Speakers

Abstract Title: Using Qualitative Narrative Research to investigate mid-life crisis

Abstract:
Faye's paper covers the 'why' of astrological research and claims that one reason to carry out research is to learn more about astrological techniques. By investigating a critical point associated with mid-life crisis in the Huber Life Clock technique as an example, this study asks: could narrative research be a viable option to deepen our knowledge? Using clients' written accounts and interviews as sources, Faye will suggest a way this type of research can be used to investigate any astrological technique and asks whether this qualitative method could assist in raising the image of astrology.

References:
Gabriel, Y. Storytelling in Organizations, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2000.
Hand, R. The Emergence of an Astrological Discipline, Astrological Journal 30(3), 117-127. Reprinted from NCGR Journal Winter 1987-1988, 66-70 (no volume numbers).
Holstein. J. A. and Gubrium, J. F. (Editors). Varieties of Narrative Analysis, Los Angeles, Sage Publications, 2012.
Jung, C. G. The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious, Princeton, NJ, Princeton University Press, 1969.
Propp, V. The Morphology of the Folk Tale, Austin, University of Texas press , 2nd English edition, 2009.
Roesler, C. Narratological methodology for identifying archetypal story patterns in autobiographical narratives, Journal of Analytical Psychology, Volume 51, Issue 4, 2006.

Name: Nick Campion

Abstract Title: Researching Mundane Astrology

Abstract:
All research requires a method. The method for researching mundane astrology was set out in the 16th century by Jean Bodin, who argued that the zodiac and the entire fabric of horoscopic astrology should be abandoned. He argued that a new empirical mundane astrology should be constructed on the basis of planetary cycles alone. This theory was taken forward by a Johannes Kepler In the 17th century, and a few modern astrologers notably Andre Barbault. We will explore modern academic rationales for using these theories and consider whether contemporary examples support Bodin’s claims, or not.

Name: Frances Clynes

Abstract Title: Astrology in the Online World

Abstract:
In the twenty-first century, the Internet is used in almost every area of our lives [1]. Yet according to Castells, there is little understanding of its implications [2]. Astrology can be found in every area of cyberspace from static websites, to social media, to mobile apps [3]. If Castells is correct, then the impact of this on astrology is little understood.

This presentation, based on the findings of my 2016 PhD, examines the position of Western astrology on the Internet and what, in the views of professional astrologers, impact cyberspace continues to have on astrology.

References:
[1] Manuel Castells, 'Introduction', in Society and the Internet: How Networks of Information and Communication Are Changing Our Lives, ed. by M. Graham, W.H. Dutton, and M. Castells (Oxford University Press, 2014), pp. v-vi, p. v.
[2] Manuel Castells, Networks of Outrage and Hope. Social Movements in the Internet Age (Cambridge: Polity Press, 2012).
[3] Frances Clynes, 'An Examination of the Impact of the Internet on Modern Western Astrology', PhD Thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, 2016.

Name: Karine Dilanian

Abstract Title: Johannes Kepler and his research in astrology

Abstract:
In 2018 The Kepler Project, that is a publication of Kepler's handwritten astrological charts, was printed. The volume is a collection of more than 800 horoscopes, calculated by Kepler's hand. The study of the collection demonstrated that the sequence of arrangement of the material was not accidental: it was combined due to some special order and served the research goal. In the course of the lecture, we will learn who were the people, whose charts Kepler included into his collection; what the system of the organization of the material was and what kind of indications Kepler used while calculating his charts.

References:
Kepler, Johannes. Gesammelte Werke, ed. the Kepler-Kommission, Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften, München, 2009, Volume 22.
The Kepler Project. Kepler's Astrology, Phase 2. Moscow, Institute for the study of astronomy in history, philosophy and culture, 2018.
Boockmann, Friederike, Johannes Kepler's Horoscope Collection, updated and translated from the German by Patrick J. Boner; additional editing by Dorian Greenbaum in Culture and cosmos, Volume 14, 2010, pp. 1-33.

Name: Graham Douglas

Abstract Title: Evidence for Lunar- Geomagnetic Effects in the Gauquelin Data

Abstract:
One of the most extensive studies of possible lunar influences on the timing of natural births (Mikulecky and Lisboa, 2002) produced evidence for many cycles known to be associated with the moon, but it was limited to the date of birth while neglecting the time. Since lunar motion causes geomagnetic variations it leads to the question of whether birth time is susceptible to geomagnetic influence.

