Stephen Arroyo's Chart Interpretation Handbook: Guidelines for Understanding the Essentials of the Birth Chart

by Stephen Arroyo, Jerilynn Marshall (Editor)

This book focuses on precise, in-depth language that shows the reader how to think astrologically in a way that never loses sight of the basic principles and reliable meanings being considered. Those trying to learn astrology, especially as a self-help method for understanding deeper needs and motivations, have long been frustrated by the lack of a quick-reference handbook that penetrates to the essential truths that people immediately identify with. Now, this pioneering work fills the need for accessible, accurate guidelines that help one gain greater understanding of oneself and others. This widely-popular book shows how to combine key principles and interpretative phrases in a way that illuminates the meanings of the planets, signs, houses and aspects emphasized in any birth chart.

Genres: Astrology, Nonfiction, Reference, Spirituality, Occult, Divination, Self Help

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

From Wikipedia:

Stephen Arroyo (born October 6, 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri) is an American author and astrologer.[1]

Arroyo has written seven books on psychologically oriented astrology which outline his theory that the individual’s experience of the Solar System’s impacts on their personal energy field, both psychological and physical. His works recast astrological concepts in psychological terms, and reject what he perceives as the fatalism and negativity of old-fashioned astrology. His books have now been translated into 20 languages.

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am surprised at how good this book is. It is well-written, has lots of information and explanation as well as new analysis and synthesis. Much of it deals with astrology as a discipline (in the introduction, especially), but I found it thought-provoking or at least well done and not slow or pedantic. This is a solid reference for all around chart interpretation. I do not agree whole-heartedly with him on everything, but Stephen Arroyo proves himself to be a solid thinker and great astrologer.

*Spanish translation

[Paul Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basic planetary symbolism in natal astrology and how to link key concepts into phrases and lucid English sentences.

[Maisie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of astrology books in 2011 and most of them were good

[Albert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very basic astrolgy book. Good for beginners.

[Michelle Middleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

not really into this anymore

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly excellent guide to natal chart interpretation! I will be recommending this holistically-minded guide to all budding astrologers in my life.

[Ivonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro básico que toda persona interesada en la astrología debería leer, especialmente si lo suyo es leer cartas astrales. Este handbook es solo un brochazo a los aspectos principales de la carta: planetas, signos y aspectos entre ellos. Las descripciones son cortas, por lo que es perfecto para quienes quieren llevarse las nociones básicas, pero el libro no es suficiente para construir una carta completa.
Al final tiene una guía de cómo construir una carta, lo cual puede venir muy bien para quienes no lo han hecho antes.
Muy para dummies con un lenguaje amigable y sin tanto tecnicismo.

[Alex Genna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh - the book is fine, easy read

provides an overall strategic methodology that seems useful, however lacks supporting thoughts backing statements. subsequent to the initial frame-up, interpretations get somewhat cookie-cutter in phrasing and uninspired. I would have appreciated more effort in the synthesis; the section was written more as a conclusion to the book than the reason for the existence of the book.

...and yes I know, many things were covered in the earlier books, but that doesn’t stop the repetition of this statement from being an unsatisfying stance.

[Cicero Marra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livro sobre o "basicão" da leitura de mapa astral escrito da forma mais clara e prática do mundo. Livrão da porra.

[Lonely Witch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Puntuación: ♡♡♡
Motivo de lectura: Lograr entender un poco más de mi propia carta.
Lectura/Relectura: Lectura
Mi edición: Digital.

Me llevé meses leyendo y, ciertamente, no me imaginaba que sería de otra forma. Hice un montón de anotaciones e intenté ir relacionado todo, lo que hizo el proceso lento y, por momentos, bastante tedioso.

Claramente el libro aporta, sin embargo, reconozco que espera muchísimo más. A día de hoy contamos con herramientas súper prácticas como las redes sociales y la inteligencia artificial, lo que conlleva a que la misma información sea puesta a nuestro alcance de una manera más fácil y entendible. Por ello, considero que el libro ha quedado desactualizado y no tiene una propuesta de valor más alta que cualquier video que busques en tiktok.

