Reach for the stars

Most people are happy to leave it in the hands of fate - but there are many who would prefer to know exactly what life is going to throw at them.

Magazines and newspapers are full of horoscopes for the coming year.

Readers will pour over the predictions, hoping to discover whether that promotion at work will happen or if they will meet the person of their dreams.

In this scientific day and age, it seems we are increasingly trying to gaze into our own crystal balls and control our futures with the help of astrologers like Russell Grant and psychics like Mystic Meg.

According to Kim Farnell, a London astrologer, the reasons people use astrology are varied.

"People want to talk about themselves and hear about themselves and they want some confidence in what's happening next," she says.

"By doing their horoscope, they want confidence in their decisions."

She believes seeing what the stars hold for us allows us to gain an insight into our lives.

"By having more knowledge we have more control," she explains.

"People are looking for extra knowledge, more insight and direction on things. It can help you get control over what you're doing."

She adds that many of her customers come to her simply out of curiosity.

"Some people just come because they are interested, they just want to see what you're likely to say to them."

Professor Christopher French, a psychologist at Goldsmith's College, University of London, says only certain types of people believe in astrology.

"Some people have an internal locus of control, which means they feel that things that happen in their lives are down to their own actions.

"Those with an external locus of control believe things happen to them because of forces out there such as the stars and powerful others.

"They need to feel they are in control of their lives," he explains.

However, Farnell believes people turn to the stars for guidance when they are facing a change in their lives.

"Some are about to start a new job or college course," she says. "They have reached a new stage and want to know what's coming up. They could be starting a relationship.

"The one thing that's consistent is that they're going through some sort of change.

" It doesn't need to be a huge change, but they are usually undergoing some sort of change.

"The expectation is people come initially for that but then come back for updates.

They come back six months later and just want to continue the process."

Those facing a crisis may also look to other sources for comfort. "A lot of people go to see a clairvoyant when they've recently been bereaved," says Farnell.

In a time when church congregation numbers are rapidly dwindling, Farnell thinks people are using astrology as a replacement.

She contends: "People don't have confidence in priests any longer.

"Psychics are taking that role on. Also, people often don't want to go into therapy or counselling so seeing a medium is an alternative to that."

But does astrology actually work? French is sceptical. "There are literally hundreds of studies that say astrologers can't do what they think they can do."

He adds: "There are also many con artists out there who are more than willing to take your money and give what I call a 'cold reading'.

"They give comments on the information being given and ask questions but in a way that makes them sound like statements.

"How you respond may give hints so you will be the one supplying the specific information."

Even Farnell is cautious when it comes to newspaper and magazine horoscopes.

"They're alright as far as they go but they don't go very far. You need a personal reading which can only be done on a one-to-one basis."

It is always fun to read your horoscope and see if it comes true and there should be no harm in going to see a psychic for an individual reading.

But warning bells should ring, Farnell says, if the psychic asks for extra money to solve a problem, or predicts your death.

"Most people argue you can't accurately predict when you're going to die.

"The astrologer could see the end of something but it could just be moving house," she adds.

Despite not believing in the accuracy of astrology himself, French does think it can be helpful, especially if it is being used as a therapy alternative.

He says: "It might be that what people are getting from these sessions is cut-price counselling.

"Going and spending £10/£15 on a consultation with a psychic can be much cheaper than seeing a therapist. In that sense it might be providing a social function."

However, he thinks it can be dangerous when people feel they need astrology to run their lives.

"There are situations where people are absolutely dependant on their psychic," he says.

"It is healthier not to have that dependence, you need to make your own decisions."

For something different to do on a Saturday afternoon, however, there is nothing wrong in visiting a psychic for some fun predictions.

But make sure you take Farnell's advice: "Astrologers won't tell you what to do, they can suggest but you're not going to be told what to do.

"People can be disappointed if they expect plans to be made for them.

"And remember, there are limitations to what an astrologer can do. It's not magic."