Wednesday Woo-Woo ~ Russell Targ

Russell Targ, physicist and author, was a pioneer in the development of the laser and co-founder of the Sanford Research Insititute's investigation into psychic ability in the 1970/80s; retired staff scientist for Lockheed Missile and Space. His interest in experimental remote viewing, and ESP generally is what brings him into this Woo series.

His books include:

Miracles of Mind: Exploring Nonlocal Consciousness and Spritual Healing, and Limitless Mind: A Guide to Remote Viewing and Transformation of Consciousness.

From Limitless mind (see here):

We do not yet know the physics underlying psychic abilities. However, researchers in the field of parapsychology agree on the undeniable observation that it is no more difficult to psychically describe a picture or an event in the future, than it to describe such a target in the present, when it is hidden from view. It is as though our bodies reside in the familiar four-dimensional geometry of Einstein's space-time, while our consciousness has access to another aspect of this nonlocal geometry that allows us to find a mental path of zero distance to seemingly distant locations. This is how a physicist expresses such an idea, while mystics for the past three millennia tell us from their experience that "separation is an illusion - and we are all one in spirit, or consciousness."

From such experimentation in many laboratories, it is clear that we significantly misapprehend the physical nature of the space-time in which we reside. It is this knowledge, together with our experience, that drives our passion to understand and learn more about the universe and the transformational opportunities offered us.

I'm not setting out to decide whether or not the claims and studies of the people featured in these posts are rational and valuable, or delusional - that's a matter for each individual to decide for themselves. I might drop a hint as to my own feelings now and again, but that's not my main purpose. I'm interested in the natal charts of these well-respected "proper" scientists who are drawn to investigate matters which invite derision from the loud-mouthed brigade of skeptics.

Russell Targ was born in Chicago, Illinois on 11 April 1934. I'm surprised that Astrodatabank or Astrotheme don't have data for Dr. Targ. A 12 noon chart must suffice, so ascendant and Moon's degree are not as shown.



I'm not at all surprised to find Uranus (planet of invention, the avant garde, change, and all that's new) close to Dr. Targ's natal Sun. Sun is also conjunct energetic Mars and in Aries, where Mars is right at home. With these three planets close together in Aries, sign of the initiator, one could be pretty certain of finding a person involved in things très futuristic. Saturn in helpful sextile from its traditional home in Aquarius completes more of the picture. Saturn connects closely to science.

The Moon was in Pisces at whatever time of day Dr. Targ was born. Pisces is ruled by Neptune, but I'm rather pleased that Neptune itself (planet of illusion/delusion and creativity) isn't close by. I see this as adding to the good Dr's credibility. Compare with last week's subject, Jacques Vallee, whose natal Sun is very close to Neptune. Here, Neptune in Virgo happens to be opposing Venus in Pisces, which I see as another good sign that the Dr. does not take his dreams and imaginings at face value but challenges them.

Jupiter opposes the Sun/Uranus/Mars cluster from Libra, another sign of challenge - Jupiter's penchant for exaggeration will not get by unimpeded - though Jupiter's connection to publication works nicely as it's in harmonious trine to Saturn in Aquarius - so publication and science are helpfully linked.