{"id":19141,"date":"2018-12-01T01:10:42","date_gmt":"2018-12-01T06:10:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/content\/?p=19764"},"modified":"2018-11-26T14:45:07","modified_gmt":"2018-11-26T19:45:07","slug":"book-review-a-spiritual-look-at-the-12-signs-by-joseph-polansky","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2018\/12\/01\/book-review-a-spiritual-look-at-the-12-signs-by-joseph-polansky\/","title":{"rendered":"Book Review – A Spiritual Look at the 12 Signs by Joseph Polansky"},"content":{"rendered":"

Book Review<\/span><\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A Spiritual Look at the 12 Signs<\/span><\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

by Joseph Polansky<\/span><\/b><\/u><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Having a large section o<\/span>n<\/span> my bookshelf dedicated to Astrological studies and having decades of experience as an astrologer, I must admit that I had some preconceived notion of what I could expect in reading this book; also on a subject that I am very well versed. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

By way of a little introduction for those whose primary experience with astrology has been in religiously purchasing those little scrolls of Sun Sign wisdom available at the retail counter here is a bit of information about the complexity and nature of this particular discipline. Astrology has both a mundane and esoteric approach. The former being what we traditionally come across by way of chart readings, daily predictions and guidelines and the basic and fundamental perspectives, and I would add psychological, attributes of the individual\u2019s birth chart. The more mundane (not to be confused with astrological interpretation of geographic place) aspect of astrology is further sub-divided into a variety of interpretative styles, including Vedic\/Sidereal astrology, Western\/Tropical astrology, Babylonian Astrology and many more. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Esoteric Astrology perceives the zodiacal signs as attributes of archetypal spiritual energy; there is additionally the psycho-spiritual overlay applied. Each having a (sentient) nature that informs the spiritual bodies of the individual and by so doing, informs the spiritual progress of this and other lifetimes. Just as is the case with Western (traditional) astrology, each of the signs has a planet associated with its energy. However in esoteric astrology the assignations of those planets differs from the traditional, because what becomes the focus of this study is that of the spiritual (and sentient) nature of the planets as they act upon the more etheric nature of the signs. Either (Western or Esoteric) of these approaches requires quite a lot of study and understanding of the basic principles to make full use of their gifts. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A Spiritual Look at the 12 Signs<\/i><\/span> starts off on the right foot, moving through each of the zodiacal signs and giving enough basic information on each that the dip into the more esoteric astrological approach is easily grasped. Additionally, throughout the book, Mr. Polansky has provided the reader with a copious and varietal amount of meditations and contemplative reflections that serve as another layer of experiencing the more spiritual, vs. astronomical nature of the signs. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Table of Contents is thoughtfully organized to provide some basic information at the foreground and develop into a broader perspective inclusive of other ways of making use of astrological energies. Mr. Polansky folds in some additional uses of astrology, such as Medical astrology, aromatherapy using the construct of astrological energetics. Each of these sub-sections breaks out how that modality would present itself through each of the astrological signs, giving the reader an instant \u201cgrab on\u201d and point of reference. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

There is an interesting chapter, <\/span>The Twelve Yogas<\/i><\/span>, that weaves the philosophies of Yoga (not simply in its form of Hatha-or posture) into a meditative practice aligned with your astrological sign. In particular the overlay for this exploration is the alchemical element of the various signs and the particular form that will support that disposition. For example, those of Air signs are guided towards practices that incorporate mind (Jnana yoga) and breath (Pranayama yoga); Water signs align with the yogic focus of love and devotion (Bhakti); Fire with that of fire (Agni yoga) and action (Karmic yoga), and Earth signs benefit from postures and movement (Hatha yoga) and ritual work. I found this to be a nice touch in making connections and use of astrological principles beyond the traditional nature of prediction and identification. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This book is a smorgasbord of tastings and samplings for the student of astrology who wishes to stretch a little further. Theosophical, Eastern Philosophies, Western Hermetics, Ayurvedic practices, Metaphysics, Alchemy and Esotericism and more are all folded into the information of this book. Some reveal themselves only if you are aware of the disciplines from which they are derived, which is neither a comment of critique nor praise. This is often the case when pursuing any of the disciplines of esoteric knowledge. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

All in all I believe A Spiritual Look at the 12 Signs to be a lovely foray into expanding your understanding of astrology and being able to access relevant and enough recognizable traits to engage the reader and inspire them to seek out more. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A Spiritual Look at the 12 Signs: An Introduction To Spiritual Astrology on Amazon<\/a><\/strong>
\n\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

***<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

About the Author:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Robin Fennelly<\/b><\/span>\u00a0is a Wiccan High Priestess, teacher, poet and author. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

She is the author of (click on book titles for more information):<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber Volume One on Amazon<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s Written in the Stars<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Astrology<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. Two<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

poetry of the Spheres (Volume 2) on Amazon<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Inner Chamber, Vol. Three<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Awakening the Paths on Amazon<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Year With Gaia on Amazon<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Eternal Cord<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Temple of the Sun and Moon on Amazon<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Luminous Devotions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Magickal Pen Volume One (Volume 1) on Amazon<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

