Astrology On Death Row

- 1 May 1991

How accurate is astrology?

Researchers in Kansas City recently went to five professional astrologers with the horoscope of convicted serial murderer John Wayne Gacy. Without knowing to whom it belonged, they described him as having a “well rounded personality”, that he could “offer a good role model” and that he would “be excellent for working around young people.”

A member of Kansas City Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (KCCSI) went to the astrologers posing as a man interested in working with young people. He gave the astrologers the birth date, birth time and place of John Gacy and asked for advice. The astrologers unanimously encouraged him to pursue youth work, and none could see any problem with this.

The real John Gacy is currently being held on death row at Menard Correctional Center in Chicago. He received 12 death sentences and 21 life terms for the brutal rape, torture and murder of 33 young men and boys. Gacy’s astrological chart was selected for the test because it should portray a clear picture of a sadistic sexually motivated killer. If astrologers are able to spot personality traits and destinies in any chart, then this is the one they should have no trouble with.

Each astrologer was given the birth date, birth time and place of Gacy and a computerised natal chart made by an astrologer internationally recognised for accuracy (Neil F. Michelson). They were asked to examine the chart for as long as they wanted before giving their reading.

John Sandbach, a nationally known astrologer, who has authored six books, advised him not to “become weighted down with regrets about how you could have done more in some past situation.” He described a “plasticity or lack of aggression” in the chart and encouraged him to work with young people because he could “bring out their best qualities.”

Astrologer Randy Goodman told our substitute Gacy that he was “really born to serve people.” He stated that “In the past you have used your energies very well so therefore in this life you have a lot to contribute, and … your life will be very, very positive.”

Norma Knight described him as “a very, very sensitive person.”

When asked about the youth ministry she replied, “I think that you can be very good with kids and that it might be a medium for you to learn to be more trusting in the giving and receiving.”

Beverly Farrell lays claim to being an “internationally recognised author, lecturer and teacher of religion, metaphysics, astrology and psychic awareness” with “30 years experience in the field of (the) paranormal.” She also encouraged the man behind the chart to go into youth work. She stated that “when you’re working with young people, you’re not going to have a lot of heavy-duty problems.”

The results seemed to indicate that astrologers cannot read a person’s character from the positions of the planets at the moment of birth, nor can they see into anyone’s past or future, nor do they seem to possess any insights other than the ability to impress their clientele.

Indian Skeptic No 11, from the Kansas City Committee for Skeptical Inquiry