By James Williams, NoelTyl.com

"The Astrology Code: Statistical Evidence of Universal Design, by mathematician Michael Bergen, is a groundbreaking new book in Western astrology which reveals the results of a comprehensive statistical research project in terms that any student of astrology can understand and apply, and therefore it may very well prove to improve the overall knowledge and accuracy of astrologers.

However, some of the results of his research will be found to be quite shocking, and even extremely unsettling and upsetting to some astrologers.  In other words, this book will not likely be favored by those astrologers who already "know it all."  This book will force or stretch each astrologer to be more open-minded, and to journey outside of their normalized and standardized comfort zone.

For example, some of the findings suggest that: the value of the rising sign has been overestimated since it has a highly uneven distribution throughout the signs; the 9th harmonic chart represents the inner self and is equal in value to the 1st harmonic chart, which represents the outer self; Virgo (the virgin) is strongly associated with sexuality; Venus expresses its positive attributes best when retrograde and its negative attributes most when direct; Neptune is more connected with personal endeavors than with spirituality; the 36th harmonic is the dominant planetary aspect pattern; and the meanings and interpretations of Libra and Aquarius have been mistakenly reversed.

I like this book because some of its findings, such as the aforementioned, do make you think outside the box.  The statistics appear robust, and nearly 13,000 people in 80 different categories or study groups were analyzed, from actors to musicians to writers.

I also like the way the author demonstrates how he utilizes all of his described techniques in an actual case history.  And in applying these techniques to my own charts, and to the charts of friends and loved ones, I was able to glean further valuable insight and understanding!

Some of these techniques include: sign, element, and mode strength in the 1st and 9th harmonic charts; sectional or quadrant emphasis in the 1st harmonic chart; and the importance of true conjunctions, strong planetary positions, and prominent or relevant declinations.

This book is divided into two parts.  Part One is entitled "The Universal Design."  It includes the planets, the quadrants, the elements, the modes, the axis pairs, the signs, the aspects, the four major axis points, the planetary cycles, the 9th harmonic, the top findings, and various case studies, among others.

Part Two is entitled "The Study Groups."  It contains an in-depth look at each of the 80 study groups or categories.  For each group, he illustrates the major themes as well as the most notable individual findings.  For example, the first study group or category is entitled Activists.  The major themes associated with Activists are Libra, Scorpio, and Uranus.  And the Sun in Libra is strong in both the 1st and 9th Harmonics for Activists.

The author, a mystic as well as a mathematician, also shares some of his important "spiritual" views, which provide a nice contrast to the scientific statistical researched results.  For example, the real uses of astrology are "relevant, but inconsequential compared to its real treasure--the revelation that the universe is alive, conscious, and self-willed!"

And I concur with the author when he states that his hope is that "this book will stir enthusiasm in many others to do similar research into astrology's effects on human and planetary existence and the many ways that it can be used to better our lives."

Thus, this book is for astrologers and others who are open-minded enough to consider and reflect upon the results which resulted from the statistical methodology and design utilized in this research project.  It is also a book that may indeed prove to be very revelatory and essential for consulting astrologers who practice Western astrology."