Prompt Cast
The Rise and Popularity of Astrology in Modern Culture
TLDR Astrology, once considered a fringe practice, has experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly among millennials. This episode explores the journey of astrology from a marginalized tradition to a multi-billion-dollar industry, highlighting the stories of influential figures like Evangeline Adams and Nancy Reagan.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Astrology has made a comeback in popularity, particularly among millennials, despite its decline during the Enlightenment.
06:09
Astrology has become a growing part of our culture, and this episode will explore its rise from a fringe practice to a multi-billion-dollar industry through the stories of an astrologer and someone who brought astrology into the most powerful office in the country.
11:38
Evangeline, after being introduced to astrology by Dr. J. Heather Smith, became fascinated with the practice and began studying and offering readings, despite the disapproval and illegality of astrology at the time.
16:57
Evangeline's prediction of a fire at the Windsor hotel came true, gaining her attention and clients, including prominent figures like J.P. Morgan, as uncertainty and risk in American life led people to seek out astrology for guidance.
22:58
Evangeline Adams, a prominent astrologer, faced crackdowns and arrests by the government, but decided to go to trial in order to defend astrology and ensure its survival as a true and viable tradition.
29:01
Evangeline Adams successfully defended astrology in court, leading to increased legitimacy and popularity for the practice, and she capitalized on her fame through books, newspaper columns, and a syndicated radio program.
34:55
Evangeline Adams accurately predicted the stock market crash of 1929, which led to a surge in demand for astrology as people sought reassurance and a sense of control during the crisis.
41:26
Ronald Reagan's former chief of staff, Don Regan, revealed in his tell-all book that Nancy Reagan relied heavily on the advice of an astrologer, sparking a significant story that freaked people out and led to Barrett Seaman's investigation to uncover the astrologer's identity.
46:37
Nancy Reagan relied on an astrologer to determine the best days for the president to do various things, such as travel, and while Ronald Reagan was indifferent to astrology, Nancy had dabbled in it since the 1970s and turned to it as a coping mechanism after the assassination attempt on her husband.
51:45
The Reagan's faced criticism and public scrutiny for Nancy Reagan's reliance on an astrologer, but the general public sympathized with her fear and understood her need for astrology as a coping mechanism.
Categories:
History
Society & Culture