A Collection of Esoteric Writings<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Elemental Year on Amazon<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Aligning the Parts of SELF <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Enchanted Gate on Amazon<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Musings on the Magick of the Natural World<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sleeping with the Goddess on Amazon<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Nights of Devotion<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Weekly Reflection on Amazon<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Musings for the Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Her books are available on\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>Amazon<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>or on this <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>website<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>and her\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>Blogs<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>can be found at<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>Robin Fennelly<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Follow Robin<\/b><\/i><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>on Instagram & Facebook.<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Book Review A Spiritual Look at the 12 Signs by Joseph Polansky     Having a large section on my bookshelf dedicated to Astrological studies and having decades of experience as an astrologer, I must admit that I had some preconceived notion of what I could expect in reading this book; also on a subject that I am very well versed. By way of a little introduction for those whose primary experience with astrology has been in religiously purchasing those little scrolls of Sun Sign wisdom available at the retail counter here is a bit of information about the complexity and nature of this particular discipline. Astrology has both a mundane and esoteric approach. The former being what we traditionally come across by way of chart readings, daily predictions and guidelines and the basic and fundamental perspectives, and I would add psychological, attributes of the individual\u2019s birth chart. The more mundane (not to be confused with astrological interpretation of geographic place) aspect of astrology is further sub-divided into a variety of interpretative styles, including Vedic\/Sidereal astrology, Western\/Tropical astrology, Babylonian Astrology and many more. Esoteric Astrology perceives the zodiacal signs as attributes of archetypal spiritual energy; there is additionally the psycho-spiritual overlay applied. Each having a (sentient) nature that informs the spiritual bodies of the individual and by so doing, informs the spiritual progress of this and other lifetimes. Just as is the case with Western (traditional) astrology, each of the signs has a planet associated with its energy. However in esoteric astrology the assignations of those planets differs from the traditional, because what becomes the focus of this study is that of the spiritual (and sentient) nature of the planets as they act upon the more etheric nature of the signs. Either (Western or Esoteric) of these approaches requires quite a lot of study and understanding of the basic principles to make full use of their gifts. A Spiritual Look at the 12 Signs starts off on the right foot, moving through each of the zodiacal signs and giving enough basic information on each that the dip into the more esoteric astrological approach is easily grasped. Additionally, throughout the book, Mr. Polansky has provided the reader with a copious and varietal amount of meditations and contemplative reflections that serve as another layer of experiencing the more spiritual, vs. astronomical nature of the signs. The Table of Contents is thoughtfully organized to provide some basic information at the foreground and develop into a broader perspective inclusive of other ways of making use of astrological energies. Mr. Polansky folds in some additional uses of astrology, such as Medical astrology, aromatherapy using the construct of astrological energetics. Each of these sub-sections breaks out how that modality would present itself through each of the astrological signs, giving the reader an instant \u201cgrab on\u201d and point of reference. There is an interesting chapter, The Twelve Yogas, that weaves the philosophies of Yoga (not simply in its form of Hatha-or posture) into a meditative practice aligned with your astrological sign. In particular the overlay for this exploration is the alchemical element of the various signs and the particular form that will support that disposition. For example, those of Air signs are guided towards practices that incorporate mind (Jnana yoga) and breath (Pranayama yoga); Water signs align with the yogic focus of love and devotion (Bhakti); Fire with that of fire (Agni yoga) and action (Karmic yoga), and Earth signs benefit from postures and movement (Hatha yoga) and ritual work. I found this to be a nice touch in making connections and use of astrological principles beyond the traditional nature of prediction and identification. This book is a smorgasbord of tastings and samplings for the student of astrology who wishes to stretch a little further. Theosophical, Eastern Philosophies, Western Hermetics, Ayurvedic practices, Metaphysics, Alchemy and Esotericism and more are all folded into the information of this book. Some reveal themselves only if you are aware of the disciplines from which they are derived, which is neither a comment of critique nor praise. This is often the case when pursuing any of the disciplines of esoteric knowledge. All in all I believe A Spiritual Look at the 12 Signs to be a lovely foray into expanding your understanding of astrology and being able to access relevant and enough recognizable traits to engage the reader and inspire them to seek out more. A Spiritual Look at the 12 Signs: An Introduction To Spiritual Astrology on Amazon   *** About the Author: Robin Fennelly\u00a0is a Wiccan High Priestess, teacher, poet and author. She is the author of (click on book titles for more information):   The Inner Chamber Volume One on Amazon It\u2019s Written in the Stars Astrology \u00a0 The Inner Chamber, Vol. Two poetry of the Spheres (Volume 2) on Amazon Qabalah \u00a0 The Inner Chamber, Vol. Three Awakening the Paths on Amazon Qabalah   A Year With Gaia on Amazon The Eternal Cord   Temple of the Sun and Moon on Amazon Luminous Devotions   The Magickal Pen Volume One (Volume 1) on Amazon A Collection of Esoteric Writings   The Elemental Year on Amazon Aligning the Parts of SELF   The Enchanted Gate on Amazon Musings on the Magick of the Natural World   Sleeping with the Goddess on Amazon Nights of Devotion   A Weekly Reflection on Amazon Musings for the Year \u00a0 Her books are available on\u00a0Amazon\u00a0or on this website\u00a0and her\u00a0Blogs\u00a0can be found at:\u00a0Robin Fennelly\u00a0 \u00a0 Follow Robin\u00a0on Instagram & Facebook.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":208,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19141","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19141","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/208"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19141"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19141\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19141"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19141"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19141"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}