The Knot of Time: Astrology and Female Experience

by Lindsay River, Sally Gillespie

A fascinating and innovative look at the traditional interpretations of the components of the horoscope—the signs of the zodiac, the planets, and the elements—that reclaims a lost heritage of history and mythology.

Genres: Astrology, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1987

Reviews

[Miriam Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancient Wisdom and Starry Myths

The absurdity of the 'sun sign' predictions that litter newspapers and internet sites has given poor old Astrology a bad name. This book serves as a readable introduction to the basic component of a horoscope (planets, signs, houses and aspects) and goes beyond those banal, reductive stereotypes to look at the myths and archetypes that inform humankind's oldest 'science'.

I personally find the narrative in the brief prologue and epilogue less successful, but the meat of the book more than makes up for it. The restoration of a female perspective means that the authors have looked behind the clichés and restored the subtlety of this ancient wisdom about the human psyche. Behind the 'Martial' Roman archetype of the planet Mars, for example, they suggest there lies the earlier prototype of the spring 'vegetation gods' who were worshipped throughout the Near East and whose courage - and transcendence - lay in a symbolic sacrifice for the good of the land.

The book is full of historical and cultural tidbits which weave a rich web of connections and symbols back into a subject that has become a little threadbare from poor use.

[Acquafortis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with pleasure. I not only was reading the book but I was feeling it. I can't really pinpoint what made me feel so, maybe because the book was written by two women or because they were capable to put depth and warmth to words. Whatever it is in this book, I would recommend for anyone interested in Astrology with a female point of view.

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book taught me so much, about astrology, femininity, divine love and oneness and how to channel my birth chart into the future. I feel like I know myself so much better now, through astrology but also through knowledge. I love this book and recommend it to anyone that wants to learn about astrology or the female experience!!!!

[Lelayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

yes! another book from a female perspective - I need this! thanks to my friend sarah!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my first forays into astrology. This book was one of my mother's.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been trying to remember the name of this book for a few years.
I had my own copy, lent it to someone and it never came back so I was pleased to recognise it at my local library!
Looking forward to rediscovering.

[Federica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A basic introduction to planets, signs, houses and aspects with lots of historical and mythological references. I personally find it very enjoyable and despite the emphasis on the feminine perspective, I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in Astrology.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book. But parts were quite difficult to get through at times. Especially the section that explained each planet and each sign. Maybe I'm just not that into astrology, maybe I should have kept at copy of my birth chart next to me to refere too.
I really like the chunk of the book though that gave us the timeline and history of astrology and wisewomen and Goddesses. They also refer to other book that are about the same topic in that regard, so I got a good reading list to work through now.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the first books I read on the subject.