Blog Archives

Astrology – it’s a riot! (Editorial)

Eleven prison riot dates were examined to see if there were any associations between phases of the moon and incidence of riots. In this small exploratory study findings suggest a possible relationship between certain degree areas of the lunar cycle and incidence of rioting. Further research on larger samples is recommended.

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The golden fabric of Time or “phi in the sky”

The relevance of the golden ratio is presented in relation to the solar-llunar periods and the Jupiter Saturn cycles.

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A lunar cycle in mare fertility

An earlier article (Kollerstrom and Power, 2000) presented evidence that the full moon had an effect upon the fertility of thoroughbred mares (as used for breeding of racehorses).Here a further data-set from the same breeding station is here used to complement the original findings. These showed that there were peaks and troughs both in the likelihood of conception (‘fertility’) of the mares, and in the number of ‘coverings’ i.e. mating-pair events at the studfarm, at specific parts of the lunar month. The peak occurred around or just after the Full Moon. The data was taken from studbook records over fourteen consecutive years, 1986-1999 all from one single studfarm, in Newmarket UK. In all, 2318 mating-pair events are here examined. The results show that, while there is a dominant three-week rhythm in mare fertility that is endogenous, i.e. the estrus cycle, there is also a monthly, exogenous rhythm relating to the lunar cycle, which is significant for fertility and could be large enough to be of practical relevance. This article puts forward the evidence for this lunar-monthly effect.

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Latest geomagnetic research: a report

A list of abstracts relating to this field of interest is presented which include scientific articles that may strike chords in the astrological conscioiusness, all dealing with the earth’s magnetosphere

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Statistical analysis of the birth charts of serial killers

In this study, hypotheses of astrologers about the predominance of specific astrological factors in the birth charts of serial killers are tested. In particular, Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces), the 12th principles (12th house, Pisces, Neptune) and specific Moon aspects are expected to be frequent among serial killers as compared to the normal population.
A sample consisting of two datasets of male serial killers was analysed: one set consisting of birth data with a reliable birth time (N=77) and another set with missing birth times (12:00 AM was used, N=216). The set with known birth times was selected from AstroDatabank and an astrological publication. The set with unknown birth times was selected from three specialised sources on the Internet.
Various control groups were obtained by shuffle methods, by time-shifting and by sampling birth data of 6,000 persons from AstroDatabank. Theoretically expected frequencies of astrological factors were derived from the control samples. Probability-density functions were obtained by bootstrap methods and were used to estimate significance levels.
It is found that serial killers are frequently born when celestial factors are in Mutable signs (with birth time: p=0.005, effect size=0.31; without birth time: p=0.002, effect size=0.25). The frequency of planets in the 12th house is significantly high (p=0.005, effect size=0.31, for birth times only) and the frequency distribution of Moon aspects deviates from the theoretical distribution in the whole sample (p=0.0005) and in the dataset with known birth time (p=0.001).
It is concluded that, based on the two datasets, some of the claims of astrologers cannot be rejected.

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PART 2: Developing the Geophysical Perspective

Geomagnetic theory is tested on the Gauquelin professional data and shows that lunar time has a controlling influence on the strength of the Gauquelin Effect in key sectors. Other predictions reveal effects due to lunar perigee and nodal cycles. Traditional astrological categories are more relevant than modern because they are closer to those of geomagnetic theory. The question of solar activity in the Gauquelin data must be re-opened.

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Managing fertility treatments and stress with astrology

Disappointment can drive infertile couples to consider unusual or unconventional tactics for ensuring a successful pregnancy. Ancient lore associates particular astrological arrangements with fertility, and the possibility that astrology can be valuable in identifying optimal dates for fertility treatments is intriguing. This article discusses how astrology ahs been successfully used as a counselling vehicle for managing concerns such as infertility and chronic pain and also presents a summary of research into selection of fertility treatment dates (using strology) and fertility treatment outcome in two studies.

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Sex difference in response to stress by lunar month: a pilot study of four years’ crisis-call frequency

The study is in response to the question of whether the moon can influence daily levels of stress. Method: 4 years of telephone call frequency data were obtained from a single crisis-call centre. We used the method of lunar day numbers 1 to 29 for analysis. We also tested the concept of “strong moons” as occurring when the Sun was near to the lunar-node axis. Results: an increase in calls was recorded from females and a decrease in calls by males during the new moon period, suggesting a sex difference in response, and there were proportionally more calls by males a fortnight later. A comparable swing in the nale/female call-ratio on a weekly basis over Fridays and Saturdays was noted. Limitations of staffing at the call centre prohibited comment on seasonal correlations. Conclusion: lunar related studies of stress should endeavour to separate the data by sex or the effect can be lost. Distress calls by women were more strongly linked to the lunar month than were those by men.

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The influence of the full moon on the number of admissions related to gastrointestinal bleeeding

The objective of this study was to analyse whether the number of admissions for gastrointestinal bleeding to our bleeding unit increases during the full moon. In a propsective study, we included 447 consecutive patients with gastrointestinal haemorrhage admitted to our bleeding unit during a period of two years. The number of admissions was allocated to the corresponding day of the lunar cycle, and full moon and non-full moon days were compared. A wide variation in the number of admissions throughout the lunar cycle was observed. There were 26 admissions on the 25 days of full moon and 421 admissions in the remainng 713 days of non-full moon. This difference was mainly related to a higher incidence of haemorrhage in men and variceal haemorrhage at full moon. The results of this study suggest an increase in the number of admissions related to gastrointestinal haemorrhage in our bleeding unit during the full moon, especially in men and in patients experiencing variceal haemorrhoage. However, the wide variation in the number of admissions throughout the lunar cycle could limit interpretation of the results. Therefore, further studies are needed to clariy the possible influence of the moon on gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

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In the Shadow of the Moon: People’s Experience of Viewing Eclipses

Anecdotal and historical evidence suggests that solar eclipses have a powerful effect on those who experience them. This qualitative study, conducted by email, used emailed questionnaires and semi-structured personal interviews in order to record first-hand testimony from eclipse-watchers. The results support the propo-sition that the direct observation of a solar eclipse tends to be an emotionally profound experience

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