ISBA Newsletter October
2003
Dear ISBA member!
Headlines of October are:
1) Members Corner
2) Maarit Laurento - astrological research
3) ISBA - Book
4) Grace Morris - book flyer
5) New service for members and the public on the ISBA web
6) New web - Karen Boesen. English.
1) MEMBERS CORNER
Last month we welcomed our very first member from New Zealand, associate member Dechen McClintock!
New Zealand is a place I've only heard good thing about, and we can expect only good things from
our newest member! Welcome Dechen! In less than a week, we'll have a State recall election here
in California. The election has made the national and international news as the front-runner in
the race was born in Austria and is a movie actor and former body builder. As a California native,
I can only observe we have entertaining events here from time to time. It is not politics as usual
and many of us are speculating as to what we can expect business-wise as the result of this current
election. Any thoughts on this or predictions? In Oneness, Barbara May
2) MAARIT LAURENTO - ASTROLOGICAL RESEARCH
Is Astrology Relevant?
Is astrology relevant to consciousness and Psi, ask Geoffrey Dean and Ivan Kelly in their recently
published study http://www.imprint.co.uk/jcs_10_6-7.html
which has aroused a lot of discussion in England, especially. The study was widely discussed in
English newspapers and all over the world, even in Finland.
The study is about how astrology is irrelevant. The studies used are e.g. Time Twins and matching
tests. Also it goes through some literature of astrological research.
First of all, I welcome this kind of a study because I think it gives a perfect platform for astrologers
to argue their point. There are many points one could make of the study itself. For example:
1. Standing point. Dean and Kelly try to show that astrologers argue astrology is clairvoyance
which perhaps is because the journal they publish it in is about consciousness studies and this
viewpoint is perfect for that. They e.g. argue that astrologers want help from spirit guides which
from the standing point of professional astrology seems quite far out but could be media sexy
in the context they are performing. As Pat Harris, an astrology researcher from England pointed
out "anyone can learn how to use astrology". As many astrologers think, myself included,
astrology could be understood as a language, as a semiotic system which has its own rules, and
the trademark, if you wish, for every astrologer is how to combine these rules in a creative way.
But the rules exist and the discoursive interpretation rules can be studied. It is not a mystery.
2. English astrologer Jonathan Cainer pointed out that when researchers themselves have a certain
viewpoint that affects the results. And he is right. Geoffrey Dean and Ivan Kelly are known to
be opponents of astrology and this might influence to their way of viewing things in astrology.
He also pointed out that questionnaires as used in the study could tell another story than asked
because people tend to tell better stories than the real truth is.
3. Most studies done of astrology are quantitative. If only statistics are allowed into the field
of astrological studies, we are on the wrong track. If we take a qualitative viewpoint that even
one case is interesting as such, e.g. we can start analysing how one person feels when she/he
is having a Jupiter transit etc. Or if retrograde Mercury is taken, one cannot claim that every
time it will mean cancellations. It depends e.g. if the issue at stake is unaccomplished or has
other considerable issues. Qualitative studies entered the academy because quantitative studies
couldn't offer explanations for deviations. E.g. case studies are valid as such.
4. Time Twins. Dean and Kelly have studied Pisces twins for forty years and found no similarities
among them. They analysed 110 variables such as anxiety, aggressiveness, sociability, accident
proneness and marital status. Dean and Kelly do not show in the study how these elements have
been taken but it was mentioned that the more precise study is forthcoming which I am looking
forward to. Also, now there are only Pisces, what could be the result with other time twins?
5. References. One should also have a closer look at the literature. References seemed to be one
sided and some of them quite old ones. As there has happened much in the 80's, 90's and now, these
views seem to be missing altogether (e.g. the language idea).
Dean's and Kelly's study gives us brilliant possibilities to argue why astrology cannot be studied
in certain ways and also ponder more productive ways doing it. Now the situation is so much better
because there is a forum for these issues especially in England and USA. But summa summarum, I
think it is good that these ideas come out, even if they are negative as in Dean's and Kelly's
study. Then it is possible to argue and discuss these things openly. So, please read the article.
It gives you many viewpoints and ideas. It can be read free on the page mentioned above.
Maarit Laurento
3) ISBA - BOOK
As any ISBA-member knows, the ISBA book on Business and Financial Astrology was released as an
e-book this spring - an e-book was an inexpensive and easy solution for publication. Still, many
people, and students very often, like to have a real book in their hands. One in which it is possible
to write notes in the margin, use for reference purposes etc. No doubt, hard print is often preferable
in many cases. ISBA hasn't had the financial option of publishing hte book in hard-print, but
an opportunitity has presented itself - ISBA member Georgia Stathis has offered to publish the
book through her company, StarCycles.com. This will probably be executed during Winter, and you
will all be notified as soon as the book is ready ´. All writers who have contributed to
the book will be contacted shortly. Many thanks to Georgia Stathis for this initiative.4) GRACE
MORRIS - BOOK FLYER
HOW TO CHOOSE STOCKS
TO OUTPERFORM THE MARKET 2004"
This latest edition by Grace K. Morris, M.A., outlines the Astro Economics® system, a proven
method that uses technical, fundamental and cycle analysis and has produced outstanding results
throughout the world. Whether you are an experienced investor, trader or new to the market, this
book is for you. Ø EASY-TO-UNDERSTAND EXPLANATION OF HOW TO SELECT THE BEST STOCKS AND
FIND OUT WHICH ONES WILL BE THE HOT PICKS FOR 2004! LEARN WHAT WILL ENERGIZE THE ECONOMY IN 2004
AND WHAT TO AVOID. DEFINE YOUR OWN PERSONAL INVESTING STYLE AND UNDERSTAND YOUR ATTITUDE ABOUT
MONEY. LEARN BY DOING. THIS BOOK HELPS YOU ALONG THE FASCINATING JOURNEY OF PROFITABLE INVESTING.
Price: $80 includes postage and handling (available 9/27/03). Name_________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip Code______________________________________________________
Country/Postal Code____________________________________________________
Phone__________________Fax__________________Email_____________________
Check (payable to Astro Economics, Inc.) Mastercard Visa
Credit Card #________________________________________Exp. Date___________
Attn: Grace K. Morris, M.A., Astro Economics, Inc.
1415 W. 22nd St. Tower Floor, Oak Brook, IL. 60523
Phone: 815-464-8200 Fax: 815-464-8163 Email:astro@astroeconomics.com. Website: www.astroeconomics.com5)
NEW SERVICE FOR MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC ON THE ISBA WEB
Last month we asked for members who were willing to contribute advice to individuals and the public.
We have been lucky enough to be offered the services of a most experienced financial astrologer,
Paul Nipperess, Australia. Naturally, Paul Nipperess has his own business to run, and will contribute
as far as time allows it. Nevertheless, we look forward to opening this channel, particularly
to the public. The opening will take place in a couple of weeks and will be announced on the front
page of our web: www.businessastrologers.com . Check out the web, and see the new material and
suggestions for investments. We are sure that there will be inspiration for students as well as
for experienced astrologers.6) NEW WEB - KAREN BOESEN. ENGLISH.
I (Karen) have established new web pages, nicely designed by Hannah. If you are interested in
my areas of business, please visit the site - they are naturally also available in English.
Best wishes,
Karen & Hannah
from members
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