Astrology

There are literally hundreds of readily available books that promote astrology; every general bookstore stocks them in profusion. Unfortunately despite the putative scientific nature of astrology, there are a great many different approaches, so that a presentation of a definitive system is not possible. It is harder to find critical accounts, but the books listed below will do. It is not as if there is an avalanche of new scientific data in support of astrology that needs continual refutation.

Culver, Roger B., & Ianna, Phillip A. Astrology: True or False? Prometheus Books, 1988. Probably the best critical evaluation. It offers some attention to whether data actually support astrology, but it is particularly good on the many gaffs in terms of astronomy and physics.

Ertel, Suitbert & Irving, Kenneth. The Tenacious Mars Effect. Urania, 1996. Gauquelin argued that eminence in certain professions and sports was related to the position of Mars at time of birth, and this book reviews supportive evidence although their interpretation is disputed by others. For better or worse this is probably the strongest empirical evidence in favor of astrology.

Stewart, J.V. Astrology: What=s Really in the Stars. Prometheus, 1996. Stronger on history than on contemporary systems and data.

West, John Anthony. The Case for Astrology (*). Penquin, 1991. A lucid presentation of the general ideas behind astrology and unlike many books sympathetic to astrology it attempts to refute some of the major criticisms of the system.