Dreamland Have you had a dream that you just can’t forget? It isn’t just who did what to whom but more the underlying tone of feeling expressed; anxiety, anger, panic, confusion. The whole thing just doesn’t make sense and it’s queer – queer enough to hold your attention and queer enough to make you a bit nervous about going to bed at night. We experience all sorts of dreams informing a variety of different subjects. We’re led to believe that this is the way we process that which happened during the day and in many regards, that’s probably true. But according to Liz Greene, the Jungian analysts, at the base of each and every dream is something churning away in our psyche that is trying to break through into consciousness. In this respect, dreams are the answers to the questions that we didn’t realise that we needed to ask. Questions that are well documented in our birth charts by aspects and connections about which we’d rather not know. Most of the time, the dream fades away and we forget about it. But when the time is ripe (by transit or progression) these dreams make themselves known is such a way that they no longer can be ignored. Some time ago, I had a dream that still haunts me today. I had inherited a flat in New York City from my parents, a flat that I’d never even known that they’d had. Even though I had a key, I had trouble finding the door. When finally I was in, I discovered that the flat had been empty for some time. I was amazed, however, that there were so light and sunny rooms to explore. Could I live here? At the time, transiting Uranus was making a trine to all of my planets in Libra in my 4thhouse, symbolising my ‘home’. With help from my therapist, I came to understand that I have what I call the ‘Henry James’ syndrome. Most of his novels explore themes where naïve Americans go back to their European ‘roots’ to obtain the education and polish they believe they didn’t get in their native land. But eventually (like Henry James himself), they must come to terms with their roots or risking aimlessly wandering like the little boy who refused to grow up, Peter Pan. As I’m still living in Europe and haven’t been back to the United States in almost 16 years, I’d hazard a guess that I’m still doing my Peter Pan. Little wonder this dream won’t leave me alone. Now I’ve got another set of transits (Pluto in Capricorn) that may force the issue. Stay tuned. This story is not yet finished. Share this:FacebookTwitterEmailPrintLinkedInLike this:Like Loading...
The Dragon’s Head Imagine, having a clear picture delivered from your higher self of what you’re meant to accomplish during this lifetime, a picture that ordinary astrological techniques and ordinary astrologers cannot provide? Background Just like the Tropical zodiac (developed in ancient Greece) used by western astrologers and the Sidereal zodiac (older than the hills) used by eastern astrologers, the Draconic zodiac is a method of assigning the planets (and other important points) to one of the twelve zodiac signs. The Sidereal zodiac lines the planets up against the fixed stars or constellations. The Tropical zodiac (now 28 degrees out of sync with the Sidereal) is a moving target. It lines 0 degrees Aries up with the vernal equinox which, because of the earth’s wobble on its axis, shifts ever so slightly each year. The Dragon Speaks The cosmic dance of Rahu, the Dragon’s head and Ketu, the Dragon’s tail The Draconic (Dragon) zodiac is a completely different kettle of fish. Although based on the tropical zodiac, it realigns all planetary placements in keeping with the north lunar node (the dragon’s head). It is the cosmic dance of the two lunar nodes which plots the predictable point at which the moon will cross and crisscross the ecliptic (or the apparent path of the sun through the sky). Traditionally, the lunar nodes are more spiritually inclined than the rest of the planets/points; the north lunar node heralds your future, your destiny, whilst the south lunar node symbolises your past, as well as what’s holding you back. The upside of this is that whilst both the Tropical and Sidereal zodiacs rely completely on the Sun’s movements, the Draconic captures the cyclical waltz between the Moon and the Sun. It is for this reason that the Draconic zodiac is believed to capture the essence of a soul (or higher self) incarnating into the earth plan as well as documenting the karmic strengths and weaknesses carrying on through multiple incarnations (rather like the Akashic Records). If the natal chart erected using the Tropical zodiac fleshes out the personality or temperament of the incarnated individual, the chart erected using the draconic zodiac provides the skeletal framework. It’s the equivalent of having a snapshot of your higher self and its intended evolutionary goals before coming into this incarnation, highlighting important lessons intended to be learned this time around. Destiny Calls Where the tropical natal chart and the draconic charts intersect, there’s much information to gain; in essence, this is destiny calling. As you can see, the structure of the chart remains the same but the planets and angles will have changed sign. In my Draconic chart, my Tropical Sun