An Overview of Business Astrology

By Michael Munkasey © There are eleven different schools of astrology, which, listed in no particular order are: natal, compatibility (or synastry), horary, electional, business, mundane (or judicial), medical, weather forecasting, rectification, event and esoteric. Often there is very little to tie these schools together, except that each, in some way, and with generalized rules, uses a chart or diagram of the planets in space around an event. These schools have little to do with techniques, such as traditional (20th century) western, progressions, Greek, Medieval, Cosmobiology, Vedic, midpoints, Uranian, astro-drama, Moon phases, Sabian Symbols, planetary pictures, etc. Techniques and schools are two totally different ideas. Schools define areas of practice, while techniques refer to methods used within various areas of practice. Business astrology is unique within the schools because it has two distinct and separate parts: consultation about business problems or questions; and also, market forecasting. Often when a person refers to their practice as "business astrology" they mean either one of these parts or the other. In truth, the parts really have little connection with each other. Consultation about business problems or questions involves having an understanding not only of various natal astrological techniques (chart reading, transits, progressions, Medieval ideas, etc.), but also of business practices. It does little good to consult with a business person who has profit in mind, when the astrologer does not understand the nature of the business. Often, questions which arise in this area involve sound business practice: should I take out a loan at this time from this bank; should I fire or hire an employee; should I move to this building; etc. Confronted with every day business questions like these the astrologer is relegated to discussions of timing. Yes, this is a good time for your business to expand (or contract); No, Tuesday is not a good day for approaching the bank about a loan; etc. Astrology can give wonderful insight into the timing of such events, but without some in-depth knowledge of contemporary business practices an astrologer can not be an effective operational consultant. Market forecasting is totally separate as a business problem from operational consulting. Market forecasting involves the use of astrological techniques to select stocks (equities), indices, futures, etc., in a satisfactory manner. Market forecasting as a discipline is much more difficult than business consulting. Also, the ideas of traditional (including Vedic, Greek, etc.) astrology do not apply as clearly to this practice. It is folly to think, as an accomplished professional natal astrologer, that you can immediately apply the techniques of natal astrology to selecting stocks or forecasting in the market. Astrology can be of considerable use here, but not with just using the traditional techniques. Additional insight is needed, and new ways of looking at standard techniques have to be learned. It is not enough to notice something like: "Transiting Jupiter is about to conjunct the Moon of the incorporation chart (or IPO chart) of company XYZ." That is a not a good use of astrological expertise. Do you know from past observations if company XYZ responds in a positive or a negative way to a Jupiter transit? Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. One can not assume that one transit alone will or will not affect a stock's price in the way that a person schooled in natal astrology will expect. Another folly quite common amongst natal astrologers who take a sudden interest in business astrology is trying to determine the starting data and time for a particular exchange; or trying to use transiting planets to forecast the direction of a stock market, index; etc. There are perhaps fifty or more stock markets throughout the world. Every day each of these markets trade stocks, commodities, etc. On any given day some of these markets will advance, and some will retreat. Yet, each is subjected to the same astrological transits at the same time. There are good and valid ways of using astrologically based ideas to forecast market direction -- but these ideas are so far removed from the techniques used in natal astrology that there really are few similarities. The Role of ISBA ISBA is a unique idea. It is the only modern, international attempt to bring people interested in the both sides of business astrology together. The idea behind ISBA is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas. Education, or how to do business astrology is not as large a priority. This is more a forum for experienced business astrologers to learn from others. Prior to ISBA there was no organization formally dedicated to simply the school of business astrology. ISBA has filled that gap. As I see it, ISBA has these thrusts: - Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas about business astrology; - Offer a periodic Journal featuring contemporary thought; - Host a web site for explaining the various parts of ISBA; - Maintain a list of qualified business astrologers; - An ongoing public relations effort to explain ISBA's goals; - Provide a formal means for operating the organization; - Sponsor conferences where people can meet and exchange ideas; and, - Provide for a means for members to stay in contact with each other. Lying behind these thrusts is the idea that ISBA is a profit-making enterprise. It is in the best interests of ISBA to cultivate and maintain enough of a cash reserve to provide a basis for the ideas and forums which the members deem necessary. Certain ideas like, commissioning a book or an article in a particular area; offering an explanation of various computer tools available to the business community; maintaining a library of reference materials; offering outlines for independent study in the area of business astrology; answering the public's questions about the practices of ISBA; maintaining an ongoing public relations effort; etc. These are fundamental ideas, each of which needs people (i.e., staff), and resources (telephone, postage, supplies, location, storage, etc.). This all costs money, and it is towards these purposes that ISBA should direct its resources. The Future ISBA needs to take a definite stand in the astrological world. At this time an emphasis on public relations and public education should remain a high priority. Unfortunately, probably the strongest asset that ISBA members can bring at this time is a set of research resources and ideas. While these are necessary and fundamental to building a viable organization over the long term, this does not necessarily bring in the cash to operate ISBA. Therefore I state that a campaign to increase membership is vital, as is the education of both the general and the astrological public to what ISBA can offer. ISBA is only as good as the members who offer to contribute their time and expertise. It is to these members that I offer my congratulations.