I have recently added to the small collection of data I reported in my earlier publication (Douglas 2001), with 159 firstborns of Rodden Rating A or better, from the Astrodatabank collection, and although the numbers are still small they are sufficient to demonstrate a replication of the Gauquelin Effect for Saturn. The salient features of this finding are that:
1. whereas there are significant excesses of SA in key sectors for firstborns, there is none at all for the laterborns in the same sample, and
2. these samples are made up of a heterogeneous group of minor and major celebrities, royalty, politicians and a very small number of eminent scientists. Thus as a whole, they are not expected to display a SA effect based on known eminence correlations. They show a small excess of JU in key sectors, (see below) and no excess of SA. This is consistent with the presence of a large number of celebrities in the sample.

Book review:

Collections of papers presented at conferences are not always the most interesting of books. They have their uses, of course, enabling those who were unable to attend the conference to read what was said, and as archive material for later researchers to refer to, but the editors of collections of papers rarely set their sights any higher than aiming to provide a record.
This book, however, is different. The editors and conference organisers realised that with the inaugural conference of a totally new academic centre, specialising in a discipline which is itself new, the book would not only have to provide a record of what was presented, but would also become the benchmark for the centre itself, and to some extent for the whole area of study, defining the field for those who would follow. The book amply demonstrates that their vision has been fully realised. The speakers and contributors, too, appear to have been aware of the significance of the occasion, and have each given of their very best, papers which are not only excellent in themselves but which also open the way to further research and debate.
There are fifteen papers here, plus introductory pieces by Patrick Curry, and Nicholas Campion, who is head of the Sophia Centre The papers are wide-ranging in both content and approach: some are straightforward historical studies, spanning eras from the classical world through the Renaissance to early Modern England, while others approach the subject from a more scientific view, and one is a statistical study. Several debate how cultural astronomy and astrology could or should be studied in an academic environment, and a couple comment on how doing so would inevitably create intellectual tensions and divisions, to the detriment of the subject itself.
There are, of course, tensions and divisions within the astrological community, and several of these papers carry with them the political message of their authors. This is unavoidable. Yet these undercurrents are very much a part of the state of astrology in the present day, and a fit subject for study. The astrologer and his prejudices and preoccupations are part of what gives astrology its vitality, and should therefore be viewed as part of the whole phenomenon. Some readers may find it strange that two of the papers in this collection care concerned with the interpretation of horoscopes corresponding to the dates of the conference – yet it would be stranger still to exclude them, for the horoscope and its symbols are the specific language of astrology, and it is this language and its contribution to our wider culture that the Sophia Centre aims to study.
It is interesting, too, to note the subtle differences between papers written by those who are ‘inside’ the practice of astrology, and those who stand outside. Prudence Jones’ ‘Aspects of Deity’ is carefully researched and clearly presented, without a hint of that over-enthusiasm or tendency to leap to unsupportable conclusions to which other ‘insiders’ are sometimes prone, yet it is equally clear that her standpoint is firmly within the practice, speaking from experience rather than standing outside looking in. Her closing sentences are almost a mission statement for the whole Sophia enterprise when she says that ‘…astrological knowledge can help historical research. …It allows us to find our way easily around the structure of ancient cosmology and to unpick ambiguous definitions. …Without insider knowledge we are lost when dealing with the astrological worldview of Hellenistic (and much earlier) philosophy. With it we can begin to make sense of otherwise baffling imagery.’
It is particularly pleasing to note that as well as offering a wide historical and philosophical range, this collection also offers a wide geographical range in that it contains contributions from scholars in France, Spain, Finland, Poland, Brazil and the US. Such genuinely worldwide participation can only be applauded and, it is hoped, continued in the future.
The fact that fifteen papers of such widely different topics and viewpoints can sit side-by-side with each other and be taken together as valid approaches to a multifaceted subject is due in no small measure to the wonderfully broad and accommodating envelope laid out by Campion’s introduction. His overview of the history of the study and the strands within it gives everything its due place and makes sense of a difficult subject. For once, the introduction really does introduce what follows, helping the reader place the papers in context.
The book makes no secret of the fact that it is intended to be an advertisement for the Sophia Centre and its work, but it does it in the best possible way, by showing what excellent work has already been done and inviting the reader to join in and continue what has been started. For anyone interested in history, cosmology, philosophy, anthropology, or symbology; or for anyone who recognises that an interdisciplinary approach works wonders in refreshing tired or worn-out modes of thought, this book is worth reading. It manages to be more than just a record of a conference, and more, too, than a manifesto: in terms of the relationship between astrological and academic thinking, it is a window on the past, a snapshot of the present, and a blueprint for the future, all in one.
Bernard Eccles

