In 1985, Nature, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals, published “A Double Blind Test of Astrology”, now known as the ‘Carlson experiment’. The conclusion was that natal astrology as practised by reputable astrologers was no better than chance. For astrology, it was a landmark experiment that continues to undermine the credibility of every astrological consultant, researcher and school. Recent research shows not only that Carlson’s conclusions were wrong (Vidmar 2008), but also that his experiment produced evidence that the tested astrologers performed their tasks successfully to a level that could not be explained by chance (Ertel 2009).

This article attempts to synthesise the evidence from different sources with some additional observations. It seeks to clarify how Carlson imported the results of one test into another separate test. This led to sampling errors that disguised results that favoured the astrologers – results that were later discovered by Professor Ertel. To balance this, an attempt is made, here, to present the sceptical reaction to this new evidence. Graphics have been compiled to display the astrologer’s predicted rating of their matches weighted by the frequency and to show how enabling astrologers to make these confidence judgements with the data amplifies the precision.

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.

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

The full version of an article by Garth Allen published in American Astrology, July, 1968 discusses and presents the findings of these researchers. In this summary of the article, detailes are presented of research showing a remarkable correlation between the phases of the moon and rainfall in the United States, covering the period from 1900 to 1949. (See also “Harmonic Analsyis” a comment by John Addey, Correlation 2 Winter 1968-1969 pp 7-8)

Acute poisoning is unusual among diseases in having an extremely short incubation period: patients or their relatives seek medical advice usually on the samae day that the poison has been taken, and the time of poisoning can be established easily. In India, the day of full moon, when the earth lies between the sun and the moon, is called “purnima”. The relative position of the sun and moon on this day are such that their gravitational forces on the earth act almost in a straight line, causing higher tides. Water conbstitutes 50-60% of the body weight of humans. Possibly, as with sea water, body water might also generate some sort of tidal wave that increases on purnima days. These “human tidal waves” might cause physical, physiological, or biochemical changes in the body. The brain might also be affected by the process. As well as other factors that influence an individual to take poison, this phenomenon might affect the incidence of poisoning on purnima days. We undertook a study to investigate this.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.