Customer Reviews

The Weiser Concise Guide to Practical Astrology (Weiser Concise Guides)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is among the very best basic astrology texts I've ever seen and I highly recommend it. As I've had the privilege of hearing Priscilla Costello lecture on several occasions, I had high expectations for this book and she did not disappoint. In fact, my expectations were surpassed. It's amazing to see this much essential information for the beginning astrologer so efficiently presented. She even offers an overview and history of the different house systems, a topic rarely tackled in typical introduction to astrology primers. Priscilla also offers an extensive bibliography of classic astrological books, and "Practical Astrology" is every bit as much of a "must-have" for the serious student.

There are many excellent beginner level astrology books available today, including this one. What makes "Practical Astrology" special is its clarity and holistic approach that links astrology to other metaphysical systems (although you don't have to know anything about them to understand the book). Priscilla Costello is a long-time professional astrologer who is a fountain of knowledge in many esoteric areas. She has obviously put a lot of thought into how to organize her material, and she does a fantastic job of condensing the vast topic of modern astrology into such a concise book! (The Wiser Concise Guide books are meant to be just that--concise.) Ms. Costello not only explains how the planets, signs, elements/modalities, houses and aspects work in the chart, she also provides an excellent "cookbook" for beginners (ready-made interpretations of planets in signs and houses, and the aspects). And she includes an easy-to-use system for bringing the information together as a whole and how to figure out what's the most important. Astrologers at all levels of knowledge will get something out of this book. Ms. Costello has written a wonderfully comprehensive, clear, enjoyable and useful book that doesn't require a huge commitment of time and energy to read, understand and start using it to interpret charts. Very highly recommended!

This comprehensive textbook conveys an astounding amount of information in a deceptively slim volume - efficiently organized, concise, and beautifully written. Rarely have the nuts and bolts of astrology been presented with such clarity, insight, and precision.

It's both an essential study guide and a trusted reference ... a book to be read and reread.

PRACTICAL ASTROLOGY is a modern classic that should never go out of print.

I read this book in two sittings. It's a superb text with all pertinent info
condensed into a highly readable format without trivializing the sacred art and science of astrology.

Jackie Slevin, Author, Finding Success in the Horoscope

This book is chock full of practical information about astrology. It is well written and guides the reader through the necessary steps for understanding astrological principles. It balances philosophy, psychology and spirituality to demonstrate how astrology can help a person to grow.

It's worth it to buy this book just to see the example of Oprah Winfrey's astrological chart!

Very nice. But it's not the only beginner book you need to be on your way to professional astrology. As far as I can see, you need at least 2 or 3 three beginner books to get you on your way, because folks have their own way of seeing things. And the zodiac isn't paved in stone. So it's subject to misinterpretation. But I do recommend it because it's short and easy to understand. Important for a beginner, because they don't need to be overwhelmed with an encyclopedia sized book that will likely be no more helpful than the little book.

In such a sacred area of study, your own intelligence is critical, because you can't afford to go by someone else's opinion if you want to become a skillful master at it. Astrology is an investigative art. Somebody certified and with years of experience can be less adept than somebody whose not certified and only done a few charts. To interpret the zodiac effectively depends on the gift of the individual. Their ability to see. Astrologers only lay out the ground rules.

So you will learn the contrary to many things taught in the profession by your own observation. And you will have to purchase several books on each level you reach. For that, it is my opinion that no book as of yet merits 5 stars.