Geologist Jim Berkland charts major earthquakes during syzygy windows; periods of synchronicity between the moon, earth and sun that exert different gravitational pulls on the earth, and affect tidal forces. Yet tidal fluctuations occur regularly, and Berkland makes many of his predictions in areas with frequent earthquakes. Some critics claim his predictions are no more accurate than chance. What do you feel these critics are misunderstanding?

Jim Berkland’s method doesn’t pinpoint the exact epicenter of an impending earthquake so they may believe it’s too “vague” to be effective. Also, earthquakes, minor to major, have occurred outside of his seismic windows. Berkland’s primary and secondary seismic 8-day window periods occur during both full and new moons each month. He chooses four regions that are seismically active: Mount Diablo, Southern California, Washington-Oregon, and the Pacific Ring of Fire. The California areas have a 140-mile radius. The Pacific Ring of Fire is where the world’s largest earthquakes strike, and frequently does have 7.0 earthquakes so it is for the most part a given that his monthly prediction for this area often will succeed.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) does not believe in earthquake prediction or the “P” word because it isn’t 100% reliable. But they do turn to long-term 30 year forecasting. To me, this is absurd. This method doesn’t heighten earthquake preparedness. It’s human nature to become complacent if we are not given a head’s up during a seismically active period. And long-term forecasting doesn’t keep us on our toes.

Predicting quakes and providing warnings is not perfect (and if we predict a major quake, it can cause chaos, panic, and end up doing more harm than good if it doesn’t happen). The USGS experienced this in 1980 during the earthquake swarm at Mammoth Lakes. During May 25-27 there were a group of 6.0s and a warning was issued. Nothing more happened but real estate and tourism were affected.

But, weather forecasting or forecasting tornadoes and hurricanes isn’t fail proof either. Underground earthquake prediction can and has been successful for minor, moderate, strong to great quakes around the world, especially when lots of data points to an oncoming earthquake. But I do not believe quake predictors should circulate great quake warnings unless they have significant data to back up their claims.

According to the theory, certain animals can predict earthquakes because magnetite in their body reacts to quake-induced changes in the earth’s magnetic field (a sensing mechanism which may also enable long distance navigation). They respond to these changes by acting strangely. But detractors of this theory say that animals often act strangely, and it is impossible to say this behavior is due to a pending quake. How can we tell if they are sensing an oncoming earthquake?

Wild animals will vacate areas, gather in groups, or enter into human inhabited areas prior to [earthquakes]. With cats, you may see warning signs such as hiding, pacing from room to room in the house, trying to escape outdoors, and meowing. Many times, they will be aggressive or affectionate. Dog behavior before a quake includes howling, whining, barking, restlessness, aggression, and increased devotion to guardians.

Currently, there is strong anecdotal evidence, i.e., both wild and domestic animals behaved strangely prior to the 1975 Haicheng, China earthquake, the 1989 Loma Prieta, Calif. quake that rumbled throughout the SF Bay Area, the 2004 Indian Ocean quake-tsunami, and the recent deadly May 12, 2008 earthquake in China. [In addition], some inhumane studies with catfish have been done in other countries.

How did you go from being an earthquake enthusiast to an earthquake sensitive person who can predict quakes using bodily cues?

I remember the Great Alaska earthquake of March 27, 1964, on Good Friday when I was 12 years old. I heard my parents talk about the monster quake. Later, I was awestruck at the National Geographic magazine pages of snow-covered ground with gigantic cracks. Anchorage and other Alaskan cities were devastated. And then, I put the pieces together. I, too, was living on shaky ground in San Jose, California near the San Andreas fault, which runs almost the entire length of the Golden State.

Six years later, a rumor about California falling into the sea began to haunt me. Scientists also claimed a quake was overdue on the Hayward fault, 30 miles from our house. I was a teenager with an overactive imagination, my fear of tremors manifested into an earthquake phobia. I shared this fear factor with my wood shop teacher in high school. He listened. He laughed. He tagged me “Earthquake Annie.” But his joking attitude didn’t stop my anxieties and interest in the worldwide geological phenomenon.

When I hooked up with Jim Berkland I began to write national articles about him, earthquake prediction and animal’s sixth sense prior to earthquakes. In 2004, during my research (for the book about Berkland) I learned that humans can sense oncoming temblors just like animals can, and have done it for centuries.

Before the Loma Prieta quake (aka World Series quake) hit the SF Bay Area in 1989, I had a severe headache and went to bed before the earthquake hit at 5:04 on Oct. 17. Later, I interviewed one sensitive who relies on ear tones and I experienced my first one on the phone with her—it was like a mind-blowing orgasm.

Then, I started to monitor my body/mind cues more and more — and put my symptoms together like a puzzle each time before and after a quake happened. It works. Yes, sensitive humans, like I am, can sense quakes and other good and bad events. Earthquake sensitives can and do feel physical and mental reactions to environmental threats that can take many forms including ear tones, dizziness, headaches, aches, pains, anxiety, dreams, vision, and much more. Some people can sense an imminent quake thousands of miles away, while others can sense a local quake in the works.

But one has to keep an open mind and let go of inhibitions much like animals do. Also, it takes practice and perseverance. Also, posting symptoms (I just got a left ear tone!) and/or keeping a log can help you fine-tune your skills and make your predictions become more successful.

Personally, I do best with predicting earthquakes in Northern California but I have accurately predicted shakers in Southern California, Offshore and Japan.

There is a fairly large online community of earthquake sensitives and predictors. What are your experiences with this community?

There are many established websites for earthquake sensitives and predictors. Two of my favorite sites are Jim Berkland’s website www.syzygyjob.com and www.earthquakeepi-center.com, which Kim Barrow and I are co-founders. It is a team-oriented, exciting Twister film-type storm chasers website for earthquake sensitives who love chasing earthquakes around the globe.

I have endured both positive and negative feedback. Some fellow earthquake sensitives have noted my successful predictions, and others ignore me and continue to work on their own predictions. Earthquake sensitives use different tools and some methods seem to be more on target, more consistent. Some of these people seem to specialize in ear tones and do incredibly well. Others, such as myself, will tune into their own seismically sensitive animals with a proven track record and team it with lunar cycles, extreme tides, physical symptoms (from headaches to anxiety) and also experience successful earthquake predictions.

Lately, I realize that ego plays a role in the world of earthquake prediction. Some earthquake predictors crave attention and even squabble over who gets credit for their accurate quake “hit.” More serious-minded predictors also enjoy the limelight or fantasize about being funded for research work. If you ever saw Twister and noted the rivalry between the two storm chasing groups—it is like that in chasing quakes, too.

And, obviously, when can California expect the big one?

Jim Berkland and I have an ongoing wager for the shaky Golden State. Last year, I bet him $50 that the next 5.0 would hit Northern California before Southern California. On May 9, a 5.2 hit Northern California near Petrolia. I won. Now we have a wager for the next 6.0 in California. Again, I have chosen Northern California, he is staying with Southern California. The [latest] wager with Berkland is ongoing until it happens. Nobody knows the exact day or month when this earthquake will hit the Golden State. However, I believe it will hit Northern California offshore near Eureka or Petrolia, in the SF Bay Area (East Bay Oakland, South Bay Alum Rock), or Tahoe Vista.