Astrology as a Management Tool

By Karen Boesen Astrological knowledge has been used for thousands of years to obtain insight into the individual - its behaviour, attitudes and values. Over the last three decades particularly the discipline of business astrology has undergone a further development - for the benefit of the business community. The use of astrological knowledge is rapidly gaining ground in business circles, above all in connection with issues such as strategic planning and management/staff selection and development. An astrological chart can be interpreted both psychologically - i.e., for the individual - and sociologically - i.e., for groups or organisations. It follows that it is also possible to cast charts for the management and staff of a company as well as for the company itself. Like any other analytical tool, astrology can be used to analyse the structure or identify the hidden human resources of the company. The great advantage of astrology is the possibility of accurate prognostication. Traditional tools, such as strategic analysis, are normally static, being based on historical and recent experience and investigations. Prognostication is based on the future expectations of the company and its trade. Obviously, that is why the validity of the resulting strategic decisions and the timing of their implementation are subject to considerable uncertainty. By contrast, astrology can determine future needs and, at least equally important, the optimum timing of action because the chart is cast for both the present and the future. An astrological analysis will consequently reveal when specific actions or activities should take place to achieve optimum results. Business astrology offers many possibilities, including • structural analysis • strategic planning • entrepreneurship • management and staff selection • management and staff development • teambuilding • career planning At this point a brief introduction to some of the issues that may be contained in strategic planning from an astrological perspective will be useful. In astrology the most common time horizon for the strategy of a company is 2-3 years - hardly long term. However, business astrology offers strategic advice for both a longer term - i.e., 2-3 years - and a shorter term - i.e., 1-2 months or even less. Determinative Factors The scope of most methods of analysis is determined by the information available such as previous decisions, company culture and access to various resources. The solutions and models proposed by business astrologers are naturally dependent on the same factors. But we have to consider at least one additional factor. One is tempted to call it the essence of all astrological advice because it is its foundation: The chart for the establishment of the company. The structure of this chart largely determines the possibilities that are open to the company concerned, including future strategies. A forecast will never display growth potentials for which there is no basis in the chart under which the business was founded. Incidentally, this should be an incentive for future entrepreneurs to consult a business astrologer before starting a new business. A carefully chosen chart will present the business with the qualities needed to provide optimum possibilities in future strategic connections. Why Consult a Business Astrologer? "Time is money" is not a favourite saying of mine - but I have to admit its justice in the context of the cutthroat competition of business life. I have already touched briefly on the fact that timing in the decision-making process is an incredibly strong point of astrological advice. An excellent illustration of the reasons why you should never omit to consult your business astrologer before embarking on major projects came my way about a year ago. A major Danish company with international interests which has consulted me frequently for the last 10-12 years, particularly in connection with the preparation of reports related to strategic planning and the subsequent preparation of action plans, decided to break this habit during what was a critical period for them the business. Its managing director, my primary contact, at intervals wants to try his hand at planning his strategies unaided by business astrology. In mid 1997 the company initiated negotiations for the acquisition of a major foreign competitor. After two months of fruitless and exhausting negotiations involving extensive travel, wasted week-ends, power struggles etc., they had to face the fact that they were getting nowhere. This made the managing director to consult me again, requesting a two-year strategy plan for the company and a review of the preceding two months, both for himself and for the company. A first glance at the charts showed very clearly that the planet Mercury was damaged (negatively configured) in the charts of both the managing director and the company. Communication, negotiations, contractual issues etc. are among the areas governed by this planet. Mercury was also in the 9th house, which is traditionally linked to all types of foreign activity. Any reasonably skilful business astrologer could easily have told the representatives of the company that they could whistle for the deal. Naturally, my advice was to leave things alone for the time being - and to resume negotiations in about six months, when relevant planets would be positively configured. Taught by bitter experience they took my advice. The foreign company has now been acquired on very favourable terms. The pause exhausted its financial resources and further had the excellent psychological effect (from my clients' point of view) that the period of uncertainty made it easier for my clients to launch an offensive when the timing was right. "My" company is now among the largest in Europe in its trade. The story demonstrates beyond any doubt that you should always act when the constellations are in your favour from an astrological point of view if you want to make the most of your resources. What I have told you here is just a small sample of the variety of strategic uses of the astrological chart, which also include • management strategy • IT strategy • sales strategy • examination of the adjustability of a company through its organisational structure Remember: any change presents both a challenge and a problem. ©1999, Karen Boesen, All rights reserved.