September 12, 2005
Astrologers are much like psychologists, says Sharp, author of Simple Chinese Astrology
and Simple Feng Shui
. According to Sharp, the subjective always influences an astrologer in much the same way that personality and theoretical preference will influence a psychologist's method. Following a substantial first section, which includes history as well as explanations of the Zodiac, the planets and in particular the importance of the sun (not to mention a detailed and somewhat humorous reading of each house in relation to Marlon Brando, based entirely from his natal chart), the bulk of Sharp's book is devoted to the planetary effects on each house. Beginners will need to exercise their minds to get the hang of how dimensions essential to astrology—Earth, houses, sun, the planets—relate to each other. Reading and rereading the introductory chapters is essential to get a clear understanding of Sharp's basics, as even beginning astrology is very complicated. Aficionados of monthly horoscopes, beware: essential to good astrology is the particularity of the individual—exact time of birth in addition to upbringing. Learning this takes some fun out of the sweeping generalizations about Libras and Leos standard in monthly magazines. Perhaps a better subtitle for Sharp would be "An Astrology Book for Serious
Beginners."
October 15, 2005
Astrology, the ancient study of the position of celestial bodies in relationship to the events and purposes of humankind, gets a new spin here. Sharp ("Simple Chinese Astrology") coherently tackles the complexity of this system of knowledge for both the beginning and the experienced astromancer. Instead of getting bogged down in the casting of charts -an intricate and mathematical adventure that often leaves beginners reeling -he elegantly casts a web of astrological knowledge, developing context as he explains the nuances of each aspect that influences the individual horoscope. This approach suits his subject's essence as a set of intertwined correspondences between elemental and archetypal concepts. A minor annoyance is the constant use of the late Marlon Brando's chart for every single example. Still, Sharp's use of Jungian psychological terminology modernizes the heart of any horoscope, as well as the personality components and life predictions represented by the position of planets within the 12 celestial houses. Far too comprehensive for the casual perusing of sun sign compatibilities, this book will no doubt suit serious students of astrology. Recommended for larger public libraries." -Janet Tapper, MLS, Western States Chiropractic Coll., Portland, OR"
Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.