[3] At the same time, he explored astrological theory, following diversified interests in science and the works of occultists such as Rudolf Steiner and George Gurdjieff.

[6] The text has passed through four editions: In 1987, Elwell's predictions on a heightened risk to shipping formed part of a publicity campaign for the book.

[11] Press attention followed for the rest of the year: One journalist wanted to know what else the sage could see, so I said that in the autumn I was worried about disasters on underground transport,...The morning after the terrible King's Cross fire the regional evening paper, the Express and Star, rang to ask if I recalled the interview I had given them, in which I had cautioned about such a tragedy, and they carried a report to that effect alongside their front-page story.

[11][13] Less than two weeks after P&O replied to Elwell, to reassure him that their procedures were designed "to deal with the unexpected from whatever quarter", their ship, the Herald of Free Enterprise, capsized at the Belgian port of Bruges-Zeebrugge with the loss of 188 lives.

Within days of forewarning two British shipping companies of potential trouble at sea, one of them met serious misfortune with the loss of the Herald of Free Enterprise.

[18] Amongst the astrological community some reporters of the Herald of Free Enterprise event have been critical, arguing that such predictions lack specific information, and are unable to be replicated in a situation that would be of value to anyone.

[19] Leading sceptics, such as James Randi and Geoffrey Dean, have been critical of Elwell,[20][21] engaging in public exchanges concerning the legitimacy and value of astrology in science.