Crushes and relationship problems first got her into astrology. "It was fun to check compatibility ratings based on signs," she stated in an email. "If my friends have a crush or are having relationship problems with a friend or relative, I tend to ask them their star signs and provide an explanation."

Suh's parents supported her curious nature while she was growing up, inadvertently propelling her on a path to the stars. "I've never been denied freedom by my parents," she stated. "I could pull out all the tissues in a Kleenex box and they wouldn't say anything. When I drew on the walls, they just spread a roll of drawing paper over it. Acquiring knowledge in any form has always been encouraged in my family."

Alexis Kim

Emboldened by her parent's support, Suh developed her knowledge of astrology. She first began reading astrological guides when she was a "very curious" six year old. "I love to research," she stated. "I'm subscribed to daily cosmic calendars (which show how the planets are aligned on certain days) and horoscopes, and I check many Internet sources." Suh's research has paid off. Her parents have even asked her about their own signs, as well as about "how to handle situations with their coworkers, friends, family and themselves," she stated.

Suh explained that astrologists need much more than knowledge of the stars to write good horoscopes. "I put a lot of dedication into my writing," she stated. "A horoscope section has to deliver quick yet cogent advice with a relatively hopeful outlook. I'm optimistic. I can warn them about negative energy and help them cope instead of saying 'you're doomed.'"

Astrology is based on the theory that the position of the planets and moon affects one's life in terms of personality, social interaction and other earthly occurrences, according to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary ( www.merriam-webster.com). In its beginnings, astrology was studied with the aid of a telescope and a clear view of the night sky.

Naturally, Suh doesn't use the old-school telescope method to make her predictions in fog-infested San Francisco. "I use the Internet to glimpse at what's coming up with the planets," she stated. "It enables me to predict a little anxiety here, a little opportunity there, romance and boldness."

Suh thinks of astrology as a springboard in taking that first step rather than as a strict guideline to life. "There's been a number of days where I woke up feeling a bit agoraphobic," she stated, "but my horoscope pushed me to head outside or at least spend the time indoors being productive. Astrology is never 100-percent accurate, but it helps those who are less impulsive take a first step."

It is this aspect of astrology that aids those who are confronting a potential love interest, according to Suh, who explained that hearing "Venus is on your side" as opposed to "I sorta think he kinda looked at me that way," is much more empowering to a would-be love interest.

And empowering advice-seekers is exactly why Suh spends so much time staring at the stars — at least partly. "The ultimate goal of an astrologist is the well-being of those who seek advice," Suh stated, "Plus, it's a lot of fun."