On the Heavenly Spheres [Paperback]

First some background. I first got interested in Astrology over 40 years ago but soon gave it up. Two factors were instrumental, the dependency on Jungian psychology and the use of the outer planets as co-rulers for signs, both of which seemed to have no real Astrological basis to me. Ten years later I tried again, after the birth of my daughter and despite buying some more text books the same result occurred. Astrology seemed not to be able to explain why some signs had two rulers, or why Neptune (or for that matter Jupiter) ruled Pisces. The only thing I had to show for it was that I found out my Sun sign was really Libra and not Scorpio as the horoscope columns claimed, and by then I had realised that Sun signs were of very limited use. Finally 10 years ago I tried again. This time I took a correspondence course to impose some discipline on my learning and through that course I came across Horary Astrology. I was hooked! That led me on to a desire to learn about traditional techniques and those answered my concerns about the dependence on modern psychology and on the outer planets. If something like this textbook had been around when I first started Astrology there would not have been those large gaps in my study.

The authors start from the presumption that Astrology should be stand alone. That is not to say that there is no `psychology' but that it is a psychology inherent in the traditional basis of Astrology, not a jungian addition. There is a careful exposition of the philosophy which underlies the traditional approach and the reader is introduced to the four temperaments, choleric, melancholic, sanguine and phlegmatic, terms that are still in common use and concepts which can still be found, albeit dressed up, in psychological profiling scales such as Myers Briggs.

Unlike modern Astrology, only the seven `traditional' planets are used (up to and including Saturn) and each is explained in terms of its fundamental characteristics, nature and temperament. Signs are not expressed in terms of the well known but misleading `Sun sign' characteristics but in terms of element, mode and other traditional characteristics, such commanding or obeying, humane or bestial and provide a satisfactory and complete explanation of Sign rulership The authors explain the use of the Astrological houses not only in natal Astrology but also in the mundane and horary branches.

The book looks a characteristics which are no longer used in modern Astrology but have real meaning - such as the essential dignities of triplicity and terms and accidental dignities such aas combustion or being oriental/occidental (allowing a more considered assessment of the planet's relationship with the Sun, the giver of life).

As with all introductory texts, the aspects are considered but with an emphasis on the traditional major aspects (conjunction,, opposition, trine and sextile). The multiplicity of modern minor aspects is explained in one of the appendices, leaving the reader free to incorporate these if desired.

One of the problems of writing such a text is that the tradition extended over two millennia and like all living things, was subject to change. So the techniques mentioned extend from those used in Hellenistic times, such as a greater use of triplicity rulers, and the Lots or Parts through to those used by medieval and Seventeenth Century Astrologers such as William Lilly. Of course not all these techniques were used by all the Astrologers over these two millennia and this is made clear, though perhaps a little more guidance could have been given on where to mix and match. This however is very much a minor criticism.

In well under 300 pages, it is inevitable that some things will be left out or glossed over but that is of the nature of introductory texts as a whole. So whilst I might have preferred to see a thorough natal delineation, of the type provided by William Lilly in his Christian Astrology Book 3, or some introduction to predictive Astrology (the heart of `real' Astrology), I cannot point to anything that could or should be sacrificed to accommodate it. This would have produced a much longer and more costly book. A significant difference from many introductory texts on Astrology is reference to the mundane,and horary branches and to elections, which are invariably ignored in favour of nativities. The Authors also seem to anticipate that the reader will go on to look at some of the traditional texts listed for further study and perhaps feel that what is not developed in this book will be filled in by that additional reading. However this book is so good that Avelar and Ribeiro should consider some further volumes covering nativities, horary and mundane and of course predictions.

Overall, despite the necessary limitations, I cannot recommend this book too highly. For the new student to Astrology, it is an excellent introduction, even if they ultimately decided not to follow a traditional path and incorporate the modern planets plus the dwarves, asteroids, and other bodies so beloved of modern Astrologers. At least this book will have given them knowledge of the fundamentals and enable them to make informed judgements in the use of further techniques.

At last a book in modern english on the principles and practices of traditional (i.e pre 1700)astrology. Starting with the basics of planet, sign and house symbolism and signification, and going on to describe subjects like phase sect and latitude, with many helpful charts and diagrams the student can learn the basics and then go on to delineate a natal chart.

There are example charts given as well so one can see the ideas applied in practice. Horary and electional are mentioned as well.

Very comprehensive it includes and incorporates some of the latest research in older astrology.

There is a lot to learn but one can discard some modern doctrines.

It is a very useful book for any student of astrology, especially for those who like Classical Astrology. The book is well structured and illustrated and is a perfect reference manual.