RAMS
Research in Astrology
Methods of Science
The RAMS Journal contains articles on completed studies and studies in progress. 'Positive' or 'negative' results may be published. Objective tolerance and the spirit of scientific inquiry are our primary guidelines.
SYNOPSES OF THE PRINTED ISSUES OF OUR RESEARCH JOURNAL
Issue 15 - 2007, Issue 14 - 2006, Issue 13 - 2005, Issue 12 - June 2004, Issue 11 - June 2003, Issue 10 - April 2002, Issue 9 - March 2001, Issue 8 - March 2000 (a Century of Scientific Astrology), Supplemental papers for 1999, Issue 7 - January 1999, Issue 6 - January 1998, Issue 5 - February 1997, Issue 4 - January 1996, Issue 3 - March 1995, Issue 2 - March 1994, Issue 1 - April 1993.
THEMATIC INDEX OF THE PRINTED ISSUES OF OUR RESEARCH JOURNAL:
- Statistical Methods: 11.4 / 10.2 / 9.12 / 8.3 / 8.9 / 5.4 / 5.5 / 5.9 / 4.3 / 2.4 / 2.8 / 1.1
- Hypotheses on the causal nature of astrological phenomena: 11.5 / 10.1 / 10.6 / 9.5
- Studies of astrological correlations: 10.3 / 9.1 / 9.3 / 9.4 / 8.4 / 8.6 / 8.7 / 8.8 / 8.9 / 7.8 / 7.9 / 6.4 / 6.5 / 6.8 / 5.1 / 4.2 / 4.4 / 3.4 / 3.5 / 2.1 / 1.1 / 1.2 / 1999 supplement
- Astronomical statistics: 11.3 / 10.4 / 6.2 / 6.3
- Zodiacal studies: 11.1 / 11.2 / 6.5
- Mars Effect (Gauquelin) studies: 10.5 / 9.6
- Predictive statistics: 9.7 / 8.5 / 7.1 / 7.2 / 7.4 / 7.5 / 7.5 / 7.6 / 7.7 / 6.6 / 5.6 / 3.6 / 2.5 / 2.6
- Astrology at the university: 11.6 / 10.7 / 7.10 / 5.7 / 4.6 / 3.3 / 2.2
- Historical astrology: 9.8 / 8.1 / 8.2 / 5.10 / 4.1 / 3.1
- Reviews of publications: 11.7 / 9.9 / 7.11 / 5.8 / 5.9 / 4.7 / 3.7 / 3.8 / 2.7 / 2.9 / 1.4
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(issues 12 to 1, in reverse chronological order)
The Moon, the Sun, and Venus – implications for human reproductive cycles. Irina Predeanu
We observed correlations between biological rhythms of 28 and 280 days specific to human reproductive cycles, and similar cycles of the Moon and Venus in their relationship to Earth. Thereafter we proposed a hypothesis about the effect of these astronomical bodies on corresponding biorhythms. We observed that some solar phenomena also exhibit 27-to-28-day cycles similar to those of the Moon, indicating a further possible impact of the Sun on cycles of the biological menses.
Comparisons of Western, Mayan, and Chinese astrology. Noël Decourt
We compare Western astrology, Chinese astrology, and Mayan astrology, concluding that Mayan astrology is still poorly-understood. Chinese astrology, once properly understood and applied, may be as sophisticated as western astrology, with many resemblances despite differences on certain points. The results seem to confirm the existence of ancient contacts between historical civilizations in the Mediterranean, China, and the Americas.
A rapid method for analyzing birth charts for use by medical doctors. Jean Fiers
A computerized graphic method rapidly revealing the dominant principles of a birth chart is described, illustrated by examples.
Preliminary analysis of a sample of 65 Yoga masters. Noël Decourt, Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch
A sample of 65 charts of Yoga masters shows the significant occurrence of Venus in the 9th and 12th houses, implying that Venus near AS or MC could characterize people looking for inner rewards more than social success. While Gauquelin did not find anything significant in studies of Venus, this study could begin to round out his theoretical model. However, the sample must be enlarged before conclusions should be drawn.
The first empirical test comparing behavior patterns and astrological indicators for bovine subjects cloned with identical biological heredity but having different birth dates. Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch
In order to study factors not accessible with human subjects, the birth charts of bovine subjects already cloned at the National Institute of Agronomic Research (with identical nuclear heredity for each clone) are analyzed empirically with descriptions of the different types of behavior observed after birth. Thus, striking behavioral differences are observed despite genetic homogeneity. A number of astrological correspondences are described.
Reply to “Science-Extrême” S. Fuzeau-Braesch
Reply to “Science-Extrême”, a virulently anti-astrology article which assumed some noteworthy misconceptions.
Contents of the journal CORRELATION Vol 22 (1) 2004.
Editorial -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch.
The Zodiac and continuous annual evolution: an analytical breakdown of the "sociability" test. Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch, DSc
An analysis of the average distribution of the scores of a sociability test according to the position of the Sun in each sign of the zodiac, based on a method that makes it possible to study the gradual evolutionary pattern during the annual 360° cycle. The results could justify the technique of dividing each sign into "decans" of 10° without significantly modifying the overall profile of each zodiacal sign.
