What do you think?
Rate this book
Your Secret Self: Illuminating Mysteries of the Twelfth House
The Twelfth House is where the angels of our creative inspiration and spirituality, and the demons of our shadow self reside. Tracy Marks, psychotherapist /astrologer, provides penetrating insights into the inner workings of both the hidden weaknesses and strengths of the Twelfth House, and provides practical and easy-to-use worksheets to support the process of recovering buried facets of ourselves.
Part The multi-faceted meanings of the Twelfth House
Part The meaning of individual Twelfth house planets and signs, their rulers and placement
Part Psychodynamics of the Twelfth House -the emotional conflicts associated with it, and the process of integrating and liberating Twelfth House energies
Part Self Transformation through Dreamwork and the dream experience using case studies related to the Twelfh House
Part The Collective Shadow, focusing on the Twelfth House of the United States.
This is an updated, expanded and revised addition of a book published in 1989, with over 30 pages of new material.
Part The multi-faceted meanings of the Twelfth House
Part The meaning of individual Twelfth house planets and signs, their rulers and placement
Part Psychodynamics of the Twelfth House -the emotional conflicts associated with it, and the process of integrating and liberating Twelfth House energies
Part Self Transformation through Dreamwork and the dream experience using case studies related to the Twelfh House
Part The Collective Shadow, focusing on the Twelfth House of the United States.
This is an updated, expanded and revised addition of a book published in 1989, with over 30 pages of new material.
Paperback
First published June 1, 1989
68 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 27, 2012
Mysteries of the twelfth house indeed. With my Sun in 12th house, and numerous other important planets and conjunctions I was excited to find this book. Marks doesn't disappoint.
This highly informative book caters for the astrological newbie as well as providing suitable depth for those familiar with their charts and all their ascendents, squares, sextiles, oppositions etc. For a necessary accompaniment of this book, grab a for free chart at www.astro.com - go the Extended Chart Selection > House System chose Koch). And whilst this book is an information storehouse for those with planets in their 12th house, it has relevance to all - as Marks explains in the opening chapter.
Marks' psychotherapist-self is clearly present as she ventures into discussing the 'how to' or getting the best out of our 12th house selves in our personal development, and some conflicts this may bring to ourselves, or our 12th house companions. For me understanding my nature and taking an attitude to try and befriend and engage it is enough to set me on a different path. There is a whole chapter on dreamwork too; and how to practice working with dreams to uncover and utilize our 12th house energies (although it likely applies to all of our qualities).
She ends with an interesting, although brief chapter on astrology of the collective, and how we individually may carry that. There's interesting analysis of World War II and Hitler and the state of the US.
Definitely a resource I will return to - I'll take such guidance from the universe any day (better than some culturally skewed 'self'-help...)
This highly informative book caters for the astrological newbie as well as providing suitable depth for those familiar with their charts and all their ascendents, squares, sextiles, oppositions etc. For a necessary accompaniment of this book, grab a for free chart at www.astro.com - go the Extended Chart Selection > House System chose Koch). And whilst this book is an information storehouse for those with planets in their 12th house, it has relevance to all - as Marks explains in the opening chapter.
Marks' psychotherapist-self is clearly present as she ventures into discussing the 'how to' or getting the best out of our 12th house selves in our personal development, and some conflicts this may bring to ourselves, or our 12th house companions. For me understanding my nature and taking an attitude to try and befriend and engage it is enough to set me on a different path. There is a whole chapter on dreamwork too; and how to practice working with dreams to uncover and utilize our 12th house energies (although it likely applies to all of our qualities).
She ends with an interesting, although brief chapter on astrology of the collective, and how we individually may carry that. There's interesting analysis of World War II and Hitler and the state of the US.
Definitely a resource I will return to - I'll take such guidance from the universe any day (better than some culturally skewed 'self'-help...)
September 16, 2012
I was fortunate enough to receive a copy courtesy of the author. All I can say is: WOW... What an amazing book!
Your Secret Self is a thorough look at the 12th House in the astrological chart. Author Tracy Marks includes a detailed analysis of the placement of various planets in the 12th House as well as information about the predominant ruler. The information is spot-on, so much so that it is uncomfortably familiar at times. (I actually gasped when I read one attribute of my Capricorn 12th House- so very true and quite specific) Marks devotes a good part of the book to the psychology and spirituality of the 12th House. She covers the subconscious and dream work, as well as how to initiate and facilitate emotional and spiritual growth. Self-defeating behaviors in relation to 12th House energies and how to overcome and use conflicts in the 12th House to grow are also discussed. While not specifically geared towards the novice, anyone with basic knowledge of his personal natal chart can benefit from Marks' insightful guidance and will definitely be more in tune with the energy of his 12th House. The 12th House is where our personal demons hide. With Marks' expert guidance, they can be confronted and driven out. Every serious student of astrology should have this book in his reference library.
