Customer Reviews

Astrology in the Year Zero (Astrology Now)

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4 star:		(1)
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Perhaps it's because I'm so skeptical about astrology, but I just love reading books and other material from both sides of the "believers" fence. I believe that many of the astrologers that Phillipson has interviewed in his book are very well known in the UK, so I wanted to find out if there was anything "behind" astrology (from their point of view, anyway).

I was very pleasantly surprised to find a book that is both educational, well written, and for once puts many astrologers in a place where they are able to truly inform. Excellent !

I like how the book is broken down in a way which doesn't just present a long narrative, but can be picked up at any time, and can help answer questions that anybody might have about the nature and origin of astrology.

Well, I still haven't changed my views, but at least I'm now a lot more informed about why astrologers believe what they believe and practice what they practice - perhaps I would even go so far as to say I have a new respect for them !

So when is somebody going to do the same thing with all the astrologers over here? Let's find out if the American ones have the same view points, and the same basis !!

This is a unique insight into the thinking of contemporary astrologers, and gives a fascinating view of the diversity of the astrological soup, from sun signs to financial, medical and psychological practices. Because of the narrative style, which runs at a fantastic pace, we are given words of wisdom, anecdotes and beliefs straight from the horses' mouths. In this sense, it is a book that will appeal to students of astrology, astrologers and those who are skeptical of astrolgy. The middle section of the book goes into the current scientific research on the validity of astrology, with attempts to prove its truths. This research is inconclusive, and for one who practices this as a profession, it is quite controversial but nevertheless, the value of astrology as a tool for self-awareness and personal growth is reason enough for its continuation. This book is essential reading as there is a vast global interest in the subject but relatively few practioners. It is all to easy to become isolated and treat astrology as a sacred cow, a panacea for all ills. Garry Phillipson manages to incorporate the full spectrum of the state of astrology today in a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting read!

Phillipson's book covers largely unchartered waters in modern astrology by giving astrologers the opportunity to say what they really think about it. This book doesn't have a bias, despite Phillipson's own talents as an astrologer, in fact, he seems to bend over backwards to give everyone an equal chance to express their views even when they aren't particularly flattering. You won't find such a thorough (and controversial) overview of the topic anywhere. Shelly Von Strunkle is right, you just can't put it down!

I've read a great many books (including my own) which offer an "overview" of astrology, but all of them give one author's point of view only. Phillipson's book offers 30+ perspectives (largely British) and presents them in a clear and unbiased manner, arranged by topic. I'm adding this book to the Recommended Reading List I pass out to all of my students in Client Centered Astrology, and I've made it a part of my own library.

It's a genuine pleasure to read a book like this about astrology. Usually, writers on the subject have only one aim - to prove or disprove its validity. This book presents both sides of the argument, and the writer has talked to many of the best astrologers working today. It's required reading on courses at Kepler College in the States, and Bath and Canterbury Universities in the UK - deservedly so.