The vital role of the 36 decans in ancient astrology. Yves LENOBLE, Astrologer
Season of birth and success in certain professional fields, and correlations with solar activity. Noël Decourt
Season of birth, as defined by proximity to solar equinoxes and solstices, is shown to be significant in differentiating personalities involved in certain activities. Increase and decrease of solar activity is seen to correlate with the intensity of the activities studied.
Methodological note : directional tests. Noël DECOURT
Directional tests are designed to study the distribution of points spread over circles or spheres and are in fact more effective than the chi2 for this purpose.
Essay on hormones, personality and astrology. Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch , DSc
The relationship between the various hormonal systems - pituitary, hypothalamus, suprarenal, thyroid and gonad - are described with the aim of demonstrating that typological paradigms used in birth chart analysis may be rooted in neurophysiology, whether considered in short or long term.
Astrology at the University.
An international colloquium on « Astrology and Power » organised by the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes.
- Editorial -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch.
- Astrology : a causal or esoteric discipline? A discussion on the concepts of symbolism, synchronicity and archetype confronted to science. By Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch. In this controversial article the concepts of symbolism, synchronicity, and archetype are reviewed with a critical, rational eye. This study finds no ready correlation between these paradigms and scientifically defensible data, and that if they are discredited as 'fashionable literary notions', they can detract from astrology's standing as a science and strengthen anti-astrology arguments.
- Astrology, statistics, and C.G.Jung. By Didier Castille. C G Jung devoted his entire life to exploring the human psyche. In striving for this objective, he carried out a variety of experiments. During the fifties, he performed an original study associating astrology and statistics, aiming at establishing an empirical basis for the principle of synchronicity. Does this mean we should count C G Jung as one of the precursors of scientific astrology? This study concludes against such a view.
- Distribution of culminating and rising degrees among the French population. By Didier Castille and Francis Santoni.
A breakdown of the French population according to rising and culminating degrees at the time of birth is strikingly uneven. Out of a population of 56 million, we demonstrate that the most frequently observed combination is Sun in Cancer with Leo rising (617 000 occurrences) contrasts significantly with the less frequently observed Sun in Sagittarius with Aries rising (155 000 occurrences). Similarly, it is estimated that 3 million French people living today are born with Pluto on their Descendant, while 6 million of them are born with Pluto rising. A disparity was previously thought to exist, but not to such a degree of significance.
In this respect our study yields a valuable contribution. The results are puzzling to both the statistician and the astrologer, and they lead to several questions. For instance, are such disparities taken into account in the samplings used in astrological research? Our study could also lead to the determination of a collective astrological profile based on nationwide data, reflecting the seasonality of births as well as astronomical factors.
- Is there no Mars effect ? The CFEPP’s verdict scrutinized with the assistance of six independent researchers. By Suitbert Ertel, Professor of Psychology at the University of Göttingen (Germany). The French CFEPP skeptics attempted to replicate the Gauquelin Mars effect using a sample of 1066 sports champions taken from two biographical sources. They reported an insignificant surplus of births with Mars in key sectors, after which they concluded that a Mars effect was non-existent. The surplus increased, but remained insignificant, when the CFEPP’s own critic, Dr Nienhuys, mathematician at the Technical University of Eindhoven in the Netherlands, at my suggestion, corrected the CFEPP’s incorrect expectancy. However, Nienhuys missed an opportunity to correct yet another flaw, namely that the cases added by the CFEPP for inclusion were not noteworthy enough to be considered as demonstrating clearly remarkable athletic indicators. A Mars effect can be measured only with data of truly accomplished professionals in fields clearly related to Mars.
On the one hand, the CFEPP correctly argued that the combination of both biographical sources yielded more pertinent data than did either of the single sources alone; however, they did not use adequate criteria for assessing competence in all 36 sports disciplines, but only for two athletic activities that lacked appropriate records for determining the degree of success. When I picked all accomplished champions out of the total of the CFEPP’s data sources, a significant Mars effect (p = .02) was demonstrated. In addition, the Mars effect for double-data-source champions was significantly (p=.04) larger than that of single-source champions, whose proportion of births with Mars in key sectors did not deviate significantly from chance.
In order to dispel the doubt of critics, I invited a number of competent and independent researchers to scrutinize my counts of CFEPP’s published data as well as to analyze them using their own procedures. Six of them replied and confirmed my counts. Four confirmed the significance of the Mars key sector deviations. Three confirmed my conclusions without reservation, and one with some reservation. Two considered the CFEPP skeptics' data and methodology as inappropriate for demonstrating what they sought to verify.
