The Astrology Sourcebook: A Guide to the Symbolic Language of the Stars [Paperback]

Shirley Soffer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1998

The Astrology Sourcebook explores the art of examining the faraway stars so people can better gaze withi n. Shirley Soffer discusses the mythical and psychological s ignificance of the planets and the psychic chain that connec ts all life. '

Editorial Reviews

Review

If you're looking for an engaging, readable book for your next beginners' class or a gift for a client or friend, look no further. Here's a book that will enlighten without overwhelming and cover all the bases of basics. The author starts with a little bit of history -- just enough to put things in perspective. She then goes on to cover planets, signs, elements, qualities, houses, house systems, and more.....I would not hesitate to add this book to any beginners' course curriculum. Nor would I hesitate to recommend it to a client. What is here is both solid and readable. Give it a look! --National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR) Memberletter, January/February 2011. Excerpt from Review by Donna Van Toen.

Some book titles tell you exactly what the book is about, though others may bore you or mystify you. Shirley Soffer's The Astrology Sourcebook is of the first type as it tells you exactly what this book is, a sourcebook that gives you the basic information you will need during the process of studying and learning astrology, and which can serve as a useful reference once you have mastered the subject to some degree. This edition is very welcome because the book's original edition, published in 1998, had gone out of print.... For this reissue, some corrections and additions have been made... The Astrology Sourcebook is readable, informative, and it covers all of the necessary bases for anyone who wants to gain an understanding of the basics of astrology....The expression here is both spiritual and practical...The Astrology Sourcebook is well worth buying, reading, and studying. --Horoscope Guide, May 2011. Except from Review by Kenneth Irving. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Shirley Soffer is a consulting astrologer and teacher with an active practice in New York City. She is certified as a consulting astrologer with the National Council for Geocosmic Research-Professional Astrologers Alliance (NCGR-PAA), and is the Education Director for the organization. In her work, she draws from the teachings of Carl G. Jung by integrating psychology, mythology, and dreams with astrology's rich symbolism. To amplify and enhance her work, she participated for five years in the Jung Foundation's Professional Training Seminars, an interactive series of lectures, readings, discussions, and study geared to people working in the helping professions. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: NTC Business Books (November 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565658833
• ISBN-13: 978-1565658837
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,678,097 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Astrology Sourcebook by Shirley Soffer, December 18, 1999

By 

J. Vitale "momandwriter" (New York, NY (USA)) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Astrology Sourcebook: A Guide to the Symbolic Language of the Stars (Paperback)

Shirley's book is a triumph, and it's a great way for the closet astrology enthusiast to gain entry to the universe of the zodiac. It's also extremely useful to professional astrologers who need to get back to the roots of their practice. In this book, Shirley takes us on a journey through the history of astrology, its ties to mythology and symbolism and an incisive analysis of each zodiac sign. Then, Shirley applies her knowledge of Jungian psychology to explain the use of elements (fire, earth, air and water) in astrology and how they color an individual's personality profile. Shirley's wisdom is conveyed in an intimate and readable style. Although her book targets the beginner, there is much to be gleaned even by jaded astrologers who think they've read all there is to know. I'm recommending this book to all of my students- and also to my friends and colleagues who can appreciate the deep research and craftsmanship that Shirley has put into this volume.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rich, well-written survey of the signs and planets, January 19, 2004

By 

Sunshine "quicksilver_5" (Arlington, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Astrology Sourcebook: A Guide to the Symbolic Language of the Stars (Paperback)

I started studying astrology 2 years ago and I have read a bunch of reputable astrology books that talk about the sun signs and the planets, but they did not leave me with a very clear understanding of the function of the planets. Soffer draws from a rich wellspring of knowledge -from Chinese philosophy to Jung, to both the Greek AND Roman mythologies (most books only explain the signs' connection to Greek mythology) to weave together a coherent explanation of the signs and the planets. I also like that she seems spiritually advanced: "The chart we are born with is unfinished, as we are. It is our task...to fulfill it. Not to perfect it, because it is already perfect, but to complete it." A fascinating piece of work, I recommend it to beginning and intermediate students of astrology.

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a wonderful comprehensive gem of a book, January 3, 2012

By 

Margaret Gray - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Astrology Sourcebook:Your Guide to Understanding the Symbolic Language of the Stars (Paperback)

This truly is one of the most outstanding books I have come across for anyone embarking on astrological studies. It is also a wonderful refresher book for astrologers at all levels.

The author's passion for astrology as a tool for self awareness and soul growth is evident throughout. Weaving her depth knowledge of Jungian psychology throughout the text, Shirley guides us clearly and easily through the core building blocks of astrological knowledge. Starting with the `ancient beginnings' including the rich impact of ancient civilizations on modern astrology, Shirley takes us through an overview of the basic components of the horoscope. We are then introduced to the signs, the elements and the planets which are all richly illustrated by their mythologies. The overview of different branches of astrology, offers readers fertile ground for their own explorations.

There are numerous things that make this book stand out from other introductory texts. One is the author's skillful ability to present depthful and soulful content in an easily readable style. Information seems to flow at all times in a manner that is easily digestible and appealing on a mind and heart level. This truly is the imparting of astrology at its most expansive, offering information as a creative suggestion, thereby encouraging the reader to explore their own chart and psyche.

Fulfilling the purpose of teaching at its best, this is an ideal book if you are interested in finding out what the ancient tool of astrology has to offer you or if you are embarking on astrological studies. It is also an idea book for professional astrologers to offer to clients who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of their own chart.