has shifted from Libra to Sagittarius. Indeed, although using the traditional western Tropical zodiac, my chart is primarily air (6 planets), using the Draconic zodiac, it is primarily fire (6 planets). Tropical zodiac on the inside compared to Draconic zodiac on the outside ring. To me this suggests that over many lifetimes, I’ve nurtured a fiery optimistic, spiritual, philosophical, and holistic approach. This has likely been accomplished through extensive travel as well as a good deal of higher education (Sagittarius). My natal Tropical Moon in Gemini loves learning, reading everything upon which I can lay my hands. Certainly, this would fuel a continuing need to develop my wisdom but Sagittarius implies more understanding than does Gemini, which is generally more interested in gathering information than doing much with it. My Draconic Moon in Leo may help here because it comes more from the heart (Leo) than the head (Gemini). Leo brings natural authority and fierce sense of pride to the table, a personal pride that quite honestly, I’ve never actually felt before. Having my Draconic Mercury in Sagittarius will also help in applying what I learn across a broader board. It might also be the source of my active interest in creative writing, which I’ve long believed is not really explained by my natal chart. In my Tropical birth chart I have no fire and so I have never believed that my intuition (fire) was reliable. But then again, looking back over nearly six decades, my intuition never has let me down. I also have struggled keeping up faith in myself and in life in general, but all that fire in my Draconic chart suggests that perhaps I overdid this (i.e. held too high an opinion of myself) in prior lifetimes and so in this life, I needed to learn some humility. This theme of humility is mirrored in the closest connection I’ve noted between the two charts – that of the Tropical Pluto sitting close to Draconic Jupiter. Together, these suggest a desire for power that might have got out of hand in past lives. There’s also plenty to suggest that Jupiter (king of the gods) is my spiritual guiding light (all that Sagittarius, which Jupiter rules) but in this life my Jupiter in Gemini is in detriment. Perhaps I need to find a new and less traditional way to express my urge for power? Destiny is Answered I’m still working with this new zodiac and am very excited about what it might add to my astrological coaching mix. Next, I’ll explore midpoints and synastry. There’s also a whole new way of thinking about transits and progressions. Watch this space. Share this:FacebookTwitterEmailPrintLinkedInLike this:Like Loading...
UK Tory Leadership Challenge Some believe it’s smooth sailing for Boris Johnson in the 2019 Tory leadership challenge. But based upon his current Solar Return (SR) (2019/2020), I suggest that even if he should prevail, he will neither prove effective nor enjoy a comfortable ride. This SR chart has no angular planets (i.e. planets conjunct the ‘cross of matter’). This suggests that during this period (birthday to birthday), Boris will not be able to make a significant impact in the world at large. The only planet making a tight Ptolemaic aspect to the angles (in this case the Ascendant/Descendant axis), is the Moon which suggests that Boris might be prone to ‘wearing his heart on his sleeve’. According to Ebertin, this combination does impact one’s personal relationship with others, but more likely than not, in a disingenuous (and disharmonious) way. . Trying to be all things to all people never wins the day Boris Solar Return 2019/20 The most remarkable thing in this chart is its stellium of planets/energy in Capricorn in the 10th house – Moon, Pluto, Saturn, and the South Node. This is a very public place– and so may well suggest taking on the role of party leader but again, it’s not likely to go well for Boris. According to Ebertin, the combination of Moon/Saturn/Nodal axis suggests isolation, and inhibitions in organisations and association. Feelings of loneliness and standing alone in life are indicated. Add Pluto to the mix and there’s a necessity to rely only on oneself. Tied in with this stellium by opposition is Mars/Mercury in Cancer. This might add the ability to think and act strategically so as to further one’s plans. Equally, it might suggest rashness and the tendency to exaggerate not to mention quarrelling and fault-finding. Ebertin even suggests this combination can result in using the ideas of others for one’s own benefit. A Tiger does not easily change his stripes What you have seen in the past with Boris, is very likely what you’ll see in the future. It is also worth noting that in his natal chart, Boris not only has a high dose of Gemini but no Capricorn. His Saturn, natural ruler of Capricorn, is in Pisces where it does not do Capricorn things like accomplished leadership well. This suggests that the Capricorn energies reflected by that stellium in the SR return chart for 2019/2020 do not sit well with the basic temperament of Boris. To succeed with Capricorn energy requires persistence, hard work and concentration, anathema to any Gemini. Share this:FacebookTwitterEmailPrintLinkedInLike this:Like Loading...
