

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