Book Review-How To Read & Interpret a Birth Chart: Guideposts for Understanding Natal Astrology by Laurie Farrington

Book Review

How To Read & Interpret a Birth Chart: Guideposts for Understanding Natal Astrology

By Laurie Farrington

Publisher: Weiser Books

263 Page Paperback

Release Date: January 8th, 2025

How to Read & Interpret a Birth Chart: Guideposts for Understanding Natal Astrology is a jam-packed tome fit for beginner astrologers looking to finally dissect their (and their friends) birth charts. Farrington writes this from the perspective of a professional astrologer doing readings for others, and includes her tidbits of useful advice on ethical concerns as well as keeping the reading “human” so to speak, remembering that the person getting the reading has lived that potentially difficult life. This is quite frankly the “how to” beginner book on astrology I wish I had when I was beginning my journey of Natal Chart interpretation & horoscope writing (yes I do know how to write personal daily, weekly and yearly horoscopes for others).

Farrington has a down to earth, warm and inviting writing style that anyone will appreciate and the reader will find that even though their is a lot of jargon present to learn Astrology, Farrington artfully teaches even those with no astrology knowledge or experience so that they can read a chart just as well as someone who’s been reading them for a little while. That said, as an experienced Astrologer, I found the perspectives and techniques within How to Read & Interpret a Birth Chart to be unique from the many other similar books I’ve read in my time as an Astro-Nerd. From different perspectives, views and methods, and even different “systems” or ways of first analyzing the birth chart, this book is a step toward more cohesive interpretation of natal charts. I appreciate Farrington’s willingness to express that her way is not the only way, while detailing her methodology. Farrington includes numerous celebrity charts to examine and use as an example to illustrate the concept being discussed.

I chose to review this book because I am always looking for new ways of interpreting Astrological concepts, as well as a new set of eyes to see it through. I also believe it’s important that the novice or beginning astrologer has access to reputable, trustworthy materials, especially when it comes to Astrology. Astrology is a complex and fascinating subject, and no one will ever know it all; however, there are those out there that do write on the subject, who probably shouldn’t. Ms. Farrington’s take is a refreshing break from those voices regurgitating the same old stuff we see everywhere else. I will recommend this book to anyone with an interest in learning Astrology and Natal Astrology, which is the basis for all other types of Astrology. Even I found new pieces of wisdom within its pages, and I’ve compiled quite the Astrological library! I have no critiques and only praise for this wonderful book, and give it a 5/5 pentagram rating.

Laurie Farrington has been studying astrology since early childhood. She began her professional career as an astrologer more than 30 years ago. She lives on the Wild Coast of Maine. Follow her on Instagram @laurie.farrington_astrolore

 

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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!