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The Complete Guide to Astrology: Understanding Yourself, Your Signs, and Your Birth Chart
An essential guide to astrology for both beginner and advanced practitioners.
Astrology has been used for thousands of years to help predict events, understand the meaning of life, and teach people to communicate more effectively with others. Whether you are new to the field or have long been looking to astrology for answers, The Complete Guide to Astrology will help you unlock the wisdom of the stars.
Start with the basic elements of astrology like the signs, modalities, and houses. Then, learn how to structure, interpret, and take a closer look at your birth chart. From there, detailed charts give you further insight into how to live up to your highest potential at work and in relationships.
This astrology book
Better understand how your stars align with The Complete Guide to Astrology .
Astrology has been used for thousands of years to help predict events, understand the meaning of life, and teach people to communicate more effectively with others. Whether you are new to the field or have long been looking to astrology for answers, The Complete Guide to Astrology will help you unlock the wisdom of the stars.
Start with the basic elements of astrology like the signs, modalities, and houses. Then, learn how to structure, interpret, and take a closer look at your birth chart. From there, detailed charts give you further insight into how to live up to your highest potential at work and in relationships.
This astrology book
Better understand how your stars align with The Complete Guide to Astrology .
164 pages, Paperback
Published January 28, 2020
2640 people are currently reading
1889 people want to read
About the author
Louise Edington
12 books31 followersLouise Edington is a professional astrologer, author, and mentor with over 30 years of experience exploring the skies. Known for her mythic storytelling and transformative insights, she weaves astrology, archetype, and shamanic practice into empowering tools for personal and collective evolution. Lumina is the author of Ceres in Astrology: Nourishment, Power, and the Rebirth of the Feminine and leads The Nest, a sacred community for astrology learners and practitioners. Her work centers cosmic cycles as invitations to embody soul truth and co-create change. She offers daily guidance through her Cosmic Owl Substack and shares teachings through courses, mentorships, and public speaking. Louise is dedicated to restoring astrology as a living, liberatory practice for these times of great transition.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
January 23, 2020
They weren’t kidding when they said everything you always wanted to know about astrology. But I’m not sure it’s for absolute beginners. Some of the information seemed too…hard to get. Honestly, I ended up skimming a lot of it because I didn’t understand it. This might be one of those books you have to read several times in order to “get” it.
What I liked: It is a very thorough book with lots of information. It does help you understand things, but you need to really pay attention to it.
What I didn’t like: It is very textbook-like and, like a textbook, can be rather dry at times. To the point where I put it down quite often and went off to read other things. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very thorough book, but be forewarned that it can be dry at times.
Recommendation: If you’re interested in astrology, then definitely pick this up, but be prepared for a lot of details.
What I liked: It is a very thorough book with lots of information. It does help you understand things, but you need to really pay attention to it.
What I didn’t like: It is very textbook-like and, like a textbook, can be rather dry at times. To the point where I put it down quite often and went off to read other things. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very thorough book, but be forewarned that it can be dry at times.
Recommendation: If you’re interested in astrology, then definitely pick this up, but be prepared for a lot of details.
May 3, 2025
I have entered a rabbit hole of astrology from which I may NEVER reemerge haha!
February 27, 2021
I read this for the same reason I read any religious text, to try and understand where other people are coming from. I had no previous interest in astrology, and this certainly hasn't changed my mind.
Don't get me wrong, the book itself isn't hard to understand (as I was warned it might be), the belief in it, however, is.
In fact, I just do not understand why anyone would believe in this. Ironically, I know plenty of people who do that and, at the same time, lambast climate change deniers, flat-earthers, conspiracy theorists, and creationists for being gullible and anti-science. The science behind astrology, of course, is about as solid as the science behind the flat earth idea. It goes to show that with a little bit of faith, anything is possible (to believe in).
Don't get me wrong, the book itself isn't hard to understand (as I was warned it might be), the belief in it, however, is.
In fact, I just do not understand why anyone would believe in this. Ironically, I know plenty of people who do that and, at the same time, lambast climate change deniers, flat-earthers, conspiracy theorists, and creationists for being gullible and anti-science. The science behind astrology, of course, is about as solid as the science behind the flat earth idea. It goes to show that with a little bit of faith, anything is possible (to believe in).
December 17, 2020
Audiobook Only: This nook is definitely meant to be one that you have in hand and can mark up, dog ear, highlight etc. I can’t remember most of what all of the different stuff means but as a person who has always been skeptical of astrology, it was a fascinating review of the subject. To hear the literal thousands of years of study that has gone into the subject was really cool. And the author’s more inclusive way of interpreting the cosmos was a refreshing way of viewing life even if I can’t remember all of those details. Looking forward to re reading some day as a physical book!