- Astrology in the University:
French astrologer receives Ph.D. from Sorbonne (Paris V) on April 7 2001. With the successful defense of a thesis entitled "The epistemological situation of astrology in relation to fascination/rejection ambivalence in postmodern societies", the well-known French astrologer Élisabeth Teissier becomes a Doctor of Sociology at the Sorbonne (Université de Paris V). Her thesis analyzes the sociological relevance of astrology, drawing on her substantial and relevant personal experience. It drew much attention from the media and inside certain university circles. The debate is well summarized in the words of one of the academic jury members, Prof Tacussel, who signed a petition denouncing the "Inquisition-like measure" lodged against the jury’s independent and competent decision. The full text of the thesis has just been published in France (Éditions Plon) under the title L’homme d’aujourd’hui et les astres (Today’s Man and the Stars).
Report on the pre-doctoral thesis (DEA) of Louis Buono (St Martin), University of Nice, September 1999 : Astrology in facing reason, reality, and truth.
Report on the University of Southampton Research Group for Critical Study (RGCS) of Astrology
Deaths registered in France between 1979 and 1997 are examined as a whole, according to the zodiacal longitudes of the Sun at birth and at death. From this study, a significant statistical pattern emerges. Those who died within 30 days of their annual birthday might be more numerous than predicted by chance.
Editorial -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch.
A link between birth and death -- Didier Castille.
Two studies using the same statistical method, but conducted on very different populations, lead to quite similar results. Thus a pertinent doubt emerges: are we perhaps dealing with an artifact? In this article, various steps in the method are criticized one by one; yet this does not lead us to pinpoint the suspected artifact. The conclusions drawn from each of the two studies remain unexplained. Questioning methods -- Didier Castille.
Two essential issues in scientific research are doubt and the possibility of refutation. Through examining biases contained in our study on horse races (RAMS issue 7), we establish our objectivity and the scientific nature of our approach. Transits and horse races : a refutation -- Pierre Perradin.
In her book "How to Prove Astrology", Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch reveals the results of one of her studies aimed at finding correspondences between personality traits. The results were derived from a special questionnaire and specific astrological criteria. We present here personal statistical analyses (including a multivariate analysis) of data provided by the author. The distribution of scores based on natal positions of the Sun, the Moon, Mars, and the Ascendant are not uniform, nor are they the result of pure chance. Astrology and personality -- Pierre Perradin.
We discuss the possible contribution of astrophysics to proving the validity of astrology. The working hypothesis supposes a causal relationship between living beings and our cosmic environs due to certain bioactive factors. This research study investigates fundamental principles of astrology. The results yield correspondences among astrological precepts, astronomical phenomena, and biological functions. Astronomical contributions to the explanation of astrological phenomena -- Irina Predeanu.
Here we review the over 40 years of statistical work by Françoise and Michel Gauquelin on the significance of angular positions of planets associated with certain occupations, including the case of Mars for athletes. These studies triggered successive waves of controversy, yet the 'Mars Effect' has ultimately been confirmed by replications carried out in Germany by Professor Suitbert Ertel. A survey of the 'Mars Effect': A meta-analysis -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch.
After reviewing previous related studies, we decided to implement the following experiment: for major events in the careers of politicians, we compared the method of primary directions with the method of symbolic directions by applying the "maximum skew" hypothesis. We show that primary directions give more precise (p<0.01) and more significant (p<0.01) results than symbolic directions. In other words, for any given event, one finds a primary direction closer in time to the actual event than any of the studied symbolic directions. The pilot study was made with 42 politicians and 60 events; this same study is to be carried out to include 1500 subjects, an exhaustive undertaking. Primary directions and politicians -- Hervé Delboy.
Paul Choisnard, founder of scientific astrology, presented his method of chart delineation at the beginning of the 20th century. For him the significators of personal character are the Ascendant, the Moon, Mercury and Uranus. We therefore examine the Sun (as does popular astrology), the aspects and planets in the first house, and the ruler of the first house. The interpretation method of Paul Choisnard, founder of scientific astrology -- Francis Santoni.
Book review
A Century of Scientific Astrology
A century of scientific astrology in France -- Francis Santoni. The author points out that Choisnard first promoted the idea of scientific astrology, and the Gauquelins further contributed significantly by focusing on statistical methods.
A century of Choisnard's influence on astrology -- Yves Lenoble. Choisnard is a great French reformer of astrology -- He creates a scientific astrology, where he advises applying the experimental approach and praises the critical spirit and the use of statistics. He attaches importance only to what possesses an astronomical reference. To make this verification task possible, he proceeds from an equal houses model to an equal signs model. In a sense, he is the true "father" of modern astrology. He discovers the importance of angular planets (10º to either side of the four angles). The Gauquelins confirm the significance of angularity by means of statistics. André Barbault puts it in daily practice and often refers to it in his books.
The contributions of computerization to working methods -- Pierre Dicharry. The rapid evolution of computers has led to decisive progress in ease of use, speed, and power of calculation software, whether for isolated tasks or for complex functions such as statistics; yet, in many ways, it has contributed relatively little to true human comprehension. The explosion of the internet gives hope for the emergence of humanizing and user-friendly elements to develop in tandem with profit-motivated commercial considerations.
