The purpose of NCGR shall be to provide an environment to foster and publish research of a geocosmic nature and to pursue educational programs in various interdisciplinary fields related to geocosmic studies with a view to granting certification recognizing individual achievement in such fields. The term "geocosmic" is defined as "of or pertaining to the study of correspondences and cycles involving earthly phenomena and cosmic (celestial) events." This purpose is implemented by: disseminating information through NCGR publications, including journals, newsletters, books or monographs; providing financial and technical assistance, guidance, or professional help to individuals or groups for approved research projects; formulating a curriculum and the essentials of a course of study leading to competency in geocosmic studies, sponsoring appropriate educational programs; certifying students and researchers to various levels of competency, chartering regional, semiautonomous chapters of NCGR having the same goals and purposes; promoting and encouraging the highest professional standard and ethical behavior among astrologers.

Description and History
National Council for Geocosmic Research, Inc., (NCGR), is a non-profit (501-C) organization incorporated in Massachusetts in 1971 for the purpose of raising the standards of astrological education and research. Its membership of about 2500 is mostly from the United States, though international membership is growing. Most members affiliate with NCGR's local chapters: at this writing 35 established and 4 forming in 26 states. Two international chapters are in Mexico and one is forming in Australia. Additionally, several Special Interest Groups (SIGs) cross wide geographical areas to foster dialogue among people of similar astrological specialties. NCGR annually publishes two magazines, Geocosmic Journal, and six newsletters, Memberletter, plus a Memberlist. A variety of other publications are produced intermittently.

From its 1979 launch in a seminar at Princeton University attended by delegates from chapters, NCGR developed and implemented a 4-level education and testing program leading toward certification for astrologers. The first three levels cover basic techniques of astrology and require survey knowledge of its various specialties. The fourth professional level can be tested in four tracks: consulting, research, instructor or general studies. A Code of Ethics, to which members are accountable, provides guidelines for the practice of astrology. Those who achieve Level 4 are entitled to include CA NCGR after their name, and are identified in a special certified astrologers section on the organization's web site.

Although NCGR does not require that its members be practicing astrologers, over 1000 members have participated in the organization's testing program at Level 1 or above, and momentum is building. The education curriculum and testing program is widely respected for its excellence and rigor. Those who have successfully tested at Level 3 or above are able to challenge for substantial credit against the technical course work required by Kepler College of Astrological Arts & Sciences, the first accredited liberal arts college in the USA to offer bachelors and masters degrees in astrology.

To briefly summarize the history of NCGR, seven men and women met in Wareham, MA, on March 6, 1971, at the home of Harry F. Darling, M.D., who became the first Chairman. The official signing of the Articles of Incorporation took place at 9:02 pm. The founders included astrologers, medical professionals, scientists and scholars, all interested in exploring astrology as it related to other disciplines. The name they chose, Geocosmic, sought to avoid the popular misunderstanding of astrology and set the tone for their purpose with a serious and scholarly approach to the study of correspondences between life on earth (geo) and the cycles of the cosmos, in particular, that of our solar system.

The first three elected to head NCGR were medical doctors: Dr. Darling, followed by Henry Altenberg, M.D., and Donald Wharton, M.D. In 1980, Neil F. Michelsen, businessman and pioneer of computer technology for astrologers, became Chairman, followed by Robert Hand, prominent astrologer, author and software developer, and Maria Kay Simms, astrologer, author and businesswoman. The current chair is Madalyn Hillis-Dineen, astrologer, writer, and Marketing Director for Astrolabe Inc.

Submitted for publication in a forthcoming second edition of the Astrology Encyclopedia, James R. Lewis, Visible Ink Press, Detroit, MI, to be entitled: The Astrology Book: The Encyclopedia of Celestial Influences