These lunar daily variations are an order of magnitude less intense than solar variations, and modern societies generate electromagnetic noise, so the existence of the Gauquelin historical data offers a neglected source on which to test this hypothesis.

The present report re-examines this data diagnostically, using criteria established by geo-physicists for influences known to affect the lunar daily geomagnetic variation, including time of the solar day, season, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, distance of the moon from earth, and the 11.2 yr Schwabe cycle of solar activity.

References:
Mikulecky, Miroslav and Lisboa, H.R.K. (2002). Daily Birth Numbers in Passo Fundo, South Brazil, 1997 - 1999: trends and periodicities. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 35 (8): 985 - 990. Downloadable from: www.scielo.br/scielo.php
Stening and Winch (1979). Seasonal Changes in the Lunar Daily Geomagnetic Variation. Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, 41: 311- 321.
Seymour, Percy (1991). The Scientific Basis of Astrology. London: Arkana.

Name: Kees Jansen

Abstract Title: Do planets drive a 10 year solar cycle?

Abstract:
According to common knowledge the number of sunspots varies according to a 11-year solar cycle and the origin of sunspot development is still a matter of research. This paper presents a clear correlation between the Jupiter - Saturn cycle and the solar cycle and postulates that the basic solar cycle time is 10 years, where sometimes two cycles merge. The solar cycle is known to influence earthly befall. Recent results of scientific research are included.

References:
www.nasa.gov
Dirk K. Callebaut, Cornelis de Jager, Silvia Duhauc, The influence of planetary attractions on the solar tachocline. Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics 80 (2012).
F. Stefani, A. Giesecke, T. Weier: A model of a tidally synchronized solar dynamo, in Solar Physics, 2019.

Name: Chris Mitchell

Abstract Title: The rabbi and the pope - using medieval charts to do historic research

Abstract:
Researching historical astrological texts normally involves looking at primary sources and making conclusions based on the text. However, astrological charts in historic texts can provide an extra layer of detail that is sometimes overlooked. Levi ben Gerson, the fourteenth-century Jewish polymath, undertook a contract for the Pope in 1344 to provide a prognostication for a Mars/Saturn/Jupiter conjunction that was taking place in 1345. The charts that ben Gerson drew up not only tell us about his astrological techniques, but may point to previously unknown facts about his life.

Name: Marcos Patchett

Abstract Title: Testing astrological prediction: developing accurate and representative research methods

Abstract:
Current research on astrology is useful insofar as it answers testable hypotheses, e.g. astrologers perform poorly in artificial tests.(1) However the paradigm is largely non-representative of how astrology is practiced. Moreover there is a 70% reproducibility failure in all current scientific testing.(2) Optimisation strategies are required:

1. Focused research questions, using Estimation thinking, not NHST: 'how large is the effect' rather than proof/disproof formulations.(3)

2. Transparency: detailed study designs, pre-registered independently.(4)

3. Tightly defined inclusion criteria, to minimise cherry-picking (5), e.g. close match of total client intake and number of cases submitted.

4. Better understanding of statistics; mentoring and supervision.(6)

References:

1. Phillipson, G. (2000). Astrology in the Year Zero. Flare Publications, London: Chapters 9 & 10.
2. Baker, M. (2016). 1,500 scientists lift the lid on reproducibility. Nature. 533, p.452-454.
3. Cumming, G. (2013). The New Statistics: Why and How. Psychological Science. 25, (1), p.7-29.
4. Ibid.
5. Berger, M., Mamdani, M., Atkins, D., & Johnson, M. (2009). Good Research Practices for Comparative Effectiveness Research: Defining, Reporting and Interpreting Nonrandomized Studies of Treatment Effects Using Secondary Data Sources: The ISPOR Good Research Practices for Retrospective Database Analysis Task Force Report-Part I. Value In Health. 12, (8), p.1044-1052.
6. Baker, M. (2016). 1,500 scientists lift the lid on reproducibility. Nature. 533, p.452-454.

Name: Bruce Scofield

Abstract Title: Signals from the planets found in weather data

Abstract:
Historic annual almanacs published by Renaissance scientists Thomas Digges, Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler contained weather forecasts based on geocentric planetary alignments. Kepler argued that proof of astrology would be found in the observation of such correlations. Here I investigate this claim and report on a scientific testing of correlations between the planets and weather, in particular Sun and Saturn, using surface temperature records from North America and Europe.