Dancers and astrology -- Marie Louise Raffinot. Research on the characteristics of professional dancers is undertaken by means of statistical methods. Two hypotheses based on this research are proposed. The first asserts correlations between dance and the Sun, Mercury, Neptune, and Pluto. The second assertion deals with the characteristics of dancers themselves, in relation to certain aspects as Venus to Mars, Mercury to Mars, Sun to Mars, and Mercury to Sun.
Primary directions in 1000 cases of death -- Hervé Delboy. Primary direction is a long-established method of prognosis based on the diurnal movement of the planets . Ancient astrologers advocated the correspondence between 1° of arc and 1 year of life (the simplified process of Ptolemy). Stressful aspects (0°, 90°,180°), often trigger critical situations. In this article, we focus exclusively on pertinent configurations occurring at death, and find some highly significant results in aspects between Saturn and the Sun (p <.001) and between Mars and the Sun (p <.00); the validity of the latter of these two is less convincing, and could be explained by astronomical biases. Assumed significant correspondences (Eighth house, proximity to axes, angular distance accumulation toward 50°) were observed in subjects who died before age 65. We cannot, however, draw firm conclusions, and prefer to interpret our results as coming from biases whose nature remain inexplicable. In the absence of consideration of bias, we would be left with explanations based on factors bearing relation to astrology. Keywords: astrology - primary directions - Regiomontanus - Placidus - Campanus - diurnal movement - equivalent times year - death - Sun - Moon - March - Saturn
Planetary configurations present at marriages -- Didier Castille. All recorded marriages which took place in France between 1976 and 1997 were studied, specifically according to the natal zodiacal longitudes of the Sun of both husband and wife. The result is an indisputable correlation. Marriages between people with the same solar longitude (more or less 30°) are higher than expected. While a study based on the lunar longitudes of each couple does not reveal any connection, very close and logical links exist between husband and wife in the case of the longitudes of Mercury and Venus. Complete text : castille02us.pdf
About earthquakes: the grand cross of 17th August 1999 -- Irina Predeanu. The investigation of the charts of earthquakes has revealed the importance of squares and oppositions. The 1993 prediction of a strong seismic event on 17th August 1999 was confirmed by Turkish earthquakes. The forecast was based upon certain configurations at that time: two grand crosses formed by the Sun, Moon, and 7 planets in fixed signs.
Indicators of life and death in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch. Sudden infant deaths were studied among a population of 122 babies. The highest death rates occurred in autumn and winter. They also seemed to be the highest in Houses 7 and 8. Furthermore, deaths occur in a statistically significant way when the planets Mars, Jupiter, or Saturn form a 180° angle with the Sun.
Astrology and medicine: personal research -- Jean Fiers. Traditional astrological hypotheses (especially the correspondence of signs of the zodiac with parts of the body, starting from the head down to the feet), when scientifically tested, do not seem to yet be confirmed for 423 patients. It is posited, however, that a pathology coding system for statistical study could yield future pertinent insights.
-- Supplemental papers for 1999 --
A study of international distribution of birth data -- Didier Castille & Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch. A comparative analysis of birth data in different countries of the world was undertaken after noting the variations in a number of astrological publications. The data are collected from demographic agencies, which usually publish their results annually or monthly, but rarely on a daily basis. We did seek daily tabulations whenever they were available, although this was done at great expense. We found 19 countries with daily data reports, and 25 countries with monthly data reports:
Australia: Australian Bureau of Statistics - Belconnen, from 92 to 94, daily statistics. Austria: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 95, daily statistics. Belgium: Eurostat-Luxembourg, de 92 to 95, daily statistics. Britain: Eurostat-Luxembourg from 92 to 95, monthly statistics for 92, 94, and 95, daily for 93. Chile: Instituto nacional de estadisticos - Santiago, from 92 to 94, daily statistics. Denmark: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 95, monthly statistics. Finland: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 95, daily statistics. France: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 94, daily statistics. French Polynesia: Institut territorial de la statistique - Papeete, from 90 to 97, daily statistics. Germany: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 95, monthly statistics. Greece: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 95, daily statistics. Hungary: Institut national de promotion de la santé - Budapest for 91and from 93 to 96, daily statistics. Ireland: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 95, daily statistics. Iceland: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 95, daily statistics. Israel: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics - Jerusalem, from 92 to 94, daily statistics. Italy: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 95, monthly statistics. Luxembourg Eurostat-Luxembourg from 92 to 95, monthly statistics for 92 and 93, daily for 94 and 95. Netherlands: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 95, daily statistics. New Caledonia: Institut territorial de la statistique et des études économiques - Nouméa from 85 to 97, daily statistics. Norway: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 95, daily statistics. Portugal: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 95, daily statistics. Spain: Eurostat-Luxembourg from 92 to 95, daily statistics for 92 and 93, monthly for 94. Sweden: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 95, daily statistics. Switzerland: Eurostat-Luxembourg, from 92 to 95, daily statistics. United States: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Hyattsville, Maryland - from 92 to 94, monthly statistics.
