Book Review-Brady’s Book of Fixed Stars: The Invisible Force and Influence of Constellations in the Natal Chart by Bernadette Brady

Book Review

Brady’s Book of Fixed Stars: The Invisible Force and Influence of Constellations in the Natal Chart

By Bernadette Brady

Publisher: Weiser Books

487 Page Paperback

Release Date: August 5th, 2024

At a whopping 487 pages, Brady’s Book of Fixed Stars is truly a fascinating tome of Astrological knowledge; to be clear, this is not a book fit for those just beginning their astrology journey, as the topics covered are complex, and the foundations of classical astrology need to be known and understood first. That said, if you’ve been looking to take your Astrology knowledge to the next level, this is the book for you. In ancient times, Astrology consisted more of where the stars and constellations were at the time of your birth, rather than the locations of the planets (although both were taken into consideration).

This method of Astrology was seemingly lost, until Bernadette Brady brought it back into the conversation and gave us this excellent book. To start, Brady discusses the ancient methodologies and history of calculating the placement of these stars and constellations, and then moves on to a discussion of the stars and constellations themselves. This part is bulky, as not only are the Zodiacal Constellations discussed, but also the constellations such as Orion, Sirius and even galaxies like Andromeda. Brady artfully ensures the reader understands the idea of Paran relationships, and how to correctly interpret and read star maps. Each star and constellation is given a short history, application in the natal chart, and more. At the end of the book, location and other information on the stars & constellations is given, as well as their entry numbers for astrology chart generators, such as Astro.com (a useful tool instead of endlessly scrolling through the list).

I chose to review this book because I have long been looking to understand the role of constellations and stars in the natal chart, and how they influence our personality, life, and personal development. After reading through this book, which did take me a bit longer than normal, to make sure I completely understood the material and could apply it correctly, I decided to cast a natal chart for myself, this time using a number of stars & constellations. Once the chart was generated, I was able to successfully reference the book for interpretation. Not only are the interpretations accurate, but also give clues to certain things like destiny/fate, predispositions to spiritual pursuits, life purpose, and similar traits. I cannot recommend this book enough to advanced astrologers, as it will truly take your Astrology practice & chart interpretation to the next level, giving you a deeper and more nuanced picture of a person/event (Brady notes that this method of Astrology can be used in mundane astrology for events, etc., as well). All in all, an excellent read; I give it a 5/5 pentagram rating!

Bernadette Brady holds a PhD from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David where she studied beliefs in fate in 20th and 21st century Astrology. She also earned a Master’s degree in cultural astronomy and astrology from Bath Spa University, UK. She is renowned for her innovative work in visual astrology, the role of fixed stars in Western astrology and predictive astrology.

 

***

Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Poison Witch, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for over 15 years, venerating and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including those from Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Slavic, 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, among others. 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 also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and the author of multiple columns, including The Modern Merlin’s Corner, Entheogens for the New Gen, Stellium, and Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters. He also 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!