This is all you need to know about the book Chart interpretation Handbook Guidance for Understanding the Essentials of the Birth Chart
Published in USA & Canada in1989
Amazon – 4.7 stars with 663 ratings
Goodreads – 4.3 stars from 607 ratings
What I really like about this book is that it starts with a summary of where is Astrology today. The author is outspoken about his opinion, but also he know how influential his message would be for the generations after him. He is like one the founding fathers of psychological astrology.
In the book there is chapter dedicated on how to use this book, do not skip it!
The book used a lot of key-words and concept behind the elements, the signs and the planets.
When I see language like this, I know it is a valuable read, since it teaches us how to think AND not making us learn by heath meanings. This way the key concepts can be used in various interpretations afterwards for the predictive techniques.
There is a short explanation of the 4 elements and the 12 signs, here the signs are grouped by 4 to explain the key symbolism behind them.
Then we have the planets, they are explained with 3 key substances – the principles, the symbolic needs and necessities. Afterwards we move to the positive and negative expressions of the planets. And, of course the expression of the planets in each element.
This feels like a brainstorming exercise to make you more comfortable with all the different influences without the burden of having to remember them, but more like – truly to have a feeling how they all work.
Finally, there is a chapter to unite all this with a little different perspective. Sign with key concept and how a plant would act in this sign. Again, this is how, not a detailed analysis of the planet is a sign. Then there is another key to reading the astrological chart – function of the planet. This is an important part, rare finding in a book; take your time with this brief explanation.
The above is followed by listing of inner planets and their expression if the different signs. Couple of words about the outer planets and their symbiosis with the signs.
The book continues with Ascendant, its position in the elements and signs. Plus there is a bonus added – the ruler of the ascendant and its position, and guidance how to interpret the ascendant sign.
If this Is not enough, we have Medium Coeli (which is the 10th house ) and focus on its meaning.
Chapter 7 is dedicated to the houses, what they represent, how to interpret their positions and chapter 8 talks about the aspects.
And finally a practical guide on how it all comes together when we interpret a chart.
This is not a huge book however it passes on the critical messages for the key elements of an astrological chart. It can be used as a great starting point since everything is more or less systematic. I know I enjoyed reading it.
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