This study centered around data from the year 1993, for which data was most readily available. The flanking data for 92 and 94 served as tests on the regularity of observations. The summary figures in each case represent deviation from the mean in percentage. Three chi-square calculations are carried out systematically.
Transits: toward new perspectives -- Hervé Delboy. These new results concern the angular distances involved in transits using a fictitious, computer-generated test sample. The population under study consists of politicians and actors, the events being promotions in their respective careers.
Focus on transits in connection with horse races -- Pierre Perradin. The aim of this study is to verify the validity of transits as applied to horse races, and in the process, to investigate the existence of individual astrological correlations. Very significant and coherent results emerge for the transits of the Sun and Moon, but only within the framework of a precise configuration relating to the declination of the Sun and the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. Transit strengths vary, possibly in accordance with the 11-year solar activity cycle in the case of the Sun, and the 18.6-year cycle of the Lunar Node, in the case of the Moon.
Supplement: Statistical testing.
Remarks on Pierre Parradin's article on transits and horse races -- Pierre Dicharry.
Responses to remarks of Pierre Dicharry -- Pierre Parradin.
Remarks on Pierre Parradin's article -- F. Mignard.
Responses of Pierre Parradin to the commentary of F. Mignard.
The people of France and the rhythm of the zodiac -- Didier Castille. The 32nd French national population census took place in 1990. Based on information collected during the course of this large-scale undertaking, we deal with the potential for describing the French people according to the longitude occupied by the Sun, Moon, and other planets of our solar system at the time of their birth. Complete text : castille01us.pdf
The zodiac and babies in various countries. -- Didier Castille and Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch. Abstract: A comparative study of daily births in 19 countries during the year of 1993 reveals the influence of sociocultural factors on the annual distribution of births, as well as the continuing relevance of seasonal factors (comparisons between the northern and southern hemispheres).
Astrology in the university -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch:
1) Astrology in the 17th century. A study of the practice of working with horoscopes, with a focus on those of Louis XIV. -- René-Guy Fabrice Guerin: A thesis presented 22 March 1997.
2) Elogy to the astrology of Ornella Pompeo Faracovi, an article from the journal Diogène: in the Revue internationale des sciences humaines.
Favorable responses to astrology: A conference summary by M. François Biraud, astronomer at the Meudon Observatory, Director of Research at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique.
Book reviews:
1) Die Akte Astrologie (The astrological file) by Gunther Sachs, Éditions Goldmann, Munich.
2) Manuel d'astrologie, synthèse des connaissances essentielles (Manual of astrology: A synthesis of essential concepts) by Thérèse Casati, Éditions du Rocher, 1996.
3) Pluton, itinéraire de la vie éternelle (Pluto and the itinerary of the continuity of life), Robert-Jacques Thibaud, Éditions Dervy Livres.
Summary of volume 16, numbers 1 and 2 of Correlation, Summer 1997 and Winter 97-98 issues.
Editorial -- S. Fuzeau-Braesch, Docteur d’État ès Sciences : We are proud of our five years of existence, but wish to review our activities so as to become more effective. The first RAMS Study Day, on 11 October 1997, was a great success and this issue of the journal is devoted to its proceedings. The objective we set for ourselves during this Study Day was to disseminate the various research projects under way, reaffirm our scientific approach, and encourage reflection and discussion. F. Santoni's "Astronomy & astrology" serves as a reference point, as we add the translation of an outstanding article by Romanian astronomer I. Predeanu. The influences of lunar cycles are analyzed (by D. Castille) as well as the correlations between the positions of Neptune and the musical professions (by C. Guellerin) . The latter has identified a new factor in the tradition of the famous past discoveries by the Gauquelins. The zodiac is indisputably validated by a study on the sociability ratings of 524 people (by S. Fuzeau-Braesch). Forecasts are also analyzed -- the transits relating to 636 ministerial nominations of politicians reveal both the value and the complexity of a well-conducted analysis using the best statistical tools (by H. Delboy). Finally, world astrology is reviewed (including the chart of the Fifth French Republic) even though there was not enough time to discuss the difficulty of the causal process of such group phenomena. During the last World Congress on Chronobiology (Paris, September 1997), it was revealed that electromagnetic fields emitted by portable telephones cause a decrease in the peak of growth hormones. This is certainly food for thought. The Study Day therefore promises to be fruitful for the future, and it was unanimously agreed upon that we must continue our work ...
Opening of the RAMS Study Day -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch, Docteur d'État ès Sciences. The author explains the three main guidelines for the research work of RAMS: 1) to carry out scientific research on statistics covering all fields of astrology in order to distinguish astrology from the "pseudo-sciences", 2) to perfect, if necessary, astrological principles by confirming or refuting them in the course of such research work, and 3) to envisage and discuss the problem of the nature of the links thus proven between the elements of the solar system and human beings.
Astronomy & astrology -- Francis Santoni. Data on astronomy are compared with data on astrology, particularly those concerning the zodiac, gravitation, and magnetism. Research on astronomy is moving toward an increasingly mathematical approach.