The Joker Runs Wild This chart is set at Washington, DC for the Sun’s ingress into Cancer for 2019; the exact moment of the summer solstice. This should give clues as to the dynamics in play for the United States from then through the vernal equinox in September. Other learned astrologers have suggested that by this point in time, the US might well be at war. Yet this chart shows none of that, at least not in the ordinary sense of a military operation. So what, in its stead, are we to expect? Summary Even if traditional military action is not in the cards, international diplomatic relations relating to finances and the American economy are headed either for ‘dreams come true’ or tragic consequences. It all depends on whether Trump, as head of the American nation, acts sensibly or naively in whatever situation(s) manifests. Details Venus (15 Gemini 22) is the most prominent planet in this chart, high in the sky at the midheaven and in close proximity with all the angles of this chart. This means that Venus has power to make things happen in the outer world – i.e. influencing actual events.In the context of war, Venus represent victory. In the more generalised context of mundane astrology, it represents all that the American nation finds fashionable and fun as well as national resources and its financial institutions. This Venus is caught up in a tight T Square with Neptune and Jupiter. The current Neptune/Jupiter configuration is opportunistic – the ‘Dream Catcher’ aspect. Both these planets are strong in their signs of rulership and so, very beneficial in the hands of someone both sensible and willing to do some good-old-fashioned hard work. Yet because both Jupiter and Neptune share a taste for the boundless, they are also the signature of the dreamer/visionary expressing a foolhardy naivety. Tie this in with Venus and the dynamic is that of happy days for those who display common sense and are willing to work and not so happy days for those who don’t. Enter the chart of Donald Trump, the current American president. His Uranus (radical individualism) at 17 Gemini 54 ties in with (and may set off) that T-Square. What happens as the result would, in my opinion, be determined by whether Trump behaves either sensibly or in a foolhardy way in regards to whatever tensions this T Square represents in the international community. Areas of interest include national resources, financial institutions and of course, that which the American nation finds fashionable. I won’t try to second guess actual events – but we can say that because this T-Square sets off the 10th, 4th, and 7th houses in the ingress chart, that whatever happens (and something will definitely happen) it will impact the common people and their concept of ‘home’ (4th) , as well as foreign relations/agreements (7th) , and of course, the American president and federal government (10th). Final thoughts It’s worth noting that ingress Mars/Mercury (fighting words) conjuncts Trump’s natal Venus/Saturn (hard-heartedness). Add ingress Pluto (22 Capricorn 26) by opposition and you get separations caused by fanatical criticism and/or heavy attacks or assaults from others. Add ingress Saturn (so close to the ‘fated’ nodal access that it is scary), and we might expect tragedy as the result of all of the above. Share this:FacebookTwitterEmailPrintLinkedInLike this:Like Loading...
Sentimental Journey Each and every month, the moon returns to the exact position it held at the moment of your birth. Factor in where you’re currently residing and you’ve got a Lunar Return (LR), or map of your emotional journey for the month. Usually, the Lunar Return also points to actual events. This month’s LR is two hours after the new moon suggesting that for me, a whole new emotional cycle is starting. My LR Moon aligns with my LR Sun, suggesting that at long last, my heart and head are working together. My LR Moon/Sun are high in the sky up in my 10th LR house (and close to the midheaven) suggesting this all manifests concretely – in full view – in my career. Virgo is on my LR Ascendant and in sync with my natal Venus/Mars conjunction in Virgo. This suggests that this month’s emotional energy will compliment my personal values (i.e. that which I love) as well as how I go about achieving them. Good news! I love Virgo’s discriminating abilities. Just what I need for effective implementation of my plans.Even better, the ruler of my LR Ascendant in Virgo is Mercury and he’s strongly placed in Gemini (another sign he rules) high in the sky in my LR 10th house (career).Lots of extravagant and exciting communication (LR Mercury opposes LR Jupiter) that makes me feel good and further my career goals.LR Mercury also sits within one degree of my natal Jupiter: good luck with speaking engagements, blog posts, and my new e-book. Fantastic! Theme for this month: in the limelight and feeling good about it in regards to communication about the things that I love! To date, I can affirm that’s exactly what’s happening – I’ve joined my first networking group to promote my new astrological coaching endeavour and it was great! I’m also making huge head way with Linked-In connections, some of which look very promising. The first one-half of my new e-book is just now out for beta-testing. Watch this space. This is experimental for a potential new offering in my astrological coaching practice. I’ll be looking for beta-testers soon for this so if you’re interested, give me a shout! Share this:FacebookTwitterEmailPrintLinkedInLike this:Like Loading...
