To put it lightly, I am NOT a fan of astrology. I'll try to ignore that bias and answer your question honestly.
Actually, I think you could secure a small income by performing astrology readings out of your home. There aren't very many people who put any trust in astrology anymore, and their numbers are shrinking. Nevertheless, it's a service that requires virtually no input costs, and if you ran the service out of your home, it's pretty likely that you could realize a profit.
Those that believe in astrology tend to be not very well educated, and from a low economic class. I mean no offense by that; I only want you to understand that you'll probably make a better profit if your services are relatively inexpensive, since more of your potential customers will then be able to afford them. For best effect, your services should be performed right in front of your clients, and should involve some level of showmanship. Again, I'm not trying to belittle what you're proposing, but if you're asking for someone's birthdate, scrolling down a chart, and then reading verbatim some canned information such as "hmm...says that the stars indicate financial changes are in store for you," then you're not going to have much repeat business.
Astrology believers think astrology works because there is a vaguely scientific component to it. There's a lot of math and physics behind the movement of the heavens, and that lends a sense of respectability to the whole thing. That's what seperates astrology,which some people take seriously, from palm reading and crystal balls, which pretty much everyone agrees is only for entertainment. Understand that your clients are looking for some process behind the results. Sit them down, show them some charts, perform some calculations, crack some books for them. There *has* to be a component involved that they couldn't do on their own if you ever want to see them again. Having an orrery (working, moving model of the solar system) would be a big help, as would anything you can demonstrate in front of them that doesn't involve just a pen and paper or a book.
Whether you believe in astrology or not, there is no shame in putting on a show. Even if you have a method which you believe in and want to use, put some icing on that cake. Make some things up!
Here's an example I just came up with off the top of my head: magnetic tides. What are magnetic tides, you ask? Why, it's very simple. The core of our planet is filled with iron, which reacts with the magnetic north pole. However, extraterrestrial objects orbiting our solar system have their own magnetic fields, and these have a profound and direct influence on your physiology. By analyzing the iron content of major planets, moons, and asteroids, we can predict what effect these movements will have on your body and your mind. These magnetic fields affect how well you sleep, how well you think, your personality, and even your health. Here's a model of several key asteroids scattered throughout our solar system blahblahblah...
Optionally, you can add some credentials. Although astrology is not recognized by any accredited institution, there are simple study guides which can be purchased (you probably know more than they'll tell you already), and...degrees for purchase! Yes, you read correctly. You can purchase a doctorate degree in metaphysics, for example, from the Universal Life Church, www.themonastery.org, for $32.99. Honestly, the degrees are very nicely done, and the ULC will back up your claim of a doctorate, although they specify that it is honorary.
I'm not trying to belittle your idea. I really do think that it has merit, and if you do it correctly, that you can make a modest income from it. I'm not sure that I'd expect your services to provide the type of income that you might get from a full-time job, but who knows. With enough time and some word-of-mouth advertising, you may well be able to make a sustainable profit. Good luck!
Answered By: Dave B. - 4/4/2011 |