“It is a plain fact that astrology is a pack of lies in a literal sense … each and every horoscope … is an attack on the probity of science.”
On the frontispiece of an invaluable primer about astrology by Geoffrey Cornelius and Maggie Hyde are listed the lame and sometimes mendacious brickbats thrown at the ancient art which are systemically picked apart in the pages following.
A revised and updated version of the 1995 Astrology for Beginners with inspired and illuminating new illustrations, The Astrologers Universe is a must-have for beginners. The history is laid out from Stonehenge 3000 BC onwards – how did they calculate the 18.6 year eclipse cycles? – and on through the Egyptians and astronomically aligned pyramids, through Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, into mediaeval times and on. Informative and handy as ammunition in arguments with nay-sayers.
Thereafter working with astrology is laid out lucidly in simple terms with planets, elements (Cardinal, Fixed, Mutable), modes (Fire, Earth, Air, Water) and aspects; with each planet and sign explained with key words. The major configurations are graphically illustrated and made understandable.
Thence onto the tricky synthesis when the separate parts of the jigsaw have to be pulled together into a broad pattern. The authors start with a thumbnail sketch of key words for the Sun (= essence), Moon (= habit and response) and Ascendant (= appearance and identity). The example given of Margaret Thatcher is to the point – a reactive Libra Sun, tenacious and vengeful Scorpio Ascendant, and a showy Leo Moon.
Then checking down a list of elements, planets on an angle, major aspects and configurations etc. For beginners it lays out a step by step process through the maze and morass of the 2500 pieces of information contained in a birth chart. It is daunting at the start of the learning process to manage the complexities of assigning priorities and getting to grips with the overall pattern – so this will provide clarity and clear away a good deal of the fog of panic.
There are other concise outlines covering horary, financial, world affairs and relocation astrology.
For anyone who is floundering in the foothills of astrology this short book will be a blessing.
Thank you for this! I will definitely order it. I doubt I will ever learn enough to have a good knowledge of astrology but I want to gain a basic grasp so I understand more of the “whys” of people’s character and motivation and timing of events. Plus I want to understand your analysis better.
I think i read and bought Maggies Astrology for Beginners which was very useful..she also wrote a graphic novel on Jung.
Thank you, I have pre-ordered it in The Netherlands at an online shop. Will arrive 23rd of February.