Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Must For Anyone Looking to Expand Their Knowledge, November 1, 1999
Basil Fearrington's book, and it is Basil's book, reflects many years of skeptical and thorough research done by himself to prove that astrology works. In the New Way to Learn Astrology, he adopts Noel Tyl's method of teaching students not only about why astrology works, but how they can achieve an in-depth understanding in a short period of time. Directed toward the novice, New Way delivers what it promises: a clear and concise study wrapped around an intimidating subject. Many students are misled by books that throw jargon and "cookbook recipes" together, which only gives the impression that we are lost to the influence of planets. This unintended error leaves astrology with a mask better suited for fortune tellers and soothsayers as science and skeptics tear apart a valuable tool. Yes, Noel's application of psychological need theory applied toward astrological symbols is in this book. But there's so much more. Hemispheric influence, parental and environmental effects during childhood, complex aspect structures, retrogradation, progressions and transits are all included in this text. There's even a section on the misunderstood and often excluded quintile and quindecile! These rare pieces of information are needed by experienced astrologers, who have become reticent in adopting new ideas that will improve their art. And yet, this book begs for a second edition. The only two changes I would like to suggest involve the chapter on computers and astrology and the lack of a glossary. New students may be uncomfortable with new terms such as orb, meridian and nadir. And while these are mentioned within the text, having a glossary would help many maintain the speed with which the book promises. The chapter devoted to computer use is an excellent idea, but the book falls short with only five pages devoted to it. While the concepts of sidereal time and time zones are the best explained of any beginner book on the market, there's a need to explain further what a computer can truly accomplish. With various software on the market, including freeware, there's no explanation as to how to figure whether you've used your software correctly or not. Surely, there could have been a page or two more to help us discern what we want a program to do. Hopefully, New Way will continue the changes aimed at creating a better astrological consultant. Symbolism and psychology do indeed hold a greater future for astrology, than its immature predecessors of fatalistic magic and stereotyping. This is a must have book for your shelves.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Text!!, August 9, 2002
This book is a great learning text that helps to keep the student of beginning astrology focused. Each chapter ending with a summary and quiz is a wonderful help for reinforcement. And, while the basic signs, planets, aspects, and houses are covered, Fearrington also covers keys to interpretation that are not often seen in beginner texts, such as the Aries Point, configurations such as the Grand Trine and T-square, the quindecile, the meaning of Saturn Rx., and hemispheric emphasis. Chart examples of well-known figures are used in this very readable, easily understood text. It provides an excellent beginning place for anyone wanting to learn to be an effective astrologer who can cut to the chase quickly, as well as a refresher with some new perspective for those who already have some astrological experience. This is well worth the time!
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
EXCELLENT!, October 26, 1999
Basil Fearrington has taught the Noel Tyl method in South Africa and now teaches it through this book. The method is extraordinarily accurate, and through Basil's excellent writing skills, very easy to understand. This is the perfect primer book for beginners, preparing the way for full study of all of Noel Tyl's works which are more complex. I would recommend this book to anyone even slightly interested in Astrology and to those professionals who could gain much insight.The best beginner's book I have ever read!
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