How to Think about the Astrology Research Program: An Essay Considering Emergent Effects

Abstract

As it has been shaped by improvements in its methods and by its discourse with critics, I describe how the astrological research program has advanced through stages of problem solving and is finding increasingly stronger evidence of astrological effects. Univariate experiments and randomized controlled protocols have helped to prepare the way for multivariate experiments and finally full-scale, automated whole-chart testing that removes human decisions from most of the experimental protocol. In light of the new evidence and how it is being obtained, I describe brief explorations as to how astrological properties may emerge from the apparent welter of combined “cookbook” counterfactuals and contingencies.