BOOK REVIEW - Pagan Astrology
Mike
978-1-59477-302-0 320 pages Paperback $18.95 (U.S.) $26.50
(Canada) http://www.innertraditions.com
As I do periodically, I must confess that astrology is not my strong
suit. It�s not that I don�t understand the concepts behind it (I do),
but for some undefined reason it has never roused my interest to any
great degree. That was one of the reasons I requested this book for
review. Another reason was the author�s de-emphasis on Sun-sign
dominance.
Raven addresses the lunar cycle in a more depth than the average Pagan
author, seeing eight phases rather than four and emphasizing the
actual length of the lunar cycle (29.5 days) instead of the more
conventional 28 days most people think of. These changes affect how
the lunar year relates to the solar year, among other things.
Raven also makes an attempt to bring together various understandings
of the usefulness and function of astrology. He addresses the Western
�scientific� approach as well as the Eastern �Vedic: way of
approaching it. He offers little in the way of interpretations (there
are libraries of such books available) and concentrates on how to
modify and ameliorate the astrological effects on daily life.
The book consists largely of listings of stones, colors, herbs,
scents, etc. appropriate for each planet, in each sign, and in each
house, and for afflicting and beneficial conditions. Considering that
there are twelve houses, and twelve signs and ten planets to be
considered this leads to a large amount of tabulated data. It is,
there, a reference work in the true sense of the word. There is no
way you will remember all this information, hence the book will be
well used.
It also presents �remedies� which blend the Vedic approach and Western
attitudes. They won�t appeal to everyone, and I�m sure there are a
number of people who will object to the combining of these two, very
different, approaches to astrology.
Personally, I probably won�t get a lot of use from this book, since I
do very little astrological working, but I recognize the value which
it represents, and the effort which has gone into assembling and
testing the information it contains.
If astrology is even moderately important in your workings, this is a
book which will expand your understanding of the subject. Whether or
not you end up agreeing with, and using raven�s approach, you will
gain in understanding. It will be especially valuable to those who
have a moderate understanding of the subject. Those with more
experience in either of the two systems will probably be too set in
their ways to find much of use herein.
In any case, it is well worth a look. Browse it at your local
bookstore before plunking down your hard-earned cash.