Getting to the Heart of Your Chart: Playing Astrological Detective

by Frank C. Clifford

When looking at a birth chart, where do we begin? How do we assess what's most important? How do we spot themes in the horoscope without getting lost in too much detail? Based on many years' experience with clients and researching thousands of horoscopes, astrologer Frank Clifford offers a methodical 'way in' to understanding the essential areas and dynamics of any horoscope. Filling an important gap in the market, this new volume includes dozens of case studies and horoscopes, and many new observations that'll change your way of working with astrology.

Genres: Astrology

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2012

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Right at the beginning, Clifford notes that he's a Mercury-Mars-themed author. Based on my reaction, I'd have to say that the strongly Saturnine reader may find this book too scattered. :) Clifford begins with an introduction to the signs, planets, houses, and aspects. He then shows the reader what to look for when interpreting a chart and then groups those factors into themes. Throughout the book, Clifford gives examples of how to interpret a chart, usually using the charts of famous people. I'm not faulting his knowledge or skill, but I just wasn't the right reader for this book. I thought it could have done with tighter editing. I wasn't sure why the author devoted a whole chapter to the astrological basics after saying that the book wasn't intended for an astrological beginner. He also includes three essays he wrote for various astrological magazines. I found them all interesting, but none of them were on natal chart interpretation and I didn't think they went with the rest of the book. Clifford is generous with his examples of chart interpretation, but I found myself wanting more explanations before the examples were introduced. And, while the table of contents is detailed, the book has no index. I just couldn't get into the book myself, but other readers may find this to be a good introduction to chart interpretation.

[Butterfly2507 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! However towards the end it got very repetitive and ... boring? somehow. But still great if you want to learn about your chart :)

[R. Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book – full of great insights and information. It is well edited and great fun to read. There are chapters on the author's take on the essentials (signs, planets etc.) and then he goes on to show how these work in the horoscopes of a few hundred people in history. Many of the observations are new and directed towards the modern consulting astrologer. As an astrologer, I found the advice and sections very helpful in tackling chart interpretation, and students will benefit greatly from this, too.