Happy Birthday Mary The Solar Return (SR) chart gives a brief snapshot of the 12-month period (birthday-to-birthday). Such predictive techniques are necessarily short and sweet, giving ample opportunity for clients to fill in the details. SUMMARY Expect an interesting year ahead with some challenges to your more intimate partnerships and relationships. Changes have been long overdue. A break-up is not necessarily in the cards but you can still expect some anxiety and tension. The key to making the best of what this period has to offer (as well as avoiding the worst) is to consult both your head and your heart. honest communication = head +heart By contrast, your tendency will more than likely be to turn whatever happens into an intellectual challenge; that would be a grave mistake. Honest communication lies at the heart of a successful outcome – words have power, yes, but so do non-verbal messages especially when (as is more likely than not to be the case), you’re involved in some kind of personal power play. Finances are also highlighted – if you’ve had trouble in the past, you’ll probably have trouble again. Despite all the challenges, the year ahead holds great potential – for now it is time for the ‘real you’ to shine through. ANALYSIS 2019/20 Solar Return (SR) Uranus (1 Taurus 08) is close to your 7th house cusp and even closer (in sextile) to your solar return (SR) Venus. This suggests that in the next twelve months, you can anticipate some significant (and perhaps unexpected) changes in your partnerships, both personal and business.Although such changes are perhaps long overdue, they are still likely to create some anxiety, not the least because they seem to be out of your control. Expect these to be accompanied by feelings of restlessness and tension; this is not likely to be a comfortable time. In one sense whether such changes are instigated by you or your partner(s) doesn’t matter for in so many ways they are absolutely right and necessary for you both.A break up is not necessarily in the cards, however, and the way in which the necessary changes manifest could take many ((perhaps mutually agreeable) forms.That some changes in your life (relationship or otherwise) will be as profound as they are inevitable, is emphasised by your SR Pluto being in the same degree as your SR nodal axis. Your SR Pluto is in your SR 3rd house along with SR Moon and SR Saturn. The 3rd house is all about communications as well as how you cope with everyday matters. A high intellectual involvement with events as they unfold is indicated. Will you interact with these events on an emotional basis or will you keep you emotions strictly under control? If you don’t do both, there’s a real potential for you to miss subtler meanings – not all that is being communication (in either direction) is consciously and purposefully verbalised. Whilst it is true that words have tremendous power, so do non-verbal messages especially when you’re involved in some kind of personal power play.The midpoint of your SR Mars/Saturn is in close square aspect with your SR Jupiter. This suggests you may be faced with events/situations upon which you will be tempted to concentrate all your energies at the expense of other interests. Beware. If you do, you seriously risk sapping your vital energy. Because your SR Jupiter is involved in the SR 2nd house, this concentration could revolve around finances, which could manifest as events either good or bad. True, you may have more money available than expected during this period but equally there is a temptation to overspend. Which way this plays out has much to do with your own personal history re: finances. Take outside advice as needed.Finally, with your SR Sun in your SR 5th house, you are more likely than not going to be treated to the opportunity to watch your personality bloom. This is a wonderful placement, especially for those who have compromised themselves in the past. Your mantra during this period might be along the lines of ‘to thine own self be true’. Share this:FacebookTwitterEmailPrintLinkedInLike this:Like Loading...
