Customer Reviews

Relating: An Astrological Guide to Living with Others on a Small Planet

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An excellent introduction to the synthesis of modern astrology and psychology (mainly Jungian) that characterizes much of the highly influential writing by author Liz Greene. The complex subtleties of both astrology and psychology are clearly explained and interwoven throughout. The style is balanced, intelligent and imaginative.

A key theme is that what we meet in our external reality is very much a reflection of our inner life. Liz Greene draws on both the astrological symbols of the birth chart and psychological concepts such as projection, shadow and anima/animus to outline a path towards greater understanding and increased individual responsibility. This approach to life offers an alternative to blaming our parents, partners - or even astrological birth charts - for our problems! Wisely, there are no easy answers here, but there is a great deal of insight into the human condition. Example charts and case histories are used to great effect.

Not everyone is a fan of Liz Greene and her psychotherapeutic perspective on astrology, but "Relating" is one of many major contributions that Greene has made to the cosmic science. It is well worth a read, particularly if you are relatively new to astrology. Apart from anything else, there's plenty of general advice on relationships that just about everyone can benefit from!

I picked "Relating" by Liz Greene on the advice of a close friend of mine who has been a practicing intuitive astrologer for over 20 years. He said that he had "cut his teeth" on the book. I must say that I was not in the least disappointed. Liz Greene speaks in a clear language I had no trouble understanding, and unravels mysteries of life including knowing oneself (the crux of unravelling all of life's mysteries), relationships with parents, siblings, lovers, spouses, friends, bosses, G-d, the mystery of human sexuality in its myriad forms and suggests how we may meet the challenges presented by life. This is an absolute must read for the self-aware.

I picked up this book almost two decades ago while on a Spa Retreat near San Diego. At the same time, I bought my first I Ching. It would be hard to say which book influenced me more. Liz Greene's interpretations and explanations were so fascinating they forced me to go out and learn astrology so I could understand even more -- and one day I was a professional! Watch out for this book. It is amazing!! (Obviously you don't need to know astrology to understand what she says.)

Anyone who has a basic knowledge of their individual astrology chart, will find these chapters quite easy to understand and able to provide some deep insights into our motivations for our relationships with other human beings be they mother, father, siblings, friends, marriage, workplace, social. They are all covered in some way in Liz Greene's text. Another title helpful to our understanding of ourselves is her title "Saturn" A New at Look at an Old Devil;

This book tells me a lot about the human phychology when dealing with people, lovers and enemies. It reveal some traits of myself which are destructive to relationship. It gives me some suggestions to improve myself and to become a more whole person (although not a perfect person). Hopefully you would read this book before age 28 - when the Saturn Returns.

Wonderful book! Liz Greene touches on the areas where most need the work after the Eros stage and help with understanding "the self" in relationships.