First of all this issue, consideration of a longer, more in depth article, followed by a couple of short pieces of pro-astrology testimony from the popular media, and, finally, a literary extract.
A. From the 'Quality' Press: Rudolf Steiner and Biodynamic Farming
The Guardian Wednesday June 15, 2005 (G2 p 8-9) carried an article on Rudolf Steiner's system of biodynamic farming by Bibi van der Zee, titled 'Whole earth - or totally barmy?'.* The story began, 'Biodynamic food is even more expensive than organic produce and is gaining its fans. But can any farming system that follows moon cycles and involves burying cow horns stuffed with manure be taken seriously?'
.The article is quite a fair one. Biodynamic agriculture is, of course, an astrological system, based largely on the Moon, and The Guardian generally has an anti-astrology bias. Perhaps the fact that biodynamic methods produce positive results makes it difficult to argue with: one can ignore the method and focus on the results. However, we have to consider what sort of mythology drives a system in which words like 'barmy', 'quackery' and 'bonkers' are considered part of intelligent discourse. Van der Zee is quite clearly sympathetic but has to bow to the newspaper's overall worldview, which is that astrology is a superstitious anachronism which should have died out by now. Van der Zee reports clearly on the evidence that supports biodynamic methods, writing that,
In 1993, research carried out in New Zealand by Professor John Reganold of Washington State University and published in Science concluded that biodynamic compost was indeed of better quality than compost from conventional farms. In 2002, a Swiss paper on organic farming from FiBL ("probably the most highly regarded purely organic farming-focussed research institution in Europe," says Leifert) published by Science magazine concluded that biodynamically tended soil showed higher biodiversity and higher levels of microbial activity than either conventionally or organically farmed soil. Lots of microbes are, in case you're wondering, a good thing: the busier the soil the better.
A web search came up with a number of interesting pieces including one from The Observer (Sunday July 21, 2002) by popular TV gardening presenter Monty Don, titled 'Farming With Stars'.** The article is headlined with the normal paradoxical contrast ('Stuffed stag bladders, lunar planting and cosmic harvests... biodynamics sounds cranky, says Monty Don, but the food tastes heavenly') and Don then goes on to say that even though he cannot accept the theory or method, the results seem worthwhile. He concludes that
I came away if not converted to biodynamics then at least rethinking my own approach to gardening and organics. Andy and Jane produce first-class food in a happy, sustainable environment. It is not going to make them rich, but by any definition, this is a success. Conventional farmers and growers are in a mess. I suspect that the government is incapable of understanding the problem, let alone providing any solution. The answer lies in us as individuals - gardeners or people brave enough to buy a patch of ground 'no good for growing vegetables'. And if that is accompanied by the burial of dandelions collected at dawn or a chart of the phases of the moon, then is it any weirder than the damaging potions and incantations of scientists, ministers and so-called experts down the years?
* Also on line at www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1506555,00.html
** http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,,759001,00.html
B. From the 'Popular' Press: Stars and Stars
Of all the sociologically distinct groups who love astrology, Hollywood films stars are probably the most vocal. Here are a couple of clippings sent in by Jill Wood, both of which contain the typical - and expected - responses.
1. '60 Second Interview' with Hilton heiress Paris Hilton, Metro, 25 May 2005
Q. You're a TV star, budding pop star, model and now an actress. Are you a workaholic?
A. I work all day long. I get up at 6am every day and go to a photoshoot on the set , or to record, or I'm in the car going somewhere and reading a script. I always have to be doing something.
Q. Have you always been like that?
A. I'm an Aquarius - we're very creative people. I love doing a lot of things at once, I can't really focus on just one thing because I have ADD.* But it's great because I get so much done.
Q. Don't you ever think: 'Stop the world, I want to get off'?
A. Whatever.
* Attention Deficiency Disorder
2. '60 Second Interview' with Jennifer Lopez, Metro, 10 May 2005
Q. Charlie* is also a compulsive horoscope-reader. Are you?
A. I love horoscopes. And psychics. Love anything that tells me about anything that is going to happen. I read horoscopes whenever I come across one. Sometimes they are accurate. If you want to you can the truth in them.
Q. Are you a typical Leo?
A. I think so. I'm loyal and generous.
* Lopez's character in the film 'Monster-in-Law'.
C. From the literary world
Lastly, astrology makes frequent appearances in literature as a means of plot development. Ever since Chaucer writers have been using astrological references to put a story into context. The following extract is from Patrick White's The Living and the Dead, London: Vintage 1996, (1st edn., Routledge and Kegan Paul 1941).
I shall call you Kate, Kay said, smiled, the eyes closed up, then opened, to interested, too close. Now Kate, what can I get you? A li-tle [sic] sandwidge [sic]? It was nice of you to come, Kate. I'm interested in people, of course. I've got to know about people. And that gives me such a lot. Ever had your horoscope dome Kate?
No. said Mrs Standish, much to gaily. I hate to know too much……
You can never know too much…..
You ought to have your horoscope. I should say you were a Venus subject. I'm a Venus subject. That's why I've had such a terrible time. An, now mother's sick, she said. That was in the stars. I'd go crazy if it wasn't for Arthur. And my work. Arthur makes me feel I'm not a plaything. That's the danger in a Venus subject. A victim of the passions. But Arthur. Mrs Standish, Kate, I love Arthur, body and soul.