Astronomical treatise by Romanian astronomer Dr. Irina Predeanu: demonstrating the numerous correlations between geophysical parameters and the position of planets around the Sun (in reference to the Sun-Earth-Mars-Jupiter complex).
Empirical inquiry on orphans -- André Barbault. This is a description of the specific functions attributed to Saturn and a discussion of the claim by A. Ruperti that premature death of the father is indicated by Saturn retrograde, along with traditional data. This investigation, involving 171 orphans, shows that Saturn is often in House 4 and 10. Saturn retrograde is not confirmed in an observation of 250 orphans.
Sociability and the zodiac -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch. The aim of this study is to compare sociability scores (Eysenck-Wilson) and astrological charts of a population of 524 students. The position of the Sun in eleven out of twelve zodiacal signs corresponds significantly to alternations of higher and lower sociability for odd and even signs of the zodiac, this being in complete conformity with astrological tradition (Ptolemy), while division of the calendar year into months eliminates all alternations. On the other hand, a significant sinusoidal evolution (COSINOR) appears, with a maximum in October/Libra, something heretofore unrecognized.
Statistics correlating with 636 government ministerial nominations -- Hervé Delboy. The considerable computer resources available now enable us to carry out extensive studies with numerous research options. Thus, we have presented the conclusions of a previous study from RAMS issue number 5, and research via "tables of planetary forces" on ASTROPCW. The subsequent findings make it possible to show that the validation of factors of the birth chart (planets and axes) must be done through a full inventory of transits affecting all factors, feasible only if we have at least 30 events per chart. Future studies are therefore necessary for a deeper understanding of this notion of a "significant point " (point marquant).
Research on astrological significators of AIDS -- Maurice Charvet. The author presents a research experiment on the main significators in the charts of patient who have died from AIDS, compared to other diseases.
Neptune and musicians -- Christian Guellerin. This analysis of numerous charts of musicians (classical, jazz, etc.) reveals the preponderance of Neptune in prominent position in the charts compared to other non-musical populations and random fictitious populations. An addendum written by Hervé Delboy fully confirms the result which emerges as the first new finding since the correspondences demonstrated over 20 years ago by the Gauquelins in the case of other professions and other planets.
The Fifth French Republic -- Charles Ridoux. An ongoing problem in the world astrology is the establishment of reliable national charts. This study seeks to define the birth of the Fifth French Republic through assessment of historical events, followed by a procedure of astrological comparison which leads to verification of the date 28 September 1958, at 22h00 (when the voting booths were closed in Paris).
Editorial -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch: For our fifth issue, we wish to continue exploring and developing the scientific aspects of astrology. To meet this challenge, we are starting a new column on modern statistical techniques available for astrological research. As there are so many of them, we can only tackle them gradually. Our objective is to make these new techniques comprehensible and to show, one by one, how they are used by specialists. We shall, of course, continue our usual columns: reports on new research -- this time on the problem of lunations and births; and the latest news on "Astrology in the university". As we also wish to give consideration to a broad range of expectations, we thought it would be interesting to offer our readers a historical account of astrological culture, translated from Italian.
Birthrates and lunar cycles -- Didier Castille. The study of the distribution of births during a metonic cycle of 235 Sun-Moon cycles (i.e. 6939.55 days) reveals, above all, an influence of the seasons (at its height in May and at its lowest in January), as well as a phenomenon linked to a weekly cycle (a decrease in births on Sundays). Within these clearly identifiable factors, we have brought to the fore a slight correspondence with the Moon-Sun cycle, showing a very low excess of births during the full moon and last quarter, of about 0.38% and 0.24% respectively, compared to the average. For this purpose, we have compiled computer files adjusted by the factors mentioned above. (total births studied:14 435 700).
Statistics in astrology:
1) Introduction -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch.
2) The risk notion -- Hervé Delboy. The results of a statistical study on a certain number of subjects (N) are evaluated through the function of uncertainty, evaluated a priori, after which one admits that out of 100 tests, one will be able to find 1 or 5 statistically significant factors due to chance -- which one translates as p <0.05 or p <0.01. A statistical study rests on 1 or several variables which may be either qualitative or quantitative in nature.
3) Chance and computers -- Pierre Dicharry.
4) Computerized statistical validation of transits for 636 career events of 145 politicians -- Hervé Delboy. We analyzed the frequency of transits within a homogeneous population of 145 politicians for the event "career advancement", giving rise to 636 events. The global test is significant, showing an excess of transits in the real group (440 transits, i.e. 69.18%), against 365.24 in the theoretical group, i.e. 57.42% with p < 2E-09, results in conformity with chance in the fictitious group (365 transits, p NS). Significant results are also indicated in the fictitious group (pm P with p < 0,01) and are studied. The methodology employed is studied in detail, pointing to issues critical to correct interpretation of statistical studies.
Astrology in the university -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch
1) Personality and the horoscope by Vladimir Druzhinin, Academy of Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Moscow, published in Russian in the Psikhologicheskii zhurnal 1995, v 16, p 44-52.
