Astrology: Understanding the Birth Chart

by Kevin Burk

In Understanding the Birth Chart , Kevin Burk takes you step-by-step from the core basics to the finer complexities of chart interpretation while avoiding sidetracks into obscure techniques and fuzzy thinking. As a teacher, Burk also understands that a real grasp of the subject entails more than just learning the techniques-it also involves grasping the underlying principles that make those techniques valid. Understanding the Birth Chart is designed to be useful to all students of astrology, from beginners to more advanced practitioners, and will help you develop an integrated, synthesized approach to understanding the birth chart. You will discover how classical astrology can enrich your understanding of the planets, signs, and houses. You will explore the meaning of the Lunar Nodes, eclipses, the angles, retrograde planets, and aspect patterns. You will also learn how to identify key themes in the chart, and how to relate the different aspects and elements together to gain a holistic understanding of the birth chart-and of the individual. An up-to-date listing of astrological organizations and software programs is included that offers a wealth of resources for any astrologer. In short, this is a well-designed course that provides a solid foundation for anyone who is interested in practicing astrology quickly and with confidence. While many books at this level simply give you a set of techniques and ready-made interpretations, this book will give you a deeper grasp of an art and science that has its expression in the world around us, but its roots in the invisible world of primal origins.

Genres: Astrology, Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2001

Reviews

[Salem ☥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Astrology is also not a religion. You don't need to believe in astrology in order to use astrology any more than you need to believe in a hammer to use a hammer. Astrology is a tool, nothing more, nothing less. It is an amazingly versatile tool with a wide range of applications, but it is a tool, nonetheless; and as is the case with any tool, its use is more appropriate in some situations than in others.”

Okay, I just had the best three hours reading this while also interpreting my birth chart! The information was easy to understand, while also being quite humorous. Everything was well-explained though concise. I'm sure I'll be coming back to this for referencing many times in the future. A great book for beginners!

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reference this book CONSTANTLY in my astrological studies. Utterly Fantastic.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must have for any astrologer. It walks you through all aspects of chart interpretation. I consult it all the time for guidance when doing charts.

[bia · Rating 5 out of 5]

[“Learning astrology is exactly like learning a foreign language.”] - no lie. this book is a good for introducing and explaining astrology if you’re a novice (like me)! might have to give it a reread later to expand on my own knowledge as well.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be a resource that I turn to when Rob Hand's Horoscope Symbols becomes a little too meta (which it does, in some respects). Burk's work is concise, understandable, and thorough. There is use of a lot of easy to understand analogies that help drive some of the more difficult astrological concepts home. Highly recommended for new students to astrology, and would serve as a quick resource for more advanced practitioners.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow- a must have when it comes to learning Astrology; he is clear, concise and to the point about chart reading and the basics- please get it if you are into Astrology, it is well worth the $ :D!

[Niccole E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book holds tons of valuable information!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview and also particularly helpful for understanding classical Astrology. The section on dignities and dispositors was a bit confusing.

[Ethan Adkison · Rating 5 out of 5]

blows the dust off the essential components of studying symbolism in the planets while avoiding the kitsch of new age

[Ashley Lanese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite astrology book to date! Kevin Burk does an incredible job breaking down astrology and all of the aspect of natal chart astrology. If you want to learn natal chart astrology and don't know where to start this book will skyrocket you into not just a beginner level, but it'll take you past beginner and into pro. I LOVE that he breaks down the history of astrology early on in the book, talking about why it was kicked out of the scientific community and why it is woven into psychology. I bought this book once, took notes all over the margins, and then that copy got destroyed so I bought another one. Really great book!!! I definitely recommend.

[Graisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm impressed with how many parts of Astrology this relatively modern book covers. This is definitely one to reference in the future as I learn more and more about Astrology.

[Levia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a textbook for an Astrology class. The information in this book was easier to understand, and helped break down some concepts into easier chunks of information. I do recommend this, as well as Theresa Reed's Astrology for Real Life. I will continue to read this multiple times and use it as a reference for my current studies.

[Inanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very thorough introduction to astrological interpretation and a great reference book. Note the emphasis on classical interpretation, too: he makes a very clear distinction between modern and classical astrology, so it's interesting to learn how astrology has changed over the years.