The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology (Essential Guide To... (Alpha Books)) [Paperback]

April Elliott Kent (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 7, 2011 | Series: Essential Guide To... (Alpha Books)

A down-to-earth guide about the message of the stars.

For astrology to be useful there's no need to have a crystal ball, incense, meditation, or faith. Learn the practical language of astrology in this clear, easy-to-understand exploration that goes way beyond daily horoscopes and zodiac. With it, the reader will be able to calculate and read their own and others' birth charts; tell signs and planets from houses; create daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly planners- even make predictions for the future. With a glossary and further resources, this guide explores:

• Why horoscopes and descriptions of "sun signs" are usually wrong.

• Why many astrologers use the "wrong" zodiac.

• All the planetary aspects that go beyond the sun and moon.

• The many cycles that determine an astrological forecast.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"There's no fluff, esoteric mumbo jumbo, fringe techniques, or confusing psychobabble. The author's writing style is clear, friendly, and intriguing in the sense that the more you read, the more you want to learn. So beware - if you pick up this book, you will most likely be irrevocably drawn into the world of astrology." - Dell Horoscope

"A funny, easy-to-understand, and surprisingly thorough beginning astrology text.... Anyone who wants to take a big, enjoyable step toward understanding (and using) astrology will learn a lot from this book." - The Mountain Astrologer magazine

About the Author

April Elliott Kent is a member of the International Society for Astrological Research and the San Diego Astrological Society. Her writing has appeared in The Mountain Astrologer, Dell Horoscope, and online at AOL Horoscopes, Tarot.com, and Beliefnet. She is the author of Star Guide to Wedding. Her website is BigSkyAstrology.com.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Alpha; Original edition (June 7, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1615640932
• ISBN-13: 978-1615640935
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 1 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,663 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #95 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Astrology

More About the Author

April Elliott Kent has been a professional astrologer since 1990. She is the author of "The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology" (Alpha/Penguin 2011) and "Star Guide to Weddings" (Llewellyn 2008). April's astrological writing has also appeared in Llewellyn's Moon Sign and Sun Sign Books, The Mountain Astrologer and Dell Horoscope magazines, and online at Beliefnet and AOL Horoscopes. A graduate of San Diego State University, April is a member of the International Society for Astrological Research (ISAR) and the Authors Guild. She lives with her husband and two cats in San Diego, California. Her website is bigskyastrology.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything You Need, July 12, 2011

By 

michelle j (portland, or) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology (Essential Guide To... (Alpha Books)) (Paperback)

As a practicing astrologer for twenty years, I've often been asked to recommend a good beginner's book on this subject. And while there are plenty of basic astrology titles available, I haven't felt enthusiastic about any of them... until now. Ms. Kent's book is clear, comprehensive, and engaging. It's exactly what the title claims it is: an essential guide to practical astrology!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential indeed!, July 18, 2011

By 

jennifer dimartino (Seattle, Wa United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology (Essential Guide To... (Alpha Books)) (Paperback)

This book is disguised as a fun, informative, and easy-to-read basic book on astrology, but it is really a Pandora's box of giggly "aha" moments and profound "wow" realizations. April Elliott Kent has a unique way of teaching by analogy and imagery, leaving plenty of room to relate to the material in a personal way, either as a casual observer or a serious student.

I have a feeling this book will not end up on the shelf anytime soon. I'm having way too much fun reading it to put it away. I haven't even finished it, and I am already re-reading portions of it. Kudos and Thanks, Ms. Kent, for such a good time!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Written and Very User Friendly Guide, August 29, 2011

By 

anita price - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology (Essential Guide To... (Alpha Books)) (Paperback)

First of all I love the Wonderful Blog and writing of April on Her Big Sky Astrology website - you need to get her emails and you need to read this book. Very clearly written, nothing scarey, just lots of clearly stated methods to see your chart, plan your life and save the anxiety of thinking you have to track someone down for every urgent decision in your life. This is a great map to your chart, a wonderful primer on astrology and certainly a fundamental book for anyone living and aware on the planet. Enjoy her, she is a fine astrologer and entertaining writer.

Some areas that might benefit you personally are the detailed outlines of each sign, the explanations as to how your personal chart is expressed by the houses and the planetary placement. To further aid the novice as well as keen astrologer is the methodology for a daily, monthly or yearly approach to your chart and life. Try the simple, step by step info and you will have a much keener insight into how unique you are, and best of all, how to make the most of that. Note: I am an intuitive reader and it even gave me insights! How good is that!??