Reviews

You Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance by Chani Nicholas

annagracek's review against another edition

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2.0


One of my favorite things about Chani Nicholas’ work from years of reading her columns and mailing list offerings is her fierce commitment to the work of justice and the way she constantly reminds humans of our responsibility to act upon our personal development and mystical understanding. In a culture full of white, consumer/capitalist/colonial interpretations of ancient art forms, her insistence that astrological literacy can be a tool for personal and collective liberation is inspiring.

As a primer on understating three pieces of the reader’s natal chart, this book is ok: straightforward, clear, conversational and with helpful graphics. The author is clearly in love with her subject, which is a refreshing change from other non-fiction works.

My frustration with this book is that there is no explanation or source material or historical references for the how and why of her astrological understanding. As someone rather literate in this subject, I might understand where (I think) she’s coming from, but I feel strongly (and I understand not everyone feels this way) that to teach these skills without their beautiful, complex, and mystical (and even scientific!) context, astrology reads like just another fluffy how to be happy book. No different, to be fair, than a lot of Christian blog-adjacent books, or Buddhist bathroom wisdom, or dumbed-down Enneagram for Success silliness.

Ok, I know this isn’t another book promising to make the reader successful or happy or peaceful in three lessons, but still, I closed it after the final page feeling like I was mildly inspired but couldn’t remember why.

tiffanymendoza's review against another edition

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2.0

Disclaimer: not really into astrology but like the process because it offers deep reflection and ways to start describing complex, overlaying characteristics. With that said, I expected to enjoy this book.

However, I was disappointed that some of the terms weren't consisted from the online star chart to the book (what the heck is midheaven? Nodes?). Overall, it was okay. But the fact that key parts weren't there made for a frustrating experience.

eloraramirezbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

I listened to this book, but already know I'll purchase a paper / eBook copy in order to have one on hand for future reads and research.

akovach's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed dissecting the basics of my birth chart. This was a great intro as someone wanting to go a bit further than the sun signs. This focuses on your sun, moon and ascendant which is a great jumping off point to focusing on your life mission. I would love to go a bit further hopefully in future reads.

magsholdorf's review

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informative reflective fast-paced

4.0

emmsie's review against another edition

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4.0

Not to brag but I totally know what houses mean now so (a really fun read if your even just slightly interested in your birth chart)

schatzipage's review against another edition

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5.0

Chani is my North Star.

thisismelinda's review against another edition

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challenging informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

_huuuuulia_'s review against another edition

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4.0

Very easy to follow, and incredibly informative. This book is best used as a resource material instead of something you read cover to cover. The portions that did pertain to my chart were frighteningly accurate, and went deeper than I anticipated. I'm grateful I read this.

mildsensation's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0