The number of cars stolen in the Avon and Somerset Constabula1)’ area from owners of each of the twelve birth signs exhibits an approximately sinusoidal variation of one year period and amplitude approximately 10% of the monthly mean. The distribution of owners’ births throughout the year, the potential victim sample, also varies approximately sinusoidally by the same period albeit of amplitude approximately only 5% of the monthly mean and transposed a month or so earlier. Allowing for the variation in numbers of potential victims leaves a residual cycle of owners, birth signs that corresponds closely to that of young thieves. This may suggest that thieves and owners share the same preferences, which differ according to zodiacal sign.

A recent article in Correlation is criticised for applying an inappropriate methodology in attempting to verify astrological accounts of human motivation. It is argued that astrology can offer only partial explanations of human motivation and behaviour, just as no single variable identified by social and psychological science can explain such behaviour with any more than partial success. Two case histories from a longitudinal study illustrate the complexity of making predictions, and explaining human behaviour. The potential role for astrology and astrological counseling in this process is discussed.

The moods and behaviour of prison wardens and inmates were observed over a three month period where subjects were required to keep a mood diary. Levels of mood ranging from very happy to sad were recorded daily and the times and changes of mood compared with phase changes in the lunar cycle. The study showed that there was more use of control and restraint during the first quarter and last quarter moon than there was during a full moon. However, it was concluded that the results were inconclusive because the study was conducted only for three months and a study conducted over a greater length of time was needed.