Astrologers are fascinating.
What with their ability to predict one's immediate and long-term future based on the positions of celestial bodies at birth and how these relate to one another.
Often, astrologers believe that these divine entities influence one's personality and the choices he/she makes in life.
Usually, astrologers are sought for guidance in the areas of love, wealth, work and family relations.
Online astrologers are even more fascinating in that they give pieces of advice through the internet or an interactive computer program.
Online astrologers abound in popular social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.
This is not surprising.
With more and more people leading busy lifestyles, they could hardly find the time to personally see an astrologer who could guide them about their future.
However, questions like, "Could one trust these online astrologers? How does one distinguish the qualified (read "professionally trained") online astrologers from the unqualified ones?" The following tips may be of help: Experience.
The number of years a person has been practicing astrology lends wisdom and depth to the readings compared to someone who is quite a neophyte in this science-art.
It might help to email candidates and ask them when and how they started with astrology.
Often, a good and authentic astrologer would gladly share his/her education, training and years of practice.
Tools and Methods.
Find out which type of astrology he/she practices.
Yes, there are many types of astrology.
There is mundane astrology, esoteric astrology, electional astrology, Vedic astrology, etc.
What do you want? It may help to do a mini online research so one would be guided in the selection.
Reputation.
"Google" the candidates.
See if they have open cases of fraud or scandals.
If one knows any of the past clients, it would be good to ask them how the readings have worked for them.
Cost/Fees.
Service is not always free.
Some astrologers can probably give sample readings, but for a long-term relationship, one needs to know what kind of payments to make.
Professionalism.
This is among the most important considerations when choosing an astrologer, especially when one is looking for a long-term client-astrologer relationship.
There is nothing wrong with becoming friends with one's astrologer, but at the start, one should ensure that the friendship does not affect the objectivity of the readings.
In choosing an online astrologer, one must exercise as much caution as one does in choosing other professionals.
Remember that as the relationship progresses, this person will know a lot about your personal life.
If in doubt, give yourself some time.
Maybe you'll realize that you don't really an astrologer after all.
Maybe you just need a healthy dose of prayer and silence.