by Nancy Frederick

It used to be quite risqué to answer an ad in the personals, but now it seems as though everyone is using the point and click method of finding a significant other. Many of these cyber liaisons become in-person romances -- sometimes permanent ones. How can you make your own online dating adventures successful? Read on!

Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Usually you just take the caveman approach to mating -- you see a hottie and drag him or her back to your cave. Meeting and mating online takes a little finesse, and this can be a good thing. Developing a bit more patience while chatting online before the fateful first meeting allows you to get to know each other in a real way -- before chemistry takes over. You'll probably always prefer the instant gratification of meeting in person, but this is something to do in the odd moments when you're at home on the computer.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Meeting someone online really appeals to you because it means you can chat in your scruffy bathrobe without all the stress of looking your best. It just makes sense in this hectic world to interview potential candidates from the comfort of home. A box of chocolates or a glass of wine, and an evening of sitting at the computer chatting with one or more possible dates can really feel like fun. You're particular and it's a great way to weed out undesirables.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
It was probably a Gemini who invented online dating. It's great to reach out and meet dozens of new people, all of whom have an interesting story to tell. Your life is busy and hectic, and chances are there's no shortage of real-life companions, but it's hard to resist the possibility of connecting anew. If it leads to something in person, that's great, and if not, it's also fun to have new people as online pen pals. If there's no real connection, it's no harm, no foul and you both move on.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
You like new buddies as much as the next person, but can you really meet the love of your life via computer? It takes a lot of friends' success stories to prod you, but one great thing about online meeting is that your natural shyness isn't an impediment. Take chances, be bold, share deep personal things in your initial emails. Then when the relationship moves to more intimate phone contact, it's not scary at all. By the time you've weeded through your choices and set an in-person meeting, it feels comfortable.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
The greatest thing about online dating is that it's not blind. There are dozens of pictures to blaze through and there's no reason even to have initial contact with anyone whose image doesn't appeal. Yes, it's possible to find someone attractive who isn't interesting -- and worse yet, someone interesting who isn't attractive -- but it doesn't take as long to review zillions of potential choices online as it does in person at a club. You like the odds and enjoy the chance of finding a special person whom you might not otherwise bump into.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
There's nothing worse than wasting an evening with a dull dud of a blind date, but by connecting online it's possible to distinguish dream date from dud in advance. Having a profile and picture to peruse just makes sense. You can ditch the undesirables and move on without even having to meet. It's also appealing to share a few emails first. That way it's possible to see if there's intellectual compatibility. When you finally do meet, you know what to expect and nothing appeals to Virgo more than that!

About the Author
Nancy Frederick has been writing about New Age topics and counseling clients all over the world for over twenty years. Her most recent astrology book, 'The Astro Tutor', is currently available.