Taoist Astrology: A Handbook of the Authentic Chinese Tradition (Paperback)

~ (Author), Jean Tang (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Clear, thorough, and beautifully written, this book will satisfy anyone from the beginner to the most accomplished scholar."
(

Seann Xenja, Feng Shui consultant and educator

)

Product Description

 
This guide brings Chinese astrology back to its ancient roots, providing all the information you need for understanding one of the world's oldest systems of divination. 

The ancient Chinese people developed a sophisticated science of astrology that continues to have profound influence in China today. Rooted in the fundamentals of Taoism, it evolved into a system vastly different from Western astrology. Rather than determining personality by the time of the year in which you are born, in Taoist astrology it is the year itself that determines your character. The years form a twelve-year cycle of signs, each named after an animal. Additionally, your personality depends on which of the five traditional Taoist elements you are born under--water, wood, fire, earth, or metal. This makes for a cycle of sixty unique signs. Taoist Astrology includes information for each sign's personality, compatibility, child-parent relations, and rising and falling fortunes during the twelve-year cycle. Discussions of yin and yang, Confucianism and Buddhism, Taoist alchemy, and the connection between Taoist astrology and Western astrology give you all the background you need for understanding one of the oldest systems of divination known to humanity. 

Taoist Astrology differs from other books on the subject by grounding its concepts in the ancient traditions from which it originated. 

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Destiny Books (June 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892816066
• ISBN-13: 978-0892816064
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #330,308 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE definitive text! Very INTELLIGENT., March 18, 1999

By A Customer

Thank you for this exceptional guide to the twelve animal signs. This is the only book I have ever read that so clearly explains the five elements of Asian astrology. It is explicit, colorful, very detailed, insightful, and obviously well researched. Highly recommended!!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Explains animal signs and how they relate to people, March 13, 1998

By A Customer

Taoist Astrology can be read on many levels, ranging from "fun to look up your sign" to a deeper understanding of what makes people tick, and from this you can derive insights to the inter-play between people on an intimate as well as a business level. I've learned much about myself and about others. And, it's fun!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Book For Beginners, December 13, 2007

By	S. M. Yoke "bookish owl" (KL, Malaysia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I expected a book with "a handbook of authentic chinese tradition" in its title to present a more in-depth and penetrating insight into Taoist Astrology but this book fails to deliver on the promise.

It is very basic. A good place for an absolute beginner but those with prior knowledge might find it a tad too generalized and be disappointed. If you like to spend an afternoon reading the newspaper or magazine horoscope then this is the book for you.

The Pros? It is an easy afternoon read. The writing is clear and lucid.

The Con? I question the accuracy... read for yourself and you will know what I mean.

Overall... an interesting lazy afternoon read.