Book Review

If astrology has been a source of reflection for thousands of years, it has also been from time immemorial, and indeed it still is, a victim of those practitioners whose venal considerations outweigh their intellectual rigour, and this has contributed to the discredit of the subject with the public at large.
In an exercise of rehabilitation of the subject, this book by S. Fuzeau-Braesch takes a new, popularised approach and its great originality is that it is based on scientific experiment. The disconcerting results quoted in the work are rendered credible by the tests to which the data have been subjected.
For more than thirty years S. Fuzeau-Braesch has combined her knowledge of the stars with the scientific rigour which has governed her professional career (she is a Doctor of Science = D.Sc, and honorary director of research at the CNRS the French National Scientific Research Centre, and directed a university laboratory of biology for more than 20 years).
The stringency of the experimental protocols suggested and the statistical exploitation of the results obtained provides solid evidence to reinforce a certain confidence that one can nowadays have in astrology. It is this methodical approach that is resurrecting astrology as an accepted discipline likely to find its place one day as an academic subject worthy of university study. Amongst the cases investigated, the astrology of dogs clearly demonstrates the obvious objectivity of possible astrological analyses.
Of all the works which have established the existence of a link between the astrological sky at the birth of the individual and human potentialities, this book is distinguished by the fact that the author demonstrates, and does not merely assert, that astrology is reliable and capable of revealing the ego and the aptitudes of an individual, and furthermore, to establish a chronology of the significant dates of a lifetime (without prejudice to the positive or negative aspects of the associated events).
A dominant theme of the book is the need to take into account only those simple elements from amongst the astrological tools which have been verified experimentally. This is obviously a significant point. Interviews with ten well known personalities in France familiarise the reader with astrological analysis in a lively manner, full of interest.
Like any other modern field of human knowledge, astrology must be associated with other disciplines. Here it is notably molecular neurobiology and psychology which, to reveal the inner reality of the individual; sensitivity, talents, charisma, sexuality and social influence while allowing a certain attention to be paid to fateful dates.
To include man thus in a molecular equation involving astral dependence is a modern concept which can surprise or shock. Is one to deny the role of neurotransmitters and hormones in human behaviour? The author, convinced that causality in astrological phenomena exists, concludes with a chapter devoted to hypotheses compatible with current scientific opinion.
Fuzeau-Braesch’s book – a true event in France – is remarkable for its didacticism but also for its generosity in that it makes so much accessible to the layman. It is sure to stimulate interest and perhaps even to motivate young scientists to tackle this subject of research though, it must be admitted, they would do so at their risk and peril given the Cartesian views prevailing in French universities. The questions raised are of great interest in our time, not because they are new in themselves, but because of the kind of investigation to which they can nowadays be subjected.
The style of this work is deliberately clear, stripped down and accessible to everyone and it includes instructions which will allow readers to interpret for themselves the sky under which they were born and to analyse simply and quickly the astral influences prevailing at their time of birth.
Jean Dietrich, Physiologist
Maître de conférence des Universités

Aviation makes a good subject for astrological enquiry, precisely recorded and accurately timed events allow the casting of reliable horoscopes. The author has used this foundation to great effect in ways that will in all likelihood, surprise, intrigue and stimulate the reader.

The breadth of this work is impressive; it not only examines the hypothesis that the fifth degree of Sagittarius has special significance in aviation but also links astrologically different facets of human flight, such as the growth of commercial flights, in a convincing and enlightening way. He postulates, and I think convincingly, a special importance for the black Moon in aviation; following a thread that runs throughout the book the reader is left with a tangible sense of this significance.

This is not just a book solely for what must admittedly be a small number of astrological practioners interested in the history and development of aviation; rather it is also a fine and useful example of contemporary astrological practice. The author’s approach and methods could as easily be applied to natal, mundane or other groups of event charts. England lucidly demonstrates the thinking and processes used by a modern astrologer at work. He weaves astrological connections using a wide variety of techniques including eclipses, solar return, new moons and astro-carto-graphical maps.

Tracing the astrologically significant events connected with the ill fated Comet jet airliner. England explores the nativities of pilots, designer, company, test flights, and connects progressed charts, maps and more besides to produce a commendably rich and vivid picture of a series of events that had both sometimes tragic individual consequences well as national import. I found this chapter particularly riveting.

