Signs of the Zodiac: A Reference Guide to Historical, Mythological, and Cultural Associations [Hardcover]

Mary Ellen Snodgrass (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0313302766 | ISBN-13: 978-0313302763

The zodiacal signs impact art, advertising, literature, history, mythology, psychology, health, and language with their evocative imagery, symbols and scientific and religious lore. This fact-filled reference guide pulls together applications of the zodiacal signs in those fields and others. Each sign is explicated in a separate chapter which discusses its origin and importance in diverse cultures, including its history, artistic applications, traditions, literary and religious interpretations, psychological significance, and application to notable historical and contemporary figures. An organized overview with cross-references and indexing allows the zodiac to be studied from numerous points of view. Artistic representations of each of the 12 houses accompany the text. Introductory chapters on the origins of the zodiacal signs, the historical foundation of astrology, the zodiac in the first millennium A.D., and the zodiac in the arts and sciences provide a thorough overview and comparative examination of the influence of the zodiac in human history and thought. A detailed timeline synchronizes discoveries and development of zodiacal associations and thought around the world. Appendices list planetary correspondences in jewels, metals, herbs, color, flavor, form, shapes, food preferences, and senses, and the symptoms and pathologies associated with birth signs. The work also contains an extensive bibliography and index.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up?Brimming with astrological, astronomical, historical, cultural, and mythological information, this systematic, wide-ranging study lacks only a sufficiency of illustrations to keep it from being the last word on the subject, at least for small and midsized reference collections. After brief descriptions of zodiacal variants from other parts of the world, plus chapters on the historical foundations of astrology and its pervasiveness in the arts and sciences, Snodgrass treats each sign to a full workover: major stars in each, mythological background and symbology, commonly accepted character traits of those born under its influence, and thumbnail biographies of select prominent people who exemplify those traits. No fewer than five appendixes, including a nice table for hypochondriacs titled "Zodiacal Pathology," precede a large, if not exhaustive, bibliography and index. Except for direct quotes, which are frequent and generous, Snodgrass seldom cites her specific sources. Though her writing style is distinctly flowery ("The nightly shift of the sidereal mosaic has supplanted the boisterous stories of Chiron and Hercules with a resplendent serenity"), the absence of pictures, aside from a stylized image of each chapter's head, turns parts of the discourse into recitations of abstract facts. Nonetheless, though not a reference tool for professional astrologers, this is detailed enough to give researchers from any other field a solid grounding in one of humanity's most ancient lines of inquiry.?John Peters, New York Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Traditionally considered superstition, astrology has nevertheless had an impact on the human experience since ancient times. Snodgrass (Encyclopedia of Utopian Literature, ABC-CLIO, 1995), the author of numerous award-winning reference works, relates belief in the influence of the stars on art, philosophy, science, religion, psychology, literature, and mythology from 2750 B.C.E. to the present. Introductory chapters provide a zodiacal overview, while the main portion of the book tackles each sign individually, discussing origin, symbolism, and associated character qualities. An historical time line, solid bibliography, and constellation profiles are appended. This objective, thorough presentation of the cultural implications of astrology is an excellent addition to available histories (e.g., History of Western Astrology, Boydell, 1987) and is recommended for the practitioner, researcher, and informed reader. For libraries in search of a good ready reference on the history of astrology.?Kelli N. Perkins, Herrick P.L., Holland, Mich.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (September 30, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313302766
• ISBN-13: 978-0313302763
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,437,968 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Breadth over depth, July 15, 2009

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S. Block - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Signs of the Zodiac: A Reference Guide to Historical, Mythological, and Cultural Associations (Hardcover)

This book provides a good introduction to the base symbolism underlying the zodiac signs, but doesn't provide much beyond that. It offers astronomical, historical, and mythological/religious information on astrology, the zodiac, and the zodiac signs individually, and it comes with a series of appendices relating the zodiac signs' rulership over tendencies, illnesses, habits, items, and locations. However, this book is best regarded as an introductory book for astrologers who might be wanting more. For others, such as literary historians or analysts, this book is probably just what you need without having to dig deep into heavy-duty astrological history.