Customer Reviews

Planets in composite: Analyzing human relationships

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Robert Hand wrote this book back in the 1970s. At that time, composite charts were new to America and to most of the Western world. Although John Townley is the person who is actually credited with bringing the technique to our shores, both Townley and Hand (who have also written the introductions for each other's groundbreaking texts) have pretty much structured the foundation of our contemporary knowledge on the subject. But there are differences to be noted in Hand and Townley's approach.

The most important distinction for me is that Hand describes a pretty unique method of using what's known as the "150 degree rule" for estimating composite midpoints for planets that are approaching a perfect opposition. Although many astrologers use the "150 degree rule" to correct errors that frequently arise in computer generated charts in which calculations yield such impossibilities as say Mercury and Venus oppositions, Hand alone tackles this problem for the other remaining personal planets that can appear as oppositions when you might want to consider them conjunctions. Hand suggests "if the planets in the two natal charts are more than 150 degrees apart, you should use both midpoints" (p 32) in your analysis. The reason for this is that "the two midpoints are nearly equal in strength." (12) This means you will treat the two planets more like an axis than a specific point, which is similar to the way in which we interpret the moon's nodes. This technique, which Hand explores with far greater depth than I can in this review, appears to be unique to Robert Hand. He uses it in his chart interpretations for the cases of Fred and Mary, and Freud and Jung, which are located in the chapter entitled "Case Studies." Townley and other astrologers that I've read do not seem to employ this technique in their calculations for planets that come after Mercury and Venus, or for opposing Suns and Moons. For this reason, I would suggest this book as an important addition to your astrology library, because it contains a few pieces of information that is not as widely quoted as his more commonly known interpretations.

I have practiced astrology for over 25 years, and read Hand for the first time, in 1981. I have experimented with many of his concepts and find his synopsis of configurations to be quite insightful and valid. Some math skills will be needed, if you erect a chart by hand. Otherwise, astrology software may be useful for beginners who do not want to erect a chart manually. Many programs are free of charge and can be downloaded at such sites as zdnet or tucows; just type "astrology" in their search engines.

Although many excerpts from Hand's book have been quoted on various astrology websites, this fact does not appreciably detract from the overall usefulness of this book. However, it is worth noting that Hand states in his introduction to John Townley's revised edition of "The Composite Chart" (which was first printed in 1974, revised, and again published in 2000) that he changed his initial method of computing composite house cusps by location to the method that John Townley uses in his newly revised book; which is the midpoint composite house method. Taking that in stride, I think you'll be happy to own this book because not only was it one of the founding texts on the subject but its cookbook interpretations are very useful to beginners. Both Townley and Hand's explanations work well together, and they both offer their own unique depth and clarity on the topic of composite charts. You may be able to find many quotes from both Townley and Hand's texts on astrology websites, but sometimes it's nice to have the book too.

I found this book to be a fantastic resource for someone such as myself who does not know the technical side of astrological aspects, or how to read the symbols in an astrological chart. When I read: "Composite Moon Trine Composite Jupiter" I didn't have a clue as to what that meant, UNTIL I was able to read what this configuration is all about in the easy-to-understand explanations given in this wonderful book.
As astrological aspects in composite charts are important when entering into any type of relationship, be it romantic, business, family, etc., this book is a great help to see how two people will interact with each other on many levels.
I can tell you that the composite chart interpretations I was given in this book were all astoundingly accurate. This is a great tribute to the exhaustive knowledge, research, and care that went into this book. Highly recommended!

Barbara Rose, Ph.D. author of Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE and If God Was Like Man
Editor, inspire! magazine

This book will definitely let you know if your spouse or lover is the one for you. Before I got married I bought this book to analyze me and my husband's composite chart. Every explanation that Mr. Hand gave for our composite aspects and planetary and house positions were absolutely correct. I really wanted to know if my husband and I were going to be together for a long time. After reading the book, I'm very secure about my marriage and I am confident that my husband and I will be together for a long time. This book will show you the good and the bad parts about a relationship. I recommend it to anyone who is considering marriage.

With the exception of Marc Robertson, Robert Hand is the finest Astrologer I've had the privilege to read so far. He uses common sense compiled with the knowledge of Eastern/Western beliefs. His mid-point work and analysis is not only down to earth but very accurate. He includes variables, too, that are exciting to research on your own. His work is something you don't want to put down because you are bored or not getting any satisfaction. When people ask how I understand so much, I tell them. I've been an Astrologer for over 30 years so I know what I'm talking about.

It's an eye opener. I have studied the stars since I was 17.
Still @ it all these years later.
This particular book, won't be removed from
My shelves anytime soon.
You'll find yourself going back to it time after time!

A rare tool for the advanced astrologer looking for something beyond constructing a basic star chart. Planets In Composite explains in depth about trines, conjunctions, oppositions, sextiles, squares...everything for each planet!

Easy,for everyone who is in astrology. Very helpfull!!Thanks Robert Hand for all i got from your writing!!

The book was used but in such excellent condition. Havent gotten a chance to use the information but anything written by Robert Hand is excellent.

Maybe he should vet his work before releasing it. Or at least take it off the market once he realizes it's tripe!

I was a bit dissappointed to find that most of the information given regarding the composite planets in houses, and aspects I have already found for free on a certain website. Word for word! I had expectations of deeper meanings and explainations, I'm glad I bought a used copy. Considering it was written in 1975, this is basic cookbook style astrology, without much emphasis on soul growth or the "why" we get into certain relationships. Not completly unworthy of checking out though.