The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology: Everything from zodiac signs to prediction, made easy and entertaining Paperback – April 1, 2016

Funny, witty, informative.Astrology is a language, it’s an artIt’s so complex, incredible, and interesting.If you want to learn the true language of the stars, this book is probably the only one you’ll need for a beginner. I refer to it as my astrology text book.- As Above, So Below - What happens up there, effect what happens down here. What happened in the Sky, effects earth events. That’s the basic definition of astrology. A series of super insane coincidences. That’s how astrologers predict the future, by looking at current placements and comparing to the same placements from the past. They don’t claim to be psychic, and the majority can admit that it’s not always spot on, but it is spot on a lot of the time.Forget what you’ve learned about astrology on Facebook. Throw it out, start over. Modern astrology is so far from accurate.. I don’t like it. This is based around more traditional astrology with more web twists here and there, which is okay! Don’t get me wrong, sone things should evolve To fit the times. However, I like that this book sticks to tradition. It’s open and it’s honest and it expresses the stereotypes about astrology these days on social media.

This is by far my favorite book on astrology. It is a great foundational book for those who are interested in astrology. It covers all of the basics in detail so you get a lot of information but it is written in a very straightforward and easy to read writing style. I refer to it often.

There are "astrologers," and there are Astrologers. April Elliott Kent falls into the latter category. While, both in this book and the emails she sends to her fans and followers, her whimsical and humorous approach to life is clearly evident, make no mistake: She knows her stuff. But unlike some dry and pedantic types, April presents even the most complex material in a clear and practical way. And in an era where astrology is finally gaining some respectability again after some four centuries since science was divorced from anything metaphysical or spiritual (i.e., anything a scientist couldn't see, quantify or prove in a sterile lab), April shows why it is truly "practical astronomy." She's not only a most amusing writer; she's a well organized one. She tells you up front what this six-part book contains; she delivers the information; and then she sums up what she just told you (along with several helpful appendices at the end). Even better, there are "astro tips" and "astro alerts" sprinkled throughout Practical Astrology to demystify certain terms or counter popular myths. To sum up, this is a book that contains solid information, clearly and logically presented, that entertains as much as it informs. As April says, "you'll definitely find out what astrology is good for, other than annoying your sister (the scientist) and offending your brother (the minister)."

Before I formally studied astrology in 2012, I saw this book and had to have it. It is fun to read and learn along the way. I particularly like the treatment of the planets, how the author grouped them into intimate, social, and generational circles. Aside from the usual signs, qualities, houses, aspects, nice coverage of the nodes, asteroids, seasons, mundane/everyday astrology (current moon signs, cycles of key planets) -things that one hears in more in-depth astrological discussions on FB or blogs. All this helps us understand the energy or archetypes within and in the collective un/consciousness.I find this book to include more techniques (or explanation thereof) such as progressions and transits than a usual survey beginner astrology book. The author has a way of simplifying astro concepts that makes them accessible. I like her way of organizing information.The only thing I have for all astrology books is this: After training with an astrologer/psychologist (who has 30 years experience), I find that many astrologers assign 'malefic' to Mars and Saturn, labeling planet-sign relationships as detriment or exaltation. I don't subscribe to this view because labels seem deterministic. While a planet like Saturn is challenging in a chart, there is opportunity to learn and grow from it. In this light, read every book with a critical eye. (ie, 'Scorpio at work...Because you are drawn to...') When the language says 'you', it labels the reader. You may not resonate with that description and feel pigeon-holed. Ask within what resonates while you learn the basics.

First of all I love the Wonderful Blog and writing of April on Her Big Sky Astrology website - you need to get her emails and you need to read this book. Very clearly written, nothing scarey, just lots of clearly stated methods to see your chart, plan your life and save the anxiety of thinking you have to track someone down for every urgent decision in your life. This is a great map to your chart, a wonderful primer on astrology and certainly a fundamental book for anyone living and aware on the planet. Enjoy her, she is a fine astrologer and entertaining writer.Some areas that might benefit you personally are the detailed outlines of each sign, the explanations as to how your personal chart is expressed by the houses and the planetary placement. To further aid the novice as well as keen astrologer is the methodology for a daily, monthly or yearly approach to your chart and life. Try the simple, step by step info and you will have a much keener insight into how unique you are, and best of all, how to make the most of that. Note: I am an intuitive reader and it even gave me insights! How good is that!??