Articles

Zusammenfassung:

Path curves are fundamental constructions of projective geometry. They might also serve as single-parametric archetypal forms in the plant and animal kingdom. This hypothesis is based on the observation that a large variety of buds, cones, and eggs show a striking similarity to path curves. The outline of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) berries also follows a path curve geometry.

We investigated temporal changes in the shape of mistletoe berries by means of empirical determination of the corresponding path curve form parameter λ. Periods of observation reported here were several months in the years 1995, 1997 and 1998.

The existing hypothesis of a correlation of the form parameter λ with alignments of the moon with other planets was falsified. Correlation with various meteorological factors or with solar activity was also not found.

In contrast, a tentative hypothesis of a correlation between the shape of mistletoe berries and the position of the moon in the zodiac, based on the results of the year 1995, was verified in two successive years (1997 and 1998). It seems as if the λ value increases if the moon is situated in the astronomical zodiac signs Gemini, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio, Aquarius and Pisces (“Air” and “Water” signs). Correspondingly, a position in the signs of Aries, Taurus, Leo, Virgo, Sagittarius and Capricorn (“Fire” and “Earth” signs) is correlated with a decrease of the λ value. The results warrant further investigations.