2) Influence of meteorological conditions and signs of the zodiac on the psychiatric hospitalization: thesis presented to the Faculté de médicine at Dijon by F. Lefebvre.
3) Analysis of astrological systems: methodologies, explicatory hypotheses, and applications, followed by a socio-historical survey. Premier mémoire, Professor M. Maffesoli.
4) Culture and social behavior: Post-graduate (D.E.A.) thesis on the methodology, proofs, and historical background of astrology, presented at Université de Paris by Elisabeth Teissier.
Press review of Pour l'astrologie: Réflexions d'une scientifique" (In favor of astrology: reflections of a scientist) by Albin Michel, 1996. Does astrology have a place among the sciences? Review by Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch
Book review of Histoire des enfants de l'an 2000 (Children of the year 2000) by I. Andrieu. This book asserts that, on the basis of a study of planetary groupings, that the births at the end of the 20th century will give rise to a new humanistic Renaissance. However, after referring to 1562 groupings of 5 or more celestial factors within 20° arc between 1700 and 2050, calculated and published by N. Michelsen, it appears that these groupings were neither extraordinary nor rare in the past. Review by Suzel Fuzeau Braesch.
Diffusion of astrological culture in the past -- Claudio Cannistra. (translated from Italian to French by A. Pasturaud). In our times, only a specialist can interpret charts drawn up during Roman, Byzantine, Moorish, or Medieval times in the same way that they were interpreted by historical contemporaries. We can understand the 12 definitions of the signs and seven definitions of the planets, and even the meaning of planetary aspects; but we understand few of their other techniques. We have forgotten the "terms" of systems familiar to Medieval astrologers. They used codified techniques, and interpretation followed the same principles whether in Paris, Rome, Cologne, or Baghdad. The "Corpus Astrologicum" exhibits continuity and coherence since the beginning of the Middle Ages. Toward the end of ancient times, a doctor named Marcello, who lived around the 4th century B.C., combined Celtic pharmacy with Gaelic medicine and knew how to predict "heat waves"; and we see that these same notions were still followed by Al Biruni in the 10th century.
The prolongation of ancient astrology in modern times -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch. Account of a report presented at an international symposium on astrology and astronomy, held at the Université Paul Valéry in Montpellier, 23 to 25 March 1995. This symposium brought together numerous specialists in antiquities, including assyriologists, egyptologists, and latinists.
Statistical comparisons between orthophonic criteria and astrological factors -- Hubert Brun. We sought correspondences between certain speech therapy criteria and astrological factors, and found significant astrological correlations between a group of challenged children and a control group. The results are in accord with astrological symbolism. The 3/9 house axis, which is the language axis, lacks planets; whereas the 6/12 house axis, referred to as the silence axis, contains an excess of planets among children with speech therapy problems.
The usefulness of a preliminary hypothesis in statistical research -- Françoise Gauquelin. Neophytes in scientific research should write down a firm preliminary hypothesis before starting to look for the expected objective results that would promote astrology to the status of an acknowledged science.
Initial results from an experiment involving dogs -- S.Fuzeau-Braesch. In relation to the inherited sociocultural hypothesis of A. Müller and J. Halbronn concerning the nature of astrological character indicators, an empirical astrological study is organized with a first population of new-born dogs of 181 individuals. The preliminary results presented here are in contradiction with the above hypothesis and show links related to traditional human astrology.
Astrology in the University -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch:
Mars from the perspective of contemporary astrologers: an ethnomethodological study: Post-graduate (DESS) thesis presented in 1994 by Sylvie Salba at the Université de Paris.
Astrology: foundations, logic, and perspective -- Hervé Guindard. Thesis presented to the Department of Philosophy, Université de Paris, in 1993. For the author, astrology is only an esoteric subject; he therefore he rejects all scientific positions.
Our predecessors -- Françoise Gauquelin. All too few researchers know that since the early 20th century, there has been a French school applying statistical methods to astrology. This school was established due to the efforts of Major Paul Choisnard. Long before the era of computers, which today provide today considerable help to statisticians, there were dynamic pioneers who were willing to patiently and persistently calculate manually what machines do for us to day.
Letter to M. Hubert Reeves -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch.
The entrance of ethnomethodology into the field of astrology -- Hubert Brun. Dr Brun's post-graduate (DESS) thesis, Université de Paris.
Statistical comparison between a personality test and astrological factors (3 of 3) -- Pierre Dicharry. Third part of an article utilizing a data base to find correspondences between astrological factors and scores on personality tests used for recruitment. This third part studies the statistical correlations of the test results with angular relations between pairs of planets.
How to formulate a request for time of birth from government agencies -- Yves Lenoble, supplementary comments by Patrice Petitalot. Knowledge of the time of birth is of value to every practicing astrologer and research analyst. It is indispensable to know the hour recorded by official agencies. In order to avoid receiving inaccurate information in response, it is useful to be aware of pitfalls in formulating a request.
