Sunday, April 1, 2012

The A to Z Challenge, Day 1: A is for Astrology

Hi everyone! I've signed up for the A to Z Blogging Challenge. I'll be writing one blog a day for most of April, one whose topic begins with each letter of the alphabet. 

Today's topic is astrology, a fascinating subject area that has intrigued man for centuries. Merriam Webster's Web site (www.merriam-webster.com) defines it this way: 

"The divination of the supposed influences of the stars and planets on human affairs and terrestrial events by their positions and aspects."

In my case, I'd just take "supposed" out of the definition, because I believe it is a living, breathing subject area that has practical application in everyday life. It's one of the subjects I'm most passionate about, and I couldn't imagine my life without it. 

Often, I'm asked for astrology book recommendations, and my shelf is FILLED with books for those of all experience levels, from "I think I may be a Cancer, but I'm not sure," to "Here's an in-depth analysis of the horoscope chart of Ted Kennedy." So I'll list a few of each from my shelf

For beginners, I'd recommend:

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Astrology by Madeline Gerwick-Brodeur
Linda Goodman's Sun Signs by Linda Goodman
The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk
The Only Way to Learn Astrology, Vol. 1: Basic Principles by Marion D. March and Joan McEvers

If you're a little more experienced, I'd recommend:

Alan Oken's Complete Astrology by Alan Oken
A Student's Text-Book on Astrology by Vivian Robson
Llewellyn's Complete Book of Astrology by Kris Brandt Riske
The Only Way to Learn Astrology, Vol. 3: Horoscope Analysis by Marion D. March and Joan McEvers

For true astrology aficionados who are looking for more advanced or professional-level works, or who are interested in a very specific area of astrology:

The Astrological Moon by Hadyn Paul
The 12 Houses by Howard Sasportas
Synthesis and Counseling in Astrology by Noel Tyl (this one is VERY advanced!)

If you are interested in astrology and its relationship to the tarot, I'd recommend:

Tarot Decoded by Elizabeth Hazel
Tarot and Astrology by Corrine Kenner

Finally, astrology and love/sex/compatibility, there are a number of great books, including:

Sextrology: The Astrology of Sex and the Sexes and Cosmic Coupling by Starsky and Cox
Love on a Rotten Day by Hazel Dixon-Cooper
Linda Goodman's Love Signs by Linda Goodman

NOTE: Starsky and Cox's books are AMAZING, but they are extremely explicit. That doesn't bother me--I am true to my Scorpio sun sign in that respect--but I did actually start some unexpected female attention reading it on the subway one day... :)

Hope some of these find a way to your shelves. A number of the books I've mentioned I have reviewed either here or on Goodreads. 

Tune in tomorrow for "B"! 

8 comments:

  1. Hey there John~ I found your site through the A to Z challenge, and had to say that I loved reading <3 I'm not psychic, but I am empathic, and I do read tarot. And I can't wait to keep reading what you have to write!

    My blog is about my art-- probably not up your alley, but you never know.

    Looking forward to seeing what's in store next!

    *~* Julia *~* http://beautifullywhimsical.blogspot.com *~*

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  2. Ah, a fellow Scorpio. Interesting reading materials by the sound of it.

    Thanks for posting.

    Susan
    http://travelbug-susan.blogspot.com

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  3. Hi Julia...thanks so much for dropping in! I will absolutely take a look at your blog...I studied a little art history during my year abroad in France and find art totally fascinating! And it is always great to meet a fellow reader; I know many very powerful empaths who do well with the tarot. :) Good luck with the challenge! :)

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  4. Hi Susan...I am always thrilled to meet a fellow Scorpio! I am a huge travel fan so I will definitely check out your blog. Enjoy the challenge and please drop by again! :)

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  5. Thanks John- enjoyed the wide variety of literature you recommend- most helpful!
    Heather

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  6. Hi Heather...thanks for stopping by! I hope you'll come back. Astrology is a passion of mine. Check out my Saturn and Neptune posts. ;)

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  7. I really like the Starsky & Cox books. Love on a Rotten Day is also scarily accurate! I've been working with the Little Giant Encyclopedia of The Zodiac to write my Zodiac-based novel. It's a good reference, with info on a sign at work, with a partner, as a child or adult, etc.

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  8. Hi Jen...I am really enjoying Love on a Rotten Day as well! I plan to put some of its wisdom into my notes for my astrology class coming up next month. Thanks for visiting and good luck with the blog challenge!

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