The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-02-06
ASTROLOGY NOW THE FAD.
Society Is Taking To Reading Stars Instead
of Palms.

heaulnE StaTs Instead
of Palms.
From the Chicago Chronicle.
Society is getting interested in the
stars not extraordinarily but astrologi-
cally, and astroiogy threatens to dis
place palmistry as a social diversion.
Some people say that society is tickle
any way in its choice of entertainments,
and what is a favorite one day Will be
tossed aside for something new to-mor-
row. The studies which verge on the
occult and mysterious always interest
the society folk, and any alleged science
which processes to give them a glimpse
at the future Will have its day sooner
or later. 1t will be on the top wave of
popularity one day and go down the
next only to bob up again at some flu
ture time, when it has remained half
way forgotten for a period.
Now 1t Is future representation via
the stars that is arouslng enthusiasm,
and the astrologers are getting buster
every day. and the star reader who has
the greatest facility in telling about fu-
lures is the busiest of them all. Astrol-
ogy has been slightly dormant for some
time, but now is experiencing greater
revival than ii has known for years.
Many people in Chicago are taking hold
of it with such vigor that they are delv-
ing into old, musty books, as well as a
few modern volumes, finding out all
astrologer who comes around to see any
of these people would better be well up
in his art. The popular way of provid-
ing astrological entertainment is to have
an astrologer come in a professional
way to "a private home. where party
of congenial friends has assembled to
hear the reading of the characters and
futures of all those present All of the
guests have been previously instructed
by the hostess to find out as nearly as
possible the exact hour at which they
were born. All those invited to the star
party then begin a short season of actiY-
ity in diving into their early histories.
Sometimes these lower branches of the
genealogical tree are hard to find, but
everybody knows at least the day of his
birth and the astrologer can tell a great
deal with only that much Information
Fortified with all the information OBJ
tainable regarding the time of their
birth, the guests assemble at the home
of the hostess and the astrologer makes
his appearance. He is often gaZed upon
with no little awe by the company. be-
cause all of them are fully aware that
he is going to tell them lot of Won
derful things they would rather not
have revealed. When the latter feature
is in prospect IL often superinduces
little nervousness. With some kinds of
people this may even add to the fascina-
ton Of the art Generally the astrolo-
ger takes the guests in regular order as
they are, seated about the parlor, and,
taking the hour of the birth of each
subject. casts brief horoscope and
reads to the entire party the character
and future of the person before him.
The astrologer does not contine himself
entirely to the character and future of
his subject. but often rummages around
considerably i'll his or her past. While
each person is up for consideration the
whole party sits silently about the par
Tor listening intently 10 the horoscope
as revealed by the astrologer. Often
times the revelations altord the guests
much amusement and the subject con-
siderable confusion. However. the
hostess is careful to select guests who
are either very well acquainted with
each other or who she is sure will be
congenial. Then there is not likely To
be any embarrassment of much mo-
ment.
People of all ages take an interest in
these astrology parties. but perhaps the
young and middle-aged take a warmer
personal interest in them than the old
folks. Sometimes the latter take great
interest in them on account of their de-
scendants. Then the astrological affairs
partake of the nature of family parties.
Fathers and mothers have the astrologer
east the horoscopes and read the char
acters of their children and grandpa
rents have him do the same for grand
children. Some of these parents and
grandparents believe so firmly in the
readings of the astrologer that they are
studied, or at least considerably influ-
enced, in their training of the children.
Ii the astrologer should tell them that
child had well defined talent ii a certain
direction they would be careful that the
child should receive Instructions and ed
ucation in that direction, and il he told
them that the child possessed a charac-
terstie of an evil nature they would
take the greatest care 10 retard the de-
N,lopment Of this quality OF incl nation,
or even eradicate IN entirely # nnssihle
At number OF these parties a most in
tercsting feature. especially 10 unmarried
people, has developed N the way OF mat
rimonial advice. After casting tho hora-
scope of a bachelor or an unmarried
Young lady the astrologgr clears ms
throat and begins To talk about the Sc
lection 81 "a life companion, tu the intense
delight Of the audience.
Now. Miss Smith, 20 saws the astroloyer
YOU must marry dJrk-yyyd. dark com
plcNiuncd young man with sensitive.
sympathetic, tender affeotjuuate. nature
The guests laugh and Miss Smith bushes
but does NOT deny that the horoscope
caster has described the youuE man who
will stand the hest chance ~ ,,t,rFpf-