De todas maneras, reconozco que gracias a este tipo de material es que tenemos el conocimiento tan a la mano. Además, después de todo, reconozco que me la pasé bien. Aunque eso sí, mi mayor decepción fue que el Medio Cielo ni siquiera tuvo su propio capítulo y pienso que lo merecía.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent tool for any level of astrology student. Things that were unique: The importance of Jupiter in the chart is explained in a way that I have never read before. The differences between each Sun sign and their Ascendent is expressed distinctly. Lastly, a planet's Subtone (or dispositor) is defined in a clear way for beginners in this handbook. I liked how easy this was to read and understand.

[Andi Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely must-read for anyone hell-bent on being an effective reader of natal charts. Whether you’re just attempting to understand your own nature, or reading for clients - this book is incredibly well structured, efficient, and practical. I’ve been reading charts for a few years and am a little regretful that I haven’t had this book all along.
You’ll want to read it with a pen and flags to mark particularly helpful passages!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised me! Resonated greatly. Good structure, separation and order of astrological elements explored. Really respect the intro and considered philosophical/cultural assumptions of astrology. Kept it real and honest with descriptors, helped me understand parts of myself I tend to hide/am ashamed of. LOVE that. Given to friend to borrow, who is just beginning their astrology journey. Perfect intro book! Accessible and clear!

[Nathalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This definitely seems like a book for the true beginner of astrology. I felt it was too basic and didn't have enough but I'm sure I'll use it for some things. The most annoying part was his constant reference to his own books for more detailed info. Just felt like he was trying to sell me more of his own things.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very informative when discerning my chart and I learned a lot more than I thought. I've mostly been learning online and haven't gotten a proper astrology book and this one was easy to understand. I already had some general knowledge so I was familiar with the terminology and I like the flexibility of the interpretations. Very recommended for people wishing to know more about astrology.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I learned so much about my chart. The random pieces of the puzzle started coming together into a cohesive puzzle called me! :) I've been following astrology for many years on the surface; I knew enough to comprehend what was being said. But this book made me want to learn even more and delve into the depths. Next book up Astrology Karma & Transformation.

[Ashley Monette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good astrology book. It didn’t have much information that I didn’t know. It put it in a different format then other books I’ve read. It did read more like a textbook and kind of dry though. It did give some different information. Maybe not different just explained in a different way.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for beginners who are new to astrology and new to chart interpretation. While there are books that dive into more minute detail, this is a great way to learn basics without overwhelming yourself.

[JayR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read with valuable information

This is a good reference book for season astrologers and valuable information even for a beginner. Highly recommend. Will be purchasing other books by the author.

[Giovanni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book I've from this author and oh gosh he's so cocky! You can tell by his writing that he thinks he's "Mr. know-it-all-so-do-what-I-say".

[Atheer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great astrology book for those who focus on learning the chart as a whole , I was thrilled by the depth of information and the simple guidelines explained..
Thank you!

[Laila · Rating 5 out of 5]

didn’t really “finish” this book, i use it more as a reference tool and it has never failed me! will forever keep it handy

[Ekaterina · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked the aspects part but it wasn’t very informative for expert astrologers

[Letícia Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arroyo tem uma didática e um conhecimento incríveis, que vão muito além daquela decoreba de sempre da maioria dos livros de astrologia, aprendi demais com esse livro!

[Stefania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interpretation guidelines for each planet/sign/aspect are repetitive and some make no sense at all, but aside from that this book gives a wonderful overall view of an art - chart interpretation - that is incredibly complex. I will definitely read more books by this author.
*Note on the Kindle edition: it is riddled with typos and terrible formatting. I found it super annoying but the book's content is good enough to make it worth the purchase anyways.

[Ana Trujillo Ordóñez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un manual perfecto para principiantes e iniciados que quieran ir asimilando los conceptos clave de la astrología y explorar las bases de interpretación de una carta.

Lo tengo en PDF, si a alguien le interesa tenerlo me puede escribir.

[Lauren H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll have to keep this brief because I haven't been focusing on astrology these days but what I do remember from this book was it helped me quite a lot when I began studying astrology beyond the sun signs. And though this was so very long ago, I would still recommend it to beginners, & even as a refresher. ~ Carole

[Karla Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me aportó bastante. Muy práctico y especializado a la vez; indispensable.

[Sheila Kanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took my sweet time in reading this beautiful book. Stephen Arroyo is an amazing writer. He makes you think and apply yourself to the chart. Definitely a must read if you're learning astrology.