Study on the relationships between transits and the work of Arnold Schoenberg -- Hervé Delboy. We observe the frequency of coincidence between the onset of transits regarded as "benefic" by traditional astrology and the dates of creation of the musical works of Schoenberg. This is carried out by studying 44 separate events including a random sample of fictitious transits. The results show that there exists an excess of real transits at k=31 against 21.46 (p<0.01). The analysis also considers planetary cycles.
Book review of Philosophy of Science and the Occult, 2nd edition, by P. Grim, State University of New York Press, USA. Anti-astrology assertions demonstrate the need for further research in astrology. Review by Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch.
Press Review:
1) Review of Correlation, volumes 12/2 and 13/1.
2) The Schneider-Gauquelin Research Journal, volume 10, numbers 1 and 2, 1994.
3) Encyclopédie mondiale des astrologues (World encyclopedia of astrologers) by Jacques Lescaut.
4) L'Astrologue, number 106, 2nd trimester, 1994.
Statistical comparison between a personality test and astrological factors, Part 2 of 3 -- Pierre Dicharry. This is the second part of a study of a data base linking astrological factors with scores made on a personality test used by recruitment agencies. This part studies the statistical correlations between these tests and planets positioned on the horizon. The study analyzes the angle of Domitude (Placidus houses in degrees) and the ecliptic angle on the ascendant. There appear to be fewer correlations with Domitude than with the ecliptic angle. Moreover, correlations seem less numerous with the horizon than with the position of the planets along the ecliptic (in signs), described in first part of this article. The results are complex and only a small part of them reflect traditional astrological data.
Review of the doctoral thesis in medicine of Frédéric Couderat, presented 15 May 1992: Methodological contributions to the study of astrological phenomena and human pathologies.
Report on the Ninth Congress on Research in London, 13-14 November 1993 -- Françoise Gauquelin.
Study of statistical data in Mercure et Vénus démasqués (Mercury and Venus Unmasked) by Maurice Nouvel -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch & Francis Santoni. Nouvel's thesis, published in "Mercure et Vénus démasqués" (ed. Pardès 1991), according to which one must, in astrological practice, reverse these two planets, is studied by re-analyzing the population of scholars used by the author, this time by computerized means and by comparing it to other series. The reversal hypothesis reveals itself to be faultily based on errors in manual calculation, use of the sidereal zodiac for interpretations, and unequal orbs for the two planets. Other assumptions are probably accounted for by astronomical considerations.
Study of correlations between transiting factors and the work of Maurice Ravel -- Hervé Delboy. A study of the frequency of correlation between the occurrences of presumably favorable transits and the creation dates of the works of musician Maurice Ravel. This is carried out by studying 45 separate events including a random sample of fictitious transits and corresponding events, and the theoretical mean derived from actual transits occurring by chance. The fictitious transits are based on random false dates. The results show that there exists an excess of real transits at k = 24 against 13 in the fictitious group; 17.4 is the expected average. This difference has a statistical significance of p < 0.05.
Remarks on the Study of correlations between transiting factors and the work of Maurice Ravel by H. Delboy -- Pierre Dicharry.
Review of L'Univers astrologique des quatre éléments (The Astrological world of the four elements) by André Barbault, Éditions Traditionnelles, 1992.
BIRTH DATA BANKS AROUND THE WORLD -- Patrice Petitallot:
1) USA: The I.D.E.A. (Interational Exchange for Astrology) of ISAR (International Society for Astrological Research).
2) USA: Pathfinder (D.O.M.E.--The Steinbrecher data collection).
3) Italy: Grazia Bordoni
4) France: 3614 CEDRA, 3615 LOGISTEL, and 3615 URANIA.
Press Review:
1) Astro-psychological problems, volume 9, numbers 1 and 2, March & September 1993.
2) Correlation, volume 12, June 1993.
3) L'Astrologue, numbers 101-102, Éditions Traditionnelles, 11 quai St Michel 75005 Paris.
4) The Astrological Journal, The Astrological Association, Great Britain.
Statistiques de recherche: Les astres ont-ils une influence sur le genre humain? (Research statistics: do the stars influence humanity?)--Roger Husson, 51 av de Boutigny, 06530 Peymeinade, France.
Methodological problems in validating astrology scientifically: The Twins Experiment -- Suzel Fuzeau-Braesch
Statistical comparison between a personality test and astrological factors, Part 1 of 3 -- Pierre Dicharry: Deals with personality traits and the positions of the planets along the ecliptic, with summaries of results by planet, and results by sign.
The Third Euroskeptics Congress in Amsterdam, 4-5 October 1991-- Françoise Schneider-Gauquelin
International Book Reviews:
1) The Case for Astrology -- J. A. West (Arkana, Penguin Books, London, 1981);
2) The Paranormal -- Percy Seymour (Arkana, Penguin Books, London, 1992)
Issue 9 - March 2001, Issue 8 - March 2000 (a Century of Scientific Astrology), Supplemental papers for 1999, Issue 7 - January 1999, Issue 6 - January 1998, Issue 5 - February 1997, Issue 4 - January 1996, Issue 3 - March 1995, Issue 2 - March 1994, Issue 1 - April 1993.
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