June 5, 2021
The author goes through each sign, planet, aspect, modality, house, etc in detail. With birth chart in hand this is a very enlightening and helpful read. It can still be hard to wrap your mind around some of the concepts, especially because there are so many different parts to a chart. However, the author breaks everything down very well and gives examples to further illustrate points.
That being said, this is clearly just a starting point if you want to fully understand the complexity of astrology. As a starting point I found it excellent. I recommend lots of underlining so you can flip back through and catch highlights for a refresher anytime. I wouldn’t recommend a digital copy of this book.
My one complaint is that the section with example charts seems misplaced. It comes before a section where some of the terms used are defined, so reading it was a bit confusing. It would’ve been better place at the end of the book.
That being said, this is clearly just a starting point if you want to fully understand the complexity of astrology. As a starting point I found it excellent. I recommend lots of underlining so you can flip back through and catch highlights for a refresher anytime. I wouldn’t recommend a digital copy of this book.
My one complaint is that the section with example charts seems misplaced. It comes before a section where some of the terms used are defined, so reading it was a bit confusing. It would’ve been better place at the end of the book.
January 9, 2020
To be honest, some of the information went over my head. I may have skipped some of the info to get to the meatier, fun parts - such as the four elements, the sun signs, structuring a birth chart, and zodiacal callings and love. I've always been curious about the astrology in the Bible, and how the stars interact with our lives.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot...
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
February 8, 2021
A great book for beginners!
Very comprehensive and overall a great read! If you’re just getting into astrology and want a book that will help explain your birth chart, I highly recommend. This book gives you all the tools to help you start unpacking your chart.
Very comprehensive and overall a great read! If you’re just getting into astrology and want a book that will help explain your birth chart, I highly recommend. This book gives you all the tools to help you start unpacking your chart.
September 4, 2022
I'm a beginner learning about Astrology and this book has been very helpful and simple to read. I would have like to have seen an emply chart filled out step by step in order to fully comprehend the natal chart diagram process better.
January 5, 2021
i'll admit i mostly skipped to the parts about scorpio sun and cancer rising. i did actually learn a lot and highlighted a lot. i wish i had a physical copy though.
January 17, 2021
Good guide but astrology is garbage
April 5, 2022
Solid introduction to Astrology!
January 28, 2024
Seems to be a very thorough guide. I’m still a beginner but I liked how Louise structured the book. I enjoyed how the male/female is being looked at differently as night/day, inhale/exhale. It’ll definitely be a good reference.
June 27, 2021
a lot of great information, but not sure if this is great to start out with!! I already knew a bit about astrology, but this felt very overwhelming.
dnf
December 1, 2021DNF - I skimmed my horoscope and a few others.
In this book I am a Libra instead of cusp of Virgo and Libra. I looked up a few different sites and it didn't support some of the information in this book. I decided to pass on it.
In this book I am a Libra instead of cusp of Virgo and Libra. I looked up a few different sites and it didn't support some of the information in this book. I decided to pass on it.
February 3, 2020
Intriguing and interesting, also nice for educational purposes. Will definitely be using at different times. Loved learning about numerology. Something I was not at all familiar with prior to this book. Highly recommend to those interested in learning about numerology or those who even know a ton!
Will make sure to buzz it up on all the different platforms.
Will make sure to buzz it up on all the different platforms.
April 4, 2021
very good guide and reference book
December 10, 2024
La verdad no me parece un libro que sea para principiantes había muchas palabras y conceptos que lo hacían más difícil y tedioso pero fue un libro que me enseñó bastante.
May 29, 2023
I will echo a fellow reviewer who said this is a definitely a complete guide, but not a beginners guide. I, too, skimmed this book as I got lost in the vocabulary.
I would place this as an intermediate book, something to come back to after one understands the basics of the astrological chart and how to create a person’s chart. This book would help someone to READ and understand a chart that’s already been made. I look forward to re-reading it in the future.
I would place this as an intermediate book, something to come back to after one understands the basics of the astrological chart and how to create a person’s chart. This book would help someone to READ and understand a chart that’s already been made. I look forward to re-reading it in the future.
September 28, 2021
Contrary to some comments, I think this is a good beginner’s guide to astrology. And by good I mean vague. This would be good to dip your toe in, see if you like it, then move on to other, deeper reflections.
One critique I have is the book felt very repetitive. I don’t know if the author intended for the reader to use this as a reference but reading it straight through was kind of a slog. I feel like at least twice a chapter the author would mention how previous astrologers would use feminine/masculine language to describe things, which yeah, great move on from that. Then they would mention it again. And again. And again! Like, we get it! You just said how binaries are bad (though you still use a night/day binary...) two pages ago. This author really needed a good editor.