All Change – Solar Return for Ms CE The Solar Return (SR) chart gives a brief snapshot of the 12-month period (birthday-to-birthday). Such predictive techniques are necessarily short and sweet, giving ample opportunity for clients to fill in the details. From time to time, transits to the natal chart are also used to gain more information. The following is for Ms CE – 2019-2020: All change. You’re in for an exciting (if not bumpy) ride during this period. Although it’s impossible to say how things will turn out, it is more than likely to work out to your benefit as long as you resist the urge to get engaged in power struggles in regards to your partnerships (both business and personal). ANALYSIS: SR Pluto (21 Capricorn 48) is conjunct your 7th house cusp and also sextile/trine to your MC/IC (4th and 10th houses) axis.This means that as far as your next twelve months are concerned, you can anticipate a profound change in your partnerships, both personal and business (7th house). This could result in a power struggle – but if so, you most certainly are not guaranteed to get your way. Whether or not change is instigated by you or your partner remains to be seen however, because of the aspect to your MC/IC axis, this is likely to effect both your career and home life. The most beneficial way to use this energy is to honestly face whatever is at the base of the need for change. Do not give in to the urge to fall into ‘old ways’ of relating, whatever they may be. They will not serve you well this time. Another suggestion of huge change is your SR Sun in the 8th house. It is common with this placement for a complete life-style change – for example, quitting work or returning to school full-time. Equally possible, is moving house. The purpose of all this is for you to gain control over your life especially so as to prevent others from (emotionally) manipulating you. Planetary transits to your natal chart also suggest a significant change in your home and personal circumstances: Transiting Uranus conjunct to your Natal Moon– home and family situations (as well as relationships with women) are likely to prove highly unstable during this period. They may change abruptly and in unexpected ways. New emotional commitments may be established and old ones terminated. Whatever happens this is bound to be an exciting (if not bumpy) ride that is more than likely to work out in your favour – This is a once-in-a-lifetime transit. Transiting Uranus opposition your natal Uranus– classic mid-life crisis transit – expect the unexpected –all change and for the better – this also a once-in-a-lifetime transit. Transiting Saturn conjunct your natal Venus– getting very serious about relationship and partnerships – light and airy will no longer do. Commitment is the name of the game, at least from your point of view. It remains to be seen if you get it. Transiting Neptune square your natal Mars– getting anything accomplished during 2019-20 may prove frustratingly difficult, at least in the sense of getting them to turn out as you’ve planned. One potential manifestation of this is men in your life being confused especially in regards to your relationship. Try to keep everything as clear and above-board as possible and do, please, take care of your health. Transiting Pluto conjunct natal Mercury – this is a unique chance to come to grips with the hidden meanings and motivations behind your own words and those of others. Travel abroad may also leave you profoundly affected. Take what you can from such circumstances and use it to your advantage. Share this:FacebookTwitterEmailPrintLinkedInLike this:Like Loading...
Will the UK leave the EU on 29 March 2019? Yes – expect a sharp, hard-nosed message to be delivered by the UK about sovereignty in regards to international trade and finance. The mood has changed in the UK from one of compromise and flexibility to an emotionally-fuelled power play that ends in a black hole. DETAILED ANALYSIS In mundane astrology, the 8th house represents financial relationships that are important to partnerships and other 7th house affairs. Concerns regarding international finance as well as foreign investment in a nation fall to this house. The 8thhouse is also viewed as the house of national death, rebirth, and renewal. There is a complex and concentrated stellium of four planets in Capricorn (the UK is a Capricorn nation) in this 8th house. This is where the majority of the energy in this chart is focused and according to Troinski, a heavy concentration of 8th house planets is an indication of revolution, rebellion, and outright war. The planets involved, (Sun, Pluto, Mercury, and Saturn) support this interpretation with a sharp, critical, and hard-nosed (Saturn) message (Mercury) in regards to international finance and foreign investment (8th house) in conjunction with a powerful rebirth of a nation for selfish advantage (Sun/Pluto). Sun/Pluto further suggests that the underlying theme of this message is sovereignty and arrogance. There is also more than a hint that the UK government is over-estimating is own power to potentially dangerous consequences. In a horary chart the Moon functions as a general indicator of the situation describing the surrounding circumstances as well as the forward and backward movement of events: The first aspect made by this moon (in Taurus) was a trine to Saturn. This suggests that in the past, the mood was favourable for repairing the UK’s relationship with the EU. The next aspect made by this Moon was a trine to Mercury. This suggests that in regards to the legalities and mechanics of BREXIT as well as the political process surrounding it, the mood was one of flexibility. The last aspect made by the Moon was a trine to Pluto which is not traditionally considered in horary. Although it is tempting to suggest that it suggests that the UK government has had a recent change of heart and that the resolution of the matter has now become an emotionally driven power play. The next aspect to be made by the Moon will be a trine to the Sun. This suggests the beginning of a new venture that seeks sovereign advancement. The last aspect to be made by the Moon is a trine to the South Node. This suggests the end of the matter is akin to a black hole. Share this:FacebookTwitterEmailPrintLinkedInLike this:Like Loading...