Your Secret Self is a thorough look at the 12th House in the astrological chart. Author Tracy Marks includes a detailed analysis of the placement of various planets in the 12th House as well as information about the predominant ruler. The information is spot-on, so much so that it is uncomfortably familiar at times. (I actually gasped when I read one attribute of my Capricorn 12th House- so very true and quite specific) Marks devotes a good part of the book to the psychology and spirituality of the 12th House. She covers the subconscious and dream work, as well as how to initiate and facilitate emotional and spiritual growth. Self-defeating behaviors in relation to 12th House energies and how to overcome and use conflicts in the 12th House to grow are also discussed. While not specifically geared towards the novice, anyone with basic knowledge of his personal natal chart can benefit from Marks' insightful guidance and will definitely be more in tune with the energy of his 12th House. The 12th House is where our personal demons hide. With Marks' expert guidance, they can be confronted and driven out. Every serious student of astrology should have this book in his reference library.
June 16, 2015
devoured this one in two days, I guess it is normal for us who have pluto in the twelve house to become completely and deeply fixated in one thing and well this book was it for me for the last two nights. I have read several excellent books, journals, blogs and articles on the twelve house and pluto aspects, this book didn't provide much depth in that regard but I liked that it gave a more than general explanation of all other planets in the twelve, its aspects, influences and their projection into the different houses. There were definitely a few new perspectives that I connected with. Overall it was a great read.
October 14, 2019
So thankful to find this book
I have a twelfth house stellium, Moon, Mars(Aquarius), Venus and Saturn all in Pisces located in the twelfth house as well as a pisces ascedent. It wasn't until I learned about astrology and am researching the 12th house that I started to get some sort of direction in my life. This book is extremely helpful, though I may not be able to afford a psychologist the information that this books offers will be a handy tool. I really do appreciate the time and effort put into this, and the fact that someone out there finally understands makes a world of a difference.
I have a twelfth house stellium, Moon, Mars(Aquarius), Venus and Saturn all in Pisces located in the twelfth house as well as a pisces ascedent. It wasn't until I learned about astrology and am researching the 12th house that I started to get some sort of direction in my life. This book is extremely helpful, though I may not be able to afford a psychologist the information that this books offers will be a handy tool. I really do appreciate the time and effort put into this, and the fact that someone out there finally understands makes a world of a difference.
December 4, 2017
For an Astrologer or for anyone who has had their chart read and learned that they have one or more planets in the twelfth house, this is an eye-opening book about how parts of oneself can be hidden from conscious awareness and how to integrate your inner child and deal with feelings of shame, inadequacy, repressed emotions, and loss of contact with yourself, both through rational understanding and dream work. Although an Astrology background is helpful, it is not required, only an awareness of any twelfth house planets. This book is very insightful.
August 21, 2020
Disappointing at best.
March 6, 2025
I need to acquire a physical copy of this book. While I didn't care much for the personal examples of the dreams of others, this book in its entirety was illuminating indeed. Great insight for people with 12th house influences (or for someone looking to understand a person or persons with these placements.) As a Pisces sun/Pisces moon person with 12th house placements, I feel it explained even more.
July 25, 2020
Me parece que éste libro está bien para los planetas que estan "en casa XII" pero en el signo del ascendente. Es decir, en la casa I por signo o completo. Por eso se trata de complejos que forman parte de la personalidad del nativo (casa I). Pero como están cadentes en las casas por división (con cúspides) les faltaron los medios para manifestarse de una manera productiva.
March 9, 2022
Loved it, as a 12th house dominate myself, who has an aspect with Mars, I really resonated a lot with what Tracy is saying, and the very intimate experiences she shares with us. The dream work part is an essential part of the life of an 12th house dominate, and I was happy to read about it, and I kept the manual Survey to decode my dreams as well. Looking forward to read more
November 21, 2023
Aside from this book helping my astrological skills (I know it will greatly benefit the readings I give) I have a 12th house Venus and couldn’t be more grateful to have read this book. I found this book enlightening on a personal level and I don’t think I’ll ever view my Venus (or myself) the same way again.
September 24, 2018
Wonderful insights to help with my 12th house issues!!
September 27, 2020
The best 12th house astrology book I have come across.
September 8, 2021
Трейси Маркс и нейните книги са задължителни на лавицата на всеки търсещ астролог.