Other than that, this book is a so-so introduction to astrology. If you MUST have inclusive language, then stick with this. If you want actual depth, go somewhere else.
One critique I have is the book felt very repetitive. I don’t know if the author intended for the reader to use this as a reference but reading it straight through was kind of a slog. I feel like at least twice a chapter the author would mention how previous astrologers would use feminine/masculine language to describe things, which yeah, great move on from that. Then they would mention it again. And again. And again! Like, we get it! You just said how binaries are bad (though you still use a night/day binary...) two pages ago. This author really needed a good editor.
Other than that, this book is a so-so introduction to astrology. If you MUST have inclusive language, then stick with this. If you want actual depth, go somewhere else.
March 30, 2020
I received a complimentary print copy of this book from the publisher and author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
This book is structured in an organized fashion to make for easy reading and reference. It begins by explaining the building blocks of astrology including sun signs, planets and the houses. Once you have an understanding of the basics you can learn about birth charts and how to structure and interpret your birth chart.
There is also a section which addresses your calling and love according to the zodiac. The author includes astrological appendices with astrological tables and recommendations for further reading. A useful book for those interested in understanding astrology and how it applies to your birth chart.
This book is structured in an organized fashion to make for easy reading and reference. It begins by explaining the building blocks of astrology including sun signs, planets and the houses. Once you have an understanding of the basics you can learn about birth charts and how to structure and interpret your birth chart.
There is also a section which addresses your calling and love according to the zodiac. The author includes astrological appendices with astrological tables and recommendations for further reading. A useful book for those interested in understanding astrology and how it applies to your birth chart.
November 12, 2020
3
Lots of information you can get anywhere really. Not bad. Good for reference, but I'll use something else in the future.
Lots of information you can get anywhere really. Not bad. Good for reference, but I'll use something else in the future.
September 14, 2020
Enjoy the book
I enjoyed the book. A lot of information and put together very well. Thank you for this book. It helps.
I enjoyed the book. A lot of information and put together very well. Thank you for this book. It helps.
February 3, 2020
The information in this book is written in an adequate, albeit verbose, manner. Information is decent, although layout does not facilitate easy assimilation of what has been learned. Some sections are repetitive. I too question if the editors knew the subject of astrology when they worked with this guide.
In addition, the book seems to be more focused on a "nonbinary manifesto", obsessively avoiding the terms masculine and feminine, but in the process getting overloaded by "day/night", "inhale/exhale", and other terms that defeat overall purposes of comprehension. I prefer books that use the terms "masculine" and "feminine", with a caveat that these terms are limited and have nothing to do with "male" and "female". We understand that mythology is limited, but instead of twisting language into a nonbinary perfectionism that clouds overall understanding of concepts, it would be nice to acknowledge the limitations of words and then move forward. There was a lecture or paragraph on gender nonbinary terms in astrology on at least one of every four pages, or it seems. In addition, I agree with the reviewer who expressed a need for more charts and a more pragmatic way to understand and apply the material. The sun sign romantic chapter seemed like an aside, since sun sign is only one small piece of a synastry puzzle.
My background: I have studied some astrology, but was hoping to learn from this guide. I prefer other beginner books on this topic. The resources guide offered free chart and app options that were nice.
I received a review copy from the publisher. Unfortunately, this is another book with multiple typos. In addition to the ones found by another reviewer, one subheading says "30 degrees" when it means "60 degrees" for a sextile. Editors need to be more diligent, please!!!
In addition, the book seems to be more focused on a "nonbinary manifesto", obsessively avoiding the terms masculine and feminine, but in the process getting overloaded by "day/night", "inhale/exhale", and other terms that defeat overall purposes of comprehension. I prefer books that use the terms "masculine" and "feminine", with a caveat that these terms are limited and have nothing to do with "male" and "female". We understand that mythology is limited, but instead of twisting language into a nonbinary perfectionism that clouds overall understanding of concepts, it would be nice to acknowledge the limitations of words and then move forward. There was a lecture or paragraph on gender nonbinary terms in astrology on at least one of every four pages, or it seems. In addition, I agree with the reviewer who expressed a need for more charts and a more pragmatic way to understand and apply the material. The sun sign romantic chapter seemed like an aside, since sun sign is only one small piece of a synastry puzzle.
My background: I have studied some astrology, but was hoping to learn from this guide. I prefer other beginner books on this topic. The resources guide offered free chart and app options that were nice.
I received a review copy from the publisher. Unfortunately, this is another book with multiple typos. In addition to the ones found by another reviewer, one subheading says "30 degrees" when it means "60 degrees" for a sextile. Editors need to be more diligent, please!!!
August 2, 2021
A lot of explanations that I had always wondered, how the zodiac along the ecliptic is further narrowed or focused by the ruling planets, ascendant and descendent, other planets, houses, nodes. I also liked the discussion of the ancient origin of astrology, and the tenuous relationship to the legendary figures they are named for, noting that the heavenly bodies and the archetypal attributes they inspire predate their names or brands, which I found interesting and sensible. I did have a hard time with knowing what to do with this insight. I could see that the effect of the ascendant (Gemini rising) and descendent (Sagittarius) on my birth sign (Capricorn) nailed me to a T, but I know what I am already. I chalked it up to already being old and beyond the age to change a path if necessary, but I was pleased to discover that I had chosen the suitable career, interests, and wife --or did they choose me? Then again, I already knew that.
Still, very in-depth and comprehensive yet easy to understand. But to get the most out of it, get your birth chart to have with you as you read, down to your time of birth. It is much easier to follow along that way.
Still, very in-depth and comprehensive yet easy to understand. But to get the most out of it, get your birth chart to have with you as you read, down to your time of birth. It is much easier to follow along that way.
June 27, 2024
This book is absolutely not for beginners. It explains everything in depth and detail about horoscopes, planets, aspects, modalities, houses, the interpretation of a birth chart... and so on. I think you should already have some knowledge about those concepts when you start the book. It's a lot to take in and process. I really like that the book didn't leave out concepts and captured everything they could've explained, but because of the infodump, it was tough to get through it. I'm sure I didn't capture and remember everything, and I'll need to reread this book to fully understand all the concepts and relations. Throughout the book, I kept my birth chart near me and used it to understand the concepts better. I think the birth chart is a good guideline for following the concepts in the book and should've been displayed sooner.
March 16, 2022
me encantó aprender más de la astrología: desde su historia, cómo ha evolucionado desde el descubrimiento de nuevos planetas, cómo se debe cambiar el idioma de la astrología para que sea menos binario, y los elementos más importantes (planetas, aspectos y casas). creo que esperaba aprender un poco más a profundidad sobre los planetas, los signos y cómo todo se puede leer de forma más cohesiva. me hubieran encantado más ejemplos y análisis de birth charts. creo que los últimos capítulos fueron aburridos y una pérdida de tiempo (carreras y love para los sun signs). still a very good book porque definitivamente tengo una idea más clara de la astrología.
May 30, 2022
Clear and easy to understand. The writing is really direct and there are no wasted words. I only had to google a definition one time while reading because I was still confused about what the author meant.
An excellent overview/beginners book. Is it "complete", as in everything you'll ever want to know about astrology, definitely not (and didn't expect it to be), but enough to get started and know the basics, definitely yes.
It has a lot of examples and charts for reference, as well as a glossary and index to quickly find specific information. Author did a really good job covering a wide range of information while still giving a lot of useful details.
An excellent overview/beginners book. Is it "complete", as in everything you'll ever want to know about astrology, definitely not (and didn't expect it to be), but enough to get started and know the basics, definitely yes.
It has a lot of examples and charts for reference, as well as a glossary and index to quickly find specific information. Author did a really good job covering a wide range of information while still giving a lot of useful details.
March 1, 2025
Louise Edington does a fantastic job explaining the many topics of astrology. She is a very educated author, doing it since the 70s, but also has a modern take on plenty of subjects! She helps guides beginners toward their astrological goals whether it be figuring out how to characterize sun signs on a dime or reading someone's birth chart. She also talks about active vs passive signs rather than using masculine vs feminine traits and is extremely inclusive when she discusses topics so that is a plus! Overall this book was a joy to read and annotate, and she surprised me with the wonderful world of astrology.
March 15, 2020
Written in universal, easy to follow language while introducing the different parts of astrology allows even beginners to follow along completely and grow in their understanding, while also being a solid reference book for the more practiced astrologist. Edington teaches us to see and use the astrological chart “as a blueprint of potential and possibility.” (Which, admittedly, reminds us that nothing is precise or exact about astrology. Much of it is open to interpretation.)
The book does attempt to be as inclusive as possible.
The book does attempt to be as inclusive as possible.
October 10, 2022
I enjoyed this book a lot, though, when I first started reading it, I was a bit confused. I'm not sure I'd recommend it to a totally fresh beginner, but it's certainly helped me with my practice.
I particularly like how Louise forewent the masculine and feminine descriptors. I found it really helpful when reading the book since it wasn't limited in gender but in terms of the sun & moon. A nice take!
I'm planning on revisiting this book when I have the learning capacity to understand decans fully and have a bit more knowledge going into it as a whole!
I particularly like how Louise forewent the masculine and feminine descriptors. I found it really helpful when reading the book since it wasn't limited in gender but in terms of the sun & moon. A nice take!
I'm planning on revisiting this book when I have the learning capacity to understand decans fully and have a bit more knowledge going into it as a whole!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews