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jadedyogi's review
1.0
Was not impressed, seemed very cut and paste from any google search. Does not help interpret personal chart in depth as said. Just how to read a chart in general which can be googled. Basic not as advanced as author claims.
avoryfaucette's review
3.0
Beginning astrology books tend to be cookbook style, used as a reference for looking up specific placement. I was hoping this one might help folks looking to interpret their charts with a little more depth, but despite relatable writing I think a beginner would risk falling into some sign stereotypes and absolutes, learning techniques but not understanding their context.
Starting with elements and modalities tackles signs from first principles, which I love! But when each (sun) sign is described, a tendency towards deterministic language could lead a reader to mistrust their own valid understanding of a sign. Opinions many astrologers would disagree with are stated as fact. Planetary placements are cookbook-style, and descriptions for different planets aren’t always distinct. Some signs get harsher treatment, leaning towards stereotypes I hope we get away from in astrology. Taylor paints clear pictures, but they’re polarizing and can be overbroad.
A strong emphasis on romantic love surprised me a little. Moon sign descriptions for example, are mostly about love. Conservative assumptions show up throughout, reinforcing a gender binary and the norms of heteronormative marriage. Some takes are downright regressive, like suggesting it’s your fault if a Leo moon cheats on you.
There are certainly interesting takes included! But they’re scattered unevenly throughout, and a newbie may find it hard to develop a meaningful relationship to the material. Unusual techniques aren’t called out, and I found the way some aspects are described downright strange. Huber School techniques like age point and the family model are included, as well as an evolutionary astrology understanding of Saturn and the nodes.
Sections on career and relationship are stronger on synthesis, plus a section interpreting Abraham Lincoln’s chart as an example. But you don’t learn how to prioritize (“the big three,” for example, doesn’t come up). You can learn interesting ideas from this book, but don’t read it as a sole astro source!
(ARC provided through NetGalley for review.)
Starting with elements and modalities tackles signs from first principles, which I love! But when each (sun) sign is described, a tendency towards deterministic language could lead a reader to mistrust their own valid understanding of a sign. Opinions many astrologers would disagree with are stated as fact. Planetary placements are cookbook-style, and descriptions for different planets aren’t always distinct. Some signs get harsher treatment, leaning towards stereotypes I hope we get away from in astrology. Taylor paints clear pictures, but they’re polarizing and can be overbroad.
A strong emphasis on romantic love surprised me a little. Moon sign descriptions for example, are mostly about love. Conservative assumptions show up throughout, reinforcing a gender binary and the norms of heteronormative marriage. Some takes are downright regressive, like suggesting it’s your fault if a Leo moon cheats on you.
There are certainly interesting takes included! But they’re scattered unevenly throughout, and a newbie may find it hard to develop a meaningful relationship to the material. Unusual techniques aren’t called out, and I found the way some aspects are described downright strange. Huber School techniques like age point and the family model are included, as well as an evolutionary astrology understanding of Saturn and the nodes.
Sections on career and relationship are stronger on synthesis, plus a section interpreting Abraham Lincoln’s chart as an example. But you don’t learn how to prioritize (“the big three,” for example, doesn’t come up). You can learn interesting ideas from this book, but don’t read it as a sole astro source!
(ARC provided through NetGalley for review.)
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