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Lessons in Astrology as Magic
From the Author's Forward: "There was always one astrology book I hoped to find and never did—the one that spoke with honesty and practicality about the non-logical techniques of this art. Left brain skills start us on the path, but to read significance in a horoscope, we also need well-developed right-brain skills like intuition and imagination. A good practitioner needs to believe in the invisible world, to recognize how each planet behaves, to know when it’s speaking, or whether it’s currently in the room. A good practitioner needs to sense what happens in the air when people connect with their planets and how to use this encounter to create better futures. A good astrologer is not timid around magic. So that is the aim of this book: to add a little more magic to the process of learning how to read charts."
- GenresAstrology
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2013
24 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 9, 2015
The author sees astrology as a system of divination, not the mathematical/scientific art that many astrologers claim. She acknowledges that the mathematics and science are necessary to create a horoscope (a representation of the sun and planets’ relative positions at the time of birth.) However, after the horoscope has been studied and analyzed it is necessary to open one’s mind to powers, or gods, or whatever it is that the planets and their aspects represent. One must learn to work with the magic of the symbols in order to extract the horoscope’s meaning. Unfortunately the author was not rigorous about keeping to her topic and the writing often meanders into cute stories that have little relevance. Also she frequently gives examples that simply do not clarify. Conclusion: The book is worth reading for the central concept but, especially towards the end, some rapid leafing through the pages is warranted. I give it 3 stars, out of 5.
February 28, 2020
I always enjoyed Dana's articles in The Mountain Astrologer so it was good to read her again.
I absolutely loved the tale of John Varley, who in 1825 knew that the newly discovered planet Uranus was making a difficult aspect to his chart. Fearing that he might 'have a brick fall in his head or a carriage accident', the astrologer/artist cancelled his morning appointment and stayed home. He even sent his son to the watchmaker to ensure his timepiece was properly set to Greenwich Mean Time. As noon approached, he alternately paced and sat, noting that he felt well. At noon as nothing occurred he turned to his son crying, 'What have i done? Have i made the wrong calculations?' when there was shouting of 'Fire!' from the streets they rushed out to discover it was their own house that was ablaze. Varley was so delighted he immediately began writing in his notebook as his uninsured house and all of its contents burned to the ground.
I absolutely loved the tale of John Varley, who in 1825 knew that the newly discovered planet Uranus was making a difficult aspect to his chart. Fearing that he might 'have a brick fall in his head or a carriage accident', the astrologer/artist cancelled his morning appointment and stayed home. He even sent his son to the watchmaker to ensure his timepiece was properly set to Greenwich Mean Time. As noon approached, he alternately paced and sat, noting that he felt well. At noon as nothing occurred he turned to his son crying, 'What have i done? Have i made the wrong calculations?' when there was shouting of 'Fire!' from the streets they rushed out to discover it was their own house that was ablaze. Varley was so delighted he immediately began writing in his notebook as his uninsured house and all of its contents burned to the ground.
July 8, 2017
Magic Indeed
I really loved how the author speaks and talks about and with the planets.
It is a living, magical and transformative Astrology I fervently hope to embody in my daily life and daily practice as an Astrologer.
Definitely to read!
I really loved how the author speaks and talks about and with the planets.
It is a living, magical and transformative Astrology I fervently hope to embody in my daily life and daily practice as an Astrologer.
Definitely to read!
August 11, 2017
A brilliant prescriptive.
Prescriptive rather than just descriptive. A rare find. Astrology as Art not pseudoscience. My practice was enriched with this book
Prescriptive rather than just descriptive. A rare find. Astrology as Art not pseudoscience. My practice was enriched with this book
February 16, 2017
Dana never disappoints.
Very interesting take on astrology. This book fell in my lap at the perfect time, right when I was starting to feel overwhelmed by the complexity of astrology. I feel like I found again that sense of wonder for the magic of astrology.
If you're a beginner you might have to look some things up to understand everything she talks about, but there's also a handy glossary at the end of the book.
Very interesting take on astrology. This book fell in my lap at the perfect time, right when I was starting to feel overwhelmed by the complexity of astrology. I feel like I found again that sense of wonder for the magic of astrology.
If you're a beginner you might have to look some things up to understand everything she talks about, but there's also a handy glossary at the end of the book.
March 4, 2015
Short, but sweet and full of insight. An invitation to experience the planets and powers of astrology more directly by embracing the magical potential of intuition and imagination. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer. (This was the first time in a very long time I've read an entire book in one sitting, but I couldn't put it down!)
December 17, 2015
The Title Says It All
Dana channels the astro-archetypes in this delightful book. She is simultaneously personal and professional: transcribing the teachings for all. Whether you are a novice, hobbyist or full-time Astrologer, there is something here for you
Dana channels the astro-archetypes in this delightful book. She is simultaneously personal and professional: transcribing the teachings for all. Whether you are a novice, hobbyist or full-time Astrologer, there is something here for you
May 31, 2016
Wonderful intermediate text
especially good for the astrologer who's been at it a little while but has trouble putting it all together. Dana's writing is clear and punchy. Fun text and breezy to read.
especially good for the astrologer who's been at it a little while but has trouble putting it all together. Dana's writing is clear and punchy. Fun text and breezy to read.
October 26, 2014
LOVED this kindlebook. So good.
August 17, 2016
Insightful
Dana's writing is insightful and was a joy to read! I highly recommend this book for both beginners and advance astronomer.
Dana's writing is insightful and was a joy to read! I highly recommend this book for both beginners and advance astronomer.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews