Prompt Cast
The Rise, Fall, and Resurgence of Astrology in the US
TLDR Astrology, once considered disreputable and even illegal, has experienced a resurgence in popularity in the US. From its origins as a fringe practice to a multi-billion dollar industry, this episode explores the stories of individuals who popularized astrology and its impact on mainstream culture, including its influence on a former US president.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Astrology's popularity has made a comeback in the US today despite its decline during the Enlightenment.
06:30
Astrology went from a fringe practice to a multi-billion dollar industry, and this episode explores the stories of an astrologer who popularized it in the US and someone who sought solace in astrology and brought it into the most powerful office in the country.
11:45
Evangeline became fascinated with astrology and began studying and practicing it, despite the fact that it was considered disreputable and even illegal at the time.
16:57
Evangeline faced rejection when she tried to rent space for her astrology business at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, but found success at the Windsor Hotel where the owner welcomed her and even asked her to read his horoscope, which turned out to be accurate when a fire consumed the hotel the next day.
22:37
Evangeline Adams, a successful astrologer, faced government crackdowns and was arrested in 1911, but instead of paying the fine, she decided to go to trial to defend astrology and ensure its survival.
28:33
Evangeline Adams successfully defended astrology in court, arguing that she was not predicting events but rather warning based on planetary configurations, and as a result, she gained fame and attracted famous clients.
34:31
Evangeline Adams successfully brought astrology into mainstream culture, gaining fame through books, newspaper columns, and a syndicated radio program, and accurately predicting the stock market crash of 1929, which led to a surge in interest in astrology during the Great Depression.
40:17
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, which caused a significant scandal during Reagan's presidency.
45:46
Nancy Reagan relied heavily on astrology for scheduling decisions during her husband's presidency, and while Ronald Reagan was indifferent to it, it was speculated that astrology influenced more substantial matters such as military actions and negotiations.
50:42
Nancy Reagan's reliance on astrology during her husband's presidency caused controversy and raised questions about national security, but the general public was sympathetic towards her and the story eventually faded.
Categories:
History
Society & Culture