Dream Weaver Starting today (13 January), one of the major planetary aspects of 2019 gets underway when Jupiter and Neptune form an opportunistic square. Both are strong in their signs of rulership and so expect this square, in the hands of someone someone sensible, to yield extraordinary results. Jupiter is big picture, an inspired optimistic vision for the future. Combined with Neptune, which brings magic, colour and soul into your life, this is the time to catch your dreams and make them happen. If ever your dreams can manifest, it is now. The trick, however, is not to go overboard. Both Jupiter and Neptune share a taste for the boundless. Together, they are signature of the dreamer/visionary with a foolhardy naivety about the ‘real world’. This is territory where usually, you’d be well advised not to tread but luckily, this time there’s a mitigating factor – Saturn. Saturn is all about accomplishment, authority, responsibility – not to mention the ability to evaluate both you and your dreams realistically. When Saturn is in his own sign of rulership, Capricorn, he does his job extraordinary well. The next bites of this juicy Jupiter/Neptune apple come on 16 June and 21 September. Saturn is doing a slow burn (with an enabling semi-sextile/sextile) throughout the entire time. Obviously, this propitious period will effect each of you differently but if you have key planets in 14-18 degrees of the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) you’re in for a treat. Why not make the best of this time with different kind of astrology reading? Don’t you owe it to yourself to take this opportunity to weave your dreams? Share this:FacebookTwitterEmailPrintLinkedInLike this:Like Loading...
The Benefits of Magical Thinking 21 million Americans suffer from Paraskevidekatriaphobia or fear of Friday the 13th. Yet, according to a 2008 Dutch study, Friday the 13th is statistically safer than other Fridays because people either choose to stay at home or those that do venture out, take more care than usual. Yesterday, I was privileged to attend a lecture at Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum entitled The Natural Origins of Supernatural Thinking given by Professor Bruce Hood (Bristol University). Hood provided curious anecdotes such as that cited above in a very matter of fact way. As an experimental psychologist specialising in developmental cognitive neuroscience, his major research interests include discovering the cognitive processes behind adult magical thinking. According to Hood, we humans are pretty much hard-wired to develop beliefs as a way to make sense of our world and these beliefs carry with them manifest consequences. We’re also hard-wired to impose structure and order in our lives by developing certain rituals around those beliefs (touch on wood) and one of the most intriguing involves what Hood calls sympathetic magic – or the belief in naturally occurring correspondences (or sympathies) between things such as food, colours, animals, gem stones, fabrics, plants, and days of the week. Imagine two violins. Sympathetic vibration occurs when two strings are tune to the same pitch. When one is plucked, the other sings out ‘in sympathy’. The implications of Hood’s work for coaching are two-fold: 1. When someone believes that she cannot do XYZ, then at least until she changes her belief, she probably can’t do. Likewise, if she believes that she can do ABC, then, it’s a pretty good bet that she will. One of the primary goals of coaching is to eliminate (or strengthen) such beliefs as needed and this is why a good coach focuses less on asking ‘why’ than ‘what’. For example, if I ask my client ‘why’ she feels so terrible, then in answering, she is only reinforcing her negative beliefs about herself. But in answering the question ‘what’ situations make her feel terrible and what do they share in common, she has a genuine opportunity to examine the origin and triggers of her beliefs. 2. Let’s face it, change is hard work. If it weren’t then New Year resolutions would stand a better chance of success. But if my client creates a ritual or talisman that can rely upon in times of stress to remind her of the changes she’s chosen to make, she’s in a stronger position. Even better, if her chosen rituals and talismans are in line with long-accepted sympathies, she might accomplish even more. For example, if she has an important meeting or interview set for Thursday, she might tap into the ‘luck’ traditionally associated with Jupiter, the planetary ruler of Thursday. Choosing to wear a royal blue dress or suit or maybe a piece of lapis lazuli, turquoise, or amethyst jewellery reminds her of this ‘luck and who knows but that this might give her little extra boost. Certainly Professor Hood would not be surprised if it did. In his book Supersense: From Superstition to Religion – The Brain Science of Belief, Professor Hood reminds us that Tony Blair always wore the same pair of shoes when answering Prime Minister’s Questions and that John McEnroe notoriously refused to step on the white lines of the tennis court between points. He also reminds us that President Barack Obama played a game of basketball the morning of his victory in the Iowa primary and continued the ‘tradition’ the day of every following primary. Let’s face it, most are us are more into magical thinking than we might like to admit and according to both Hood and those Dutch researchers, this is probably not such a bad thing. Share this:FacebookTwitterEmailPrintLinkedInLike this:Like Loading...