Особено ако става въпрос за 12 дом :)
Особено ако става въпрос за 12 дом :)
May 11, 2023
Como fan de la astrología con un stellium en la casa doce, yo lo recomiendo
December 13, 2025
astrology deep dive!
April 7, 2021
Very inspirational. In addition to the actual twelfth house signs and planets, I felt the descriptions very insightful also for my south node sign and it's planetary rulers, the planets conjunct the south node as well the south node's house ruler. You don't have to know your chart to benefit from this book. In my experience we are an unique, beautiful mixture of all the signs, houses and planets archetypes.
February 20, 2022
Frase inicial:
"The purpose of Your Secret Self is to help you to understand and make contact with unconscious facets of yourself which subvert your aims, and which could, if consciously integrated into your life, con- tribute to your well-being."
Este es uno de los mejores libros de astrología que he leído. No lo recomendaría para todos sino para aquellos que tienen fuertes emplazamientos en la casa doce de la Rueda del Zodiaco.
La casa doce es una de las menos comprendidas, junto con la ocho. Se llegan a asociaciones muy simples o demasiado arcaicas que carecen de sentido en estos tiempos para aquellos que no son muy básicos. Este libro es todo acerca de la casa doce y sus emplazamientos en la carta natal. Carece de significaciones sobre aspectos pero tiene una sección sobre trabajo con sueños y provee de algunas recomendaciones sobre distintos tipos de terapia que no sabría decir si non buenas o no.
Lo que más conectó conmigo fueron las citas que colecciona para cada planeta en la casa doce. Disfruté encontrando los poemas completos. Aquí les pongo uno (en traducción libre) a propósito de Saturno en la doceava casa:
Los espacios desiertos
por Robert Frost
La nieve cayendo, y la noche descendiendo rápido, oh, rápido
Miré en un campo al pasar,
Y el suelo era una lámina tersa y clara de nieve,
Salvo algunos manchones de arbustos que se asomaban.
Los bosques alrededor le tenían ─ era de ellos.
Todos los animales están en sus guaridas.
Yo estoy muy ausente en mi desánimo para contar;
Inadvertidamente, la soledad me incluye.
Y tan solitaria como es aquella soledad
Estará más solitaria antes que menos
Una blancura más vacua de nieve anochecida
Sin expresión alguna, sin nada que decir.
No van a intimidarme esos espacios vacíos
Entre los astros ―astros donde no hay huella de lo humano.
Más cerca aún que mi casa, tengo dentro de mí
Cosas para espantarme en mis propios espacios desiertos.
"The purpose of Your Secret Self is to help you to understand and make contact with unconscious facets of yourself which subvert your aims, and which could, if consciously integrated into your life, con- tribute to your well-being."
Este es uno de los mejores libros de astrología que he leído. No lo recomendaría para todos sino para aquellos que tienen fuertes emplazamientos en la casa doce de la Rueda del Zodiaco.
La casa doce es una de las menos comprendidas, junto con la ocho. Se llegan a asociaciones muy simples o demasiado arcaicas que carecen de sentido en estos tiempos para aquellos que no son muy básicos. Este libro es todo acerca de la casa doce y sus emplazamientos en la carta natal. Carece de significaciones sobre aspectos pero tiene una sección sobre trabajo con sueños y provee de algunas recomendaciones sobre distintos tipos de terapia que no sabría decir si non buenas o no.
Lo que más conectó conmigo fueron las citas que colecciona para cada planeta en la casa doce. Disfruté encontrando los poemas completos. Aquí les pongo uno (en traducción libre) a propósito de Saturno en la doceava casa:
Los espacios desiertos
por Robert Frost
La nieve cayendo, y la noche descendiendo rápido, oh, rápido
Miré en un campo al pasar,
Y el suelo era una lámina tersa y clara de nieve,
Salvo algunos manchones de arbustos que se asomaban.
Los bosques alrededor le tenían ─ era de ellos.
Todos los animales están en sus guaridas.
Yo estoy muy ausente en mi desánimo para contar;
Inadvertidamente, la soledad me incluye.
Y tan solitaria como es aquella soledad
Estará más solitaria antes que menos
Una blancura más vacua de nieve anochecida
Sin expresión alguna, sin nada que decir.
No van a intimidarme esos espacios vacíos
Entre los astros ―astros donde no hay huella de lo humano.
Más cerca aún que mi casa, tengo dentro de mí
Cosas para espantarme en mis propios espacios desiertos.
May 24, 2007
Title in German:
Dein verborgenes Selbst
Dein verborgenes Selbst
April 2, 2010
Your Secret Self: Illuminating Mysteries of the Twelfth House by Tracy Marks (1989)
December 10, 2013
Overwhelming to the astrological novice, but fascinating!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews