This book is a true gift to humanity. It is an interweaving of Astrology, Positive Psychology, individuals’ experiences, ancient mythology and rituals to guide readers through the journey to better knowing themselves.
Ultimately, this book is a toolbox filled with ideas and suggestions to either be used as-is, and/or as inspiration or ‘jumping off points’, as you get to know your own character, mind, spirit, strengths, weaknesses and tendencies. The author recommends throughout that each reader embrace and maintain their own sovereignty, empowerment and individualism as they work through the knowing of themselves, their needs and the deepest yearnings of their soul.
There is so much in this book that I think I will be revisiting it several times (in both print and audio) to really get to know the material it contains. Please don’t get me wrong: it is not difficult to understand at all. There is simply so much ground covered that taking small bites and chewing on them for a while is a pleasure. Now that I have read the book in its entirety, I will take the time to savour my favourite bits. Plus, there are so many great suggestions to be put into practical action, which takes both time snd practice.
I really appreciated the set-up of this book. There are four parts (Fire, Earth, Air and Water). The fire section introduces the five tenets of Cosmic Health. Earth describes how to live cyclically, according to Lunar and seasonal cycles. In the third part, Air, we are introduced to the basics of Astrology and the core Astrological aspects of self. The vast remainder of the book belongs to Water. This fourth part is dived up by planet. Within each planetary chapter, there is a section on the original myth associated with that planet, how each relates to current psychology, the specifics of each natal placement of that planet in the Astrological Signs, and a ritual to either do as-is or to use as inspiration to create your own ritual. Honestly, it flows really wonderfully.
FIRE: The author starts with a definition of what she means by Cosmic Health - and it’s wonderful! This is one of the most inclusive, empowering definitions of health I have ever encountered. It does not preclude that one be completely free of disease. As someone who identifies as disabled, and someone who lives daily with severe chronic pain, this made me incredibly happy.
EARTH: Here we discover how living according to the Moon’s lunar cycles (as well as seasonal cycles) can aid in one’s healing and maintain balance in life. I am not at all new to this concept, but I really love the author’s empowering take on this concept.
AIR: I am somewhat newer to Astrology, but had read a couple of books, done some research and followed a series of instructional webinars to learn the basics prior to reading this book. I found the fundamental teachings on this subject very easy to follow. But even more than that, I just loved the author’s take on Astrology in general. I loved that each placement in one’s natal chart is simply an aspect of your nature that has a full range of benefits, talents and/or potential pitfalls. Knowing these tendencies allows the reader full sovereignty over how they embrace and use these aspects in their lives. Personal empowerment is a strong theme throughout this book.
WATER: I just loved how this half (or more) of the book is set up. Not only does it flow super well, but it also sets this book up as a timeless reference. At any point, readers can flip to a chapter on whichever planet to see what kind of energy it embodies, the origin myth associated with that planet, how it relates to the specific sign placement in a natal chart, a modern psychological theme that resonates with the overall energy of that cosmic entity, and/or take another deep dive with the ritual the author has associated with such. So relatable. So organized. So incredibly FUN and exciting. And since getting to know our deepest selves is the work of a lifetime, this is a book that I can see remaining on my bookshelves for years and years to come.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THIS BOOK: see all of the above.
WHAT I DISLIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK:
One small section in this book notes that this book was written for women, but that men and non-binary folx could still get a lot out of this book. I found this completely unnecessary. It is also so exclusive, and in complete contrast to the seemingly otherwise inclusive feel the book gives. To be frank, the short portion concerning the menstrual cycle and the lunar cycle, could have been directed towards menstruating versus non-menstruating humans and left the remainder of the book much more inviting to all. There are a few other examples of the author obviously speaking directly to women only that are even less relevant. It’s 2021 and time to let all of that hierarchical binary stuff go, and simply address the readers interested in your book. And if some readers are too squeamish to read about a normal bodily function of half the human population, then that is on them (obviously, in my opinion).
Thank you to the author, Jennifer Racioppi, NetGalley and the publisher, Little, Brown & Company, for an e-book copy of this title in return for an honest review. I also personally purchased a copy of the audiobook so that I could listen and revisit sections.