Book Review: Astrology Revealed: A Simple Guide to Unlocking the Secrets of Astrology

by Paul Fenton-Smith

Reprinted 1999 & 2002.

This would have to be the best all-round introduction to astrology I have read! I wish I had access to it when I began my astrology studies all those years ago - it is concise, relatively inexpensive and covers a lot more than I thought it would when I first received the book.

The author, Paul Fenton-Smith founded the Academy of Psychic Sciences in 1985, has studied and practiced around Australia, in Europe and the USA since 1978. He is also a regular guest on radio and television.

Paul also teaches palmistry and tarot reading and has a private practice as a clairvoyant and counsellor. A best-selling author of books on palmistry, tarot and astrology, Paul's aim in teaching and writing is to demystify the psychic sciences.

Astrology Revealed is not a large book, but as I mentioned previously, it is concise and practical. As well as covering the usual topics found in introductions to astrology - history, signs, houses and planets; it also goes into explaining many other important aspects of astrology. These are explained below.

The book is divided into four parts. Part One (Introduction) explains what astrology is and also goes into the history and purpose of astrology.

Part Two (The Basics) looks at the signs of the zodiac, the houses, the solar chart, plus the Moon and its phases. I particularly liked the way the signs of the zodiac were explained. Each sign was given its planetary symbol, glyph, element, type and ruler. The author then goes on to describe the themes associated with each sign and then under separate headings looks at relationships, health, negative traits, and 'lessons' for the relevant sign.

In Part Three (The Planets), Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are explained in terms of their symbolism and interpretation in each of the twelve zodiac signs.

The final section, Part Four (A Deeper Awareness), covers return charts, the Moon's Nodes, Ascendant, progressions, planetary aspects, chart reading procedure, relationships and astrology, health and sun signs, practice charts and advice on gaining practical experience.

Astrology Revealed has over 200 illustrations plus many real-life examples that are used to help you understand and apply the concepts presented.