The Astrology Sourcebook: A Guide to the Symbolic Language of the Stars

By Shirley Soffer

Book Overview

Soffer claims that anyone can discover a higher state of insight by examining the mythical and psychological significance of the planets and faraway stars. The author outlines the history of astrology... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565658833
• ISBN13: 9781565658837
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Lowell House
• Length: 234 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

A rich, well-written survey of the signs and planets

I started studying astrology 2 years ago and I have read a bunch of reputable astrology books that talk about the sun signs and the planets, but they did not leave me with a very clear understanding of the function of the planets. Soffer draws from a rich wellspring of knowledge -from Chinese philosophy to Jung, to both the Greek AND Roman mythologies (most books only explain the signs' connection to Greek mythology) to weave together a coherent explanation of the signs and the planets. I also like that she seems spiritually advanced: "The chart we are born with is unfinished, as we are. It is our task...to fulfill it. Not to perfect it, because it is already perfect, but to complete it." A fascinating piece of work, I recommend it to beginning and intermediate students of astrology.

The Astrology Sourcebook by Shirley Soffer

Shirley's book is a triumph, and it's a great way for the closet astrology enthusiast to gain entry to the universe of the zodiac. It's also extremely useful to professional astrologers who need to get back to the roots of their practice. In this book, Shirley takes us on a journey through the history of astrology, its ties to mythology and symbolism and an incisive analysis of each zodiac sign. Then, Shirley applies her knowledge of Jungian psychology to explain the use of elements (fire, earth, air and water) in astrology and how they color an individual's personality profile. Shirley's wisdom is conveyed in an intimate and readable style. Although her book targets the beginner, there is much to be gleaned even by jaded astrologers who think they've read all there is to know. I'm recommending this book to all of my students- and also to my friends and colleagues who can appreciate the deep research and craftsmanship that Shirley has put into this volume.