Book Review-Temple of the Stars: The Astrological Decans by Martin Goldsmith
Book Review
Temple of the Stars: The Astrological Decans
By Martin Goldsmith
Publisher: Red Feather Mind Body Spirit
255 page E-Book
Release Date: November 28th, 2024
Temple of the Stars: The Astrological Decans by Martin Goldsmith was an unexpectedly refreshing read on Astrology. So many books on Astrology seem to focus on repetitive ideas or themes, but this one offers a different focus, and a different way of looking at the signs, and your own birth chart. Astrology has a long history, and multiple cultures have practiced it in their own way, with their own interpretations. Goldsmith discusses the most well-known methods, the Greco-Babylonian, first practiced in Ancient Babylon, then adopted by the Greeks, but with some differences in philosophy and belief. The Ancient Egyptians also practiced a type of Astrology, but it was more related to the idea of star maps for the souls of the departed to reach the Duat (the Egyptian Afterlife). Goldsmith also discusses the relevance of the Astrological Decans in the Renaissance Era. For those who don’t know what a Decan is, each Zodiac sign is divided into three sections, or decans, each with 10 degrees. Those who have experience with grimoires such as The Goetia will find this concept familiar.
Once Goldmsith concisely yet thoroughly discussed his research, methodology and the like, he then moved on to each of the 36 Astrological Decans. After reading the decans most present in my natal chart, and the various themes that have presented themselves in my life, my beliefs and outlook, and spiritual abilities and inclinations, I found the descriptions to be accurate, and they added a depth to how I interpret my chart (and others as well) that I didn’t have before. The decans themselves are governed by planets, and this method of determining what decan is governed by which planet is discussed by Goldsmith. Adding in the planets that are within each decan allows the governing planet of that decan (and the sign that decan is within) to express itself in different ways.
To be clear, this isn’t what I would consider a beginner’s book on Astrology. Temple of the Stars is meant for the more advanced Astrologer, and it has an even deeper meaning to those of us who practice Astrology and some of the more occult and ceremonial magick practices, such as myself. I found a lot of interesting and fascinating ways to integrate the material within Temple of the Stars into my own practices and life, and I plan to incorporate these ideas and methods into my Astrology practice and readings for others. I have no criticisms and only praise for Temple of the Stars: The Astrological Decans, and because of this refreshing look at an oft-ignored subject, I give it a 5/5 star rating.
It’s refreshing to see a new take on Astrology, and I appreciated Goldsmith’s clear explanation of these concepts. Even though I believe this to be more of an intermediate to advanced book on Astrology, the instructions on how to cast a natal chart and interpret these ideas are so clear, that anyone of any level could do it; I only suggest that beginners compliment this book with other trusted Astrology materials to gain a full understanding of their chart. Overall, an excellent book!
Martin Goldsmith has been researching Astrology seriously for over 50 years. He has a PhD in the history of science, having concentrated on the intersection of occultism and science during the Scientific Revolution. He has written previous books on Moon Phases, Degree Symbols and the planet Jupiter. He is currently working on a book concerning the luminaries and the planets.
***
Author Bio:
The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for 15 years, worshipping and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism and Ceremonial Magick, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!

