Introducing Astrology

If I was looking for a single book to read that would really explain the principles of astrology to me so that I could carry on an intelligent conversation on the subject, this would be it. I have a shelf full of astrology texts and references, yet it is surprising how often I reach for this little book- primarily because I can quickly locate a topic which is buried in other larger, more "serious" tomes. Sure there are a lot of glossy, thick, "everything you wanted to know" books on astrology out there, but are you REALLY going to get around to reading one cover-to-cover? On the other hand, this little heavily illustrated introduction is written with intelligence and humor, and you'll finish in an evening or two. I suppose my favorite part of the book is how it explains clearly that the planet represents the energy source, the constellation or sign is the filter that this energy must pass through, and the house is the area of influence in our lives. If you can keep this straight, then you have come a long ways. This book is not going to teach you how to erect a natal chart. You really should go to a certified astrologer at least once in your life to have a natal (birth) chart done. That way, if you decide to learn how to do it yourself, you will have the professional chart to check your results against.