Breakthrough Astrology
by Joyce Levine
Published by Weiser Books
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Reviewed by Barbara Broom
Subtitled: Transform Yourself and Your World
Astrology, for the novices among us (including me), is made up of four factors:
1. Planets represent the energy of life--what drives our nature (the actors)
2. Signs show how that energy or force manifests itself (roles we play)
3. House shows where the action takes place (stage setting)
4. Aspects identify the inter-relationships among the planets (interaction)
It makes more sense when you realize that the ten planets each play a role:
1. Sun (celestial body) represents the sense of identity
2. Moon (celestial body) represents our emotions
3. Mercury--the way we think
4. Venus--our love nature
5. Mars--how we assert ourselves
6. Jupiter--values and abundance
7. Saturn--duty and responsibility
8. Uranus--freedom urges and independence
9. Neptune--spirituality and creativity
10. Pluto--internal drive
Now given that information, you can see what people are talking about when they say "your ruling planet." The combination of this ruling planet and your Zodiac sign give you the characteristics we all have. For example, I am a Virgo. Planets in Virgo show practicality and discrimination. the horoscope also has "houses" that bring the chart down to earth. This is affected by the time and place of birth--including latitude and longitude. They also reflect different lays of our life.
As a newbie, knowing nothing about astrology (except reading my horoscope), I found Levine's explanations very clear and easy to understand. She has been a professional astrologer for over 30 years--yet left out any "astro-babble."
When you delve into the different sections, you will see where your innate strengths and weaknesses come from--it defines the dynamics of our personality.
As Dr. Christiane Northrup, MD says..."You can learn how your love life can be vastly improved by knowing your Venus placement, learn how your Mars sign drives your career choices and work life; learn how your Mars sign drivesyour moods.
Armchair Interviews says: This book is for the beginner who wants to learn more about astrology and how it affects their life.