Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.