Ever wonder why you get that call from that special person at a certain time, a letter arrives on a Monday instead of a Wednesday, why a full moon makes you feel somewhat crazed, why you attract the same type of woman or man even when you are using your 'best judgement.' Why? Why? Why?
Some call it Karma, some cosmic forces at work, no matter what the moniker; the stars hold secrets, fate, and fortune for us. But alas, how does one interpret the stars if one is astrologically challenged? That is where astrologer Charlene Lichtenstein, AKA Madame Lichtenstein, comes in.
You know her probing gaze from the pages of the Nightspots weekly horoscopes. Her horoscopes are filled with humor and insight into the very things that make each of us, well, us. Personality types, the effects of the planets on our moods, these things she probes not only in her weekly horoscopes, but also in her highly acclaimed book Herscopes (Simon & Schuster). Note to the Lesbians: you must read this book if you want insight into that special woman, the ones you want to shag or yourself.
Presently, she just completed a book on cooking and astrology. Here the charming Sagittarius talks about why she searches the stars for insight into our GLBT lives.
Q: How did you become interested in astrology?
A: I rediscovered it about 10 years ago after a quick fling with it in high school. It was running into an old girlfriend and feeling the same spark. I became fascinated with how accurate and all-encompassing it was. From that point on I was hooked.
Q: Why is it important to read astrology at times with a GLBT viewpoint? Do you do straight horoscopes?
A: I think there is nothing better than feeling connected to an article whether it is a personal story, a news report or fun features like a horoscope. So in my opinion, connection and community are the main reasons why a GLBT horoscope is so sought after and important. Most of the time I feel like an outsider looking in while reading content in the mainstream press. I do write straight horoscopes but they are more of the alternative kind, a little spicier and hopefully more fun and entertaining that the standard blah sun sign column.
Q: What are some of the biggest misconception about astrology?
A: The main one is that astrology predicts the future. I really wish that it did but it doesn't. I would love to predict the winning lotto numbers. Alas, I am no psychic. Astrology is a personal guidance tool that can help you plan better courses of action that are more in sync with who you are. In addition to that it is a great way to meet women!
Q: I read your book HerScopes and it seemed right on target with all of the astrological signs. How difficult was this book to write? What have been some of the responses from women? And will this help people in relationships or those who are seeking ones?
A: Well thank you! The book launched in 2000 and I still receive fan mail—most recently from a woman who moved from France to Australia and read the book on the flight. She wrote to tell me that it was uncanny for her and that she knows a particular Pisces who needs to read more about her love style. I asked for details and am waiting for a reply. More testimonials can be found on my Web site www.TheStarryEye.com . Ignore the ones from my partner and relatives. I wrote it to help women in all areas of life with an emphasis on relationships. But it is the only lesbian astrology book out there that examines all aspects of our lives, love, money, friends, family, health, secrets and dare I say weaknesses. Obviously that is the shortest section.
Q: What new books are you working on?
A: Calling all publishers! I'm working on an astrology cookbook and a corporate key to success book. The corporate one is a real potboiler. At least I think so.
Q: How can astrology help people in their everyday lives?
A: I use void-of-course moons, eclipses and retrograde periods to plan for better timing of events. VOC moons are cool-down creative periods not good for detailed work. Eclipses are highly emotional periods so we go off on strange and unproductive tangents. Retrogrades (such as mercury) cause misunderstanding and confusion. Checks get lost in the mail, phone calls are unanswered etc.
Q: Do you read for yourself?
A: One really can't read for oneself and I make myself crazy doing it. Reading into all sorts of things and magnifying problems. I have a great friend who is very knowledgeable in astrology. We read each other's charts, call each other when heavy-duty transits are about to hit and bounce ideas off each other for courses of action. So she is my star buddy.
Q: What is the strangest thing that has happened to you involving your astrology?
A: Aside from dancing naked under the night sky of the last full moon, nothing.
