In chapter 6. On Creating a Science of Astrology are some thoughts about the astrology versus science, about the metaphysical bases of astrology and the practical side. Robert Hand advices astrologers to test it and to move toward practical astrology:

“It is unfortunate that most astrologers are out of touch with the basic research aspect of astrology, and of those who are in touch with it, many feel threatened by it. The serious journals of astrology contain a mixture of articles relating to the craft of astrology and a very few relating to astrology truly like a science. Possibly the reason for “scientific” astrology's unpopularity is that it seems irrelevant to practical, everyday concerns of the average counseling astrologer: the mind is only willing to endure a limited amount of distraction from its main object of interest. Moreover, if research come up with results that are contrary to the techniques by which astrologers have been working, the cognitive dissonance that arises is painful, disrupting, and inconvenient. It is quite possible that some of the ideas we cherish may turn out to be wrong. The only thing that we feel sure of is that the basic idea of astrology is sound – that there are cyclical correlations between the various levels of reality (microcosmos and macrocosmos) which can be used to increase our understanding of humanity and nature conjointly”.

My evaluation: 8

7. A new Approach to Transits

Here is presented a rare technique named parans which mainly means planets that transits simultaneous the horizon or meridian circle. The whole explanation and the way one can use this is more complex, you will find it in the book. Personally I tested these technique but did not get relevant results.

My evaluation: 8,7

8. Crisis of Human Growth

It is again an essay about the malefics but this time he analyzes the periods when those planets make hard aspects. You will find here: the first Saturn square (occurs at 7 years age), first Saturn opposition (14 years), second Saturn square and Uranus transit square Uranus natal (21 years), the Saturn return (28-29 years), Pluto square Pluto (about 50 years old) etc. Very nice explanations that are useful for everyone.

My evaluation: 8,5

9. Declination and Latitude

The author tries to prove that we should take in account the latitude when analyzing a chart. Usually we are looking only at longitude, leaving out the latitude. But the latitude shows the distance a planet has from the ecliptic and influences her position in house and, probably, the power of her energies. You will find an example there, the chart of Jimmy Carter inauguration. I think the latitude is really important and definitely should be analyzed. I am using this value and, surely, has some beneficial effects on chart interpretation.

My evaluation: 9