Clear charts, interesting colour and black and white photographs coupled with a clean and intelligible layout invite the reader to explore the enormous amount of astrology going on within. However, it is the writing style that really aids the reader in absorbing so much astrology and makes this book refreshingly unusual. The narrative is presented in a “fictional style” that draws the reader in and brings the subject matter alive. He suggests feelings and emotions for the major characters involved which serves to give a sense of meaning and consequence to the unfolding events he describes. He places himself, and therefore us, as astrologers, at the heart of the action; this approach, both fascinating and stimulating, serves to impart a sense of drama and relevance that otherwise might be missing. By imagining himself as a consultant astrologer actively working with key characters as events unfold he conveys a vivid significance and contemporary relevance that in places has the sort of pace and excitation more commonly associated with thrillers.

Degrees of Flight is a multifaceted work, it is an interesting commentary of the development of aviation, a well balanced exposition of astrological practices, a reliable and well sourced collection of astrological data and perhaps surprisingly, if one were to consider the title alone, a thoroughly good and commendably rewarding read.

Reviewed by Sean Lovatt

Recent developments in science – particularly quantum theory – have been taken by some astrologers to herald a paradigm shift that would make it possible to validate and explain astrology as a science. The suggestion is made that this case is currently unconvincing. The realist (or foundationalist) model is considered as a philosophical tradition, with particular reference to Descartes. It is proposed that this tradition underpins much of the sceptical case against astrology (illustrated by reference to the work of Dean, Ertel, Kelly, Mather and Smit); but that its claims to provide a comprehensively explanatory model have been undermined by modern science. Two models of astrology – as an empirical science, and as divination – are considered. It is submitted for the reader’s consideration that, by undermining the realist/foundationalist model, modern science (as defined in this paper) does make a contribution to the understanding of astrology; but that this is more supportive of astrology as a divinatory art than as a hard science.

In two previous articles I have searched for ways of understanding the Gauquelin Effect in evolutionary terms with the aid of the new variable of birth order in families, (Douglas 2001a, 2004a,b). I now want to report on some hitherto unknown Solar patterns which have emerged from a study of the Gauquelin data. These patterns also vary systematically between professional groups in a way that suggests for the first time a place for some early Greek and Roman measures of planetary strength in horoscopes. It is suggested that the Gauquelins’ research was weakened by their neglect of early astrological texts and traditions concerning the sun and moon, and that the effect cannot be described accurately without referring to these real effects. A 3-stage mechanism is proposed to describe the Gauquelin Effect in terms of the conjunction cycles of the sun with the planets. The results presented are discussed in the light of Seymour’s theory of astrology. The current revival of interest in traditional techniques among astrologers may provide an opportunity for a new collaboration with researchers, and more awareness of the incompleteness of the astrology that came out of the 19th century revival.

The planets, from an astrological point of view, are related to their visible characteristics and not to any scientific description. This is confirmed by Gauquelin’s failure to detect any correlations with the non-visible (outer) planets. The author extends this observation to argue that science is not any special preserve, but a mere facet of existence, and its ability to demonstrate astrological truth just incidental

Author: Dr. Geoffrey DeanAbstract: Keywords: Gauquelin, planetary effects, attribution, G-effects, artifactsNotes:Publication: Correlation Journal of Reserach into AstrologyIssue: Volume 23 Number 2Dated: 2006Pages: 53 – 57

Author: Prof. Suitbert ErtelAbstract: Keywords: Gauquelin, planetary effects, attribution, parental tampering, birth count, DeanNotes:Publication: Correlation Journal of Research in AstrologyIssue: Volume 23 Nubmer 2Dated: 2006Pages: 58 – 61

The original Cosmic Loom emerged from Unwin Hyman in 1987, with an imposing hardback cover. It became an immediate classic or seminal text on astrology, although it was never a best selling astrology book. Why? Perhaps, as one reviewer in Considerations put it, ‘the non-thinking (astrologer) had better leave it alone’. And the original review in the Astrological Journal was equally emphatic, ‘cuts across almost all current developments in astrology and leaves few of today’s fashionable positions and approaches unscathed… brilliant studies.. a mind of inestimable value at the present stage of astrology’s development’.

Dennis Elwell dealt out his perspective on what astrology is, what it does and how it permeates our daily lives in a way which puts astrology first, and human schools of thought about astrology last. He made enemies, yet several non-astrologers who have read the original book think it the best non-jargon and ‘plain languaged’ book on the subject yet. 1 think these original reviewers were right. Our subject is top heavy with jargon, filled with theories, complications and medieval hangovers following astrology’s time underground, partying away from the scientific rationalists. Elwell doles out astrological truths in a refreshingly straight way. Elwell’s main theme is that of ‘multicongruence’, the author’s term for ‘many things in agreement’. The tendency for certain things and conditions to co-occur because they belong together at a higher, unmanifest level. The original Loom contained many examples of this phenomenon, but the revised edition bulges with exceptional examples of multicongruence, and Elwell defines several forms of the effect, using non-nonsense terms like event level, content level and intent level. Then the author identifies another facet when several features in a person’s chart all point to the same circumstance. I’ve often heard this called the ‘rule of three’ by astrologers, but here Elwefl delineates the effect with a stunning (and Royal) example. Finally, the author identifies a form of multicongruence which he claims could more than squash -the sceptics of astrology – the effect when several people all become involved in the same event and it turns out that they all share similar chart features. Again, the author walks his talk with extremely well thought out Royal examples. So Elwell is back in town, and whoever in the UT initiated the reprint of Cosmic Loom had insight and, 1 think, commercial acumen, for this book deserves to become one of the all time best books on what astrology actually is.

Whilst reading through the UT edition, 1 recognised that we have so few books that deal with the philosophy of astrology. Elwell quotes Charles Harvey in Mundane Astrologv, ‘we are going to need to develop ways of ‘considering the future interweaving of ‘whole hierarchies of cycles and charts rather than treating them in isolation as we do at present. How this is done effectively is one of the great challenges of the next few years.’ The new material which the author provides for us takes multicongruence and sits it on the top of the astrological agenda for anyone who wishes to break free from charts in isolation or the computerised cause and effect that astrology has become in so many quarters. As the back cover reminds us, ‘All genuine knowledge confers an advantage, and this stuff is positively dangerous’. If this sounds over-dramatic, Elwell backs it up.. and here’s a brief example.

The material on the appalling Dunblane shootings, through Dennis’ detective-like abilities to spot multicongruence, are shown to be inextricably woven on the Cosmic Loom with the earlier Ryan shooting in Hungerford. The Royal Arnoury in Leeds, was opened by the Queen two days after the shooting, and it has the exact midpoint latitude of the two locations, which sent goose-bumps up this reviewers back. If that’s spooky, Elwell’s uptuming of the name Harnilton and Dunblane at the other locations is positively weird. Yet, it isn’t, for this is how astrological event horizons are shown to work, and Elwell goes through the chart of that time with precision expertise, leaving any competent astrologer in no doubt what the Cosmic Loom is weaving. Similarly, the material on the Titanic (ship-wreck and film linked) and the mysterious death of Diana, Princess of Wales (an outstanding piece of astrological research) rounds off a new final chapter, The Far Edge, of a book which must be read by any astrologer who wonders what the astrological effect actually is and how it operates.

The Urania Trust has also broken with the hard-back productions of recent years, and this edition of the Cosmic Loom is decidedly more elegant and attractive as a paperback. I feel drawn to again quote Charles Harvey, who, in a 1etter to this reviewer concerning another book, said, ‘I do hope the enterprising publisher will get it the distribution it deserves..’ This is so relevant to the UT with Elwell’s masterpiece.

Dennis Elwell has been with astrology for over half a century. He is undoubtedly one of the subject’s most original thinkers and has clearly studied esoteric and scientific material. In places, his strong opinions take an undue emphasis which takes away from some of his important lines of argument. But, perhaps paradoxically, his work shows how much humility we need when approaching the evolutionary process as seen through astrology and the Cosmic Loom. The author is not over-kind to several other schools of astrology, notably sun-sign astrologers and psychological astrology, and remains somewhat of a lone-wolf, a maverick, which is an understandable though probably necessary shame. But with the reprinting of the Cosmic Loom, astrologers have the opportunity to meet Dennis Elwell head-on, to be knocked out of a rut, and to give themselves an astrological work-out. This book really is a second coming for astrologers. If you missed it first time round, buy a copy and lend it to all your sceptical friends. If you already have a copy of the original, pat yourself on the back for your discernment – but you really do deserve this new enlarged edition. It’s a popsy.

Reviewed by Robin Heath