Book Title and Author: Aspects in Astrology: A Guide to Understanding Planetary Relationships in the Horoscope
Status? : Finished
My overall rating of the book : 8/10 - tons of great information but it is a tad overwhelming for a beginner.
How does this book relate to my magickal practice?: Iāve been wanting to expand my exploration into astrology beyond my basic understanding of the 12 western signs. This book is divided into three parts: a review of the principles of aspect interpretations, including a discussion of all the planets; a āplanetary cookbookā that gives information about various planetary aspects; and a discussion of the angles and planetary aspects with them.
My personal thoughts/opinions: Overall I thought this was an excellent book, but not a beginners book, more of an early intermediate level. The section giving a recap of the planets does a great job of reminding you what each planet represents and the energy they bring. Throughout the book there is a heavy emphasis on using the houses and signs to fully interpret the aspects between planets but it is assumed that the reader knows the qualities of these and not much detail to these areas.
The book does do a great job of talking about how each aspect is created and their meanings - how the energies of the planets in aspect would interact, whether the aspect is considered a hard (difficult) or soft (easy) aspect. It also gives a discussion about weighing the aspects and reiterates many times that it is important to interpret a particular aspect in terms of the entire chart, i.e., you cannot look at one aspect in isolation as they are all really influencing each other.
What I found particularly interesting was how eerily accurate the descriptions of the aspects are! I have 10 aspects in my chart between planets: 6 conjunctions, and 4 sextiles. Iāll discuss a few below.
An interesting quote from the book: I donāt have a direct quote but more of some interesting facts regarding some of my aspects that spook me (bold and italic).
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Sun ā 
Mercury: identify more strongly with the rational mind; identifies with their thoughts, ideas, and with what they actually say; āI am what I say, I am what I thinkā philosophy. Knowledge is important. May come from large families (I have 3 siblings, which is fairly large for todayās US standards). Curious about everything, anxious to know and keen to learn. Chatty, expressive (i.e., talk with their hands), and inquisitive -
Moon ā¹ 
Neptune: sensitive to everything and quite capable of taking everyoneās emotions and feelings on board - psychic sponge; sensitivity to suffering of any kind; challenge is to do something about this suffering. Often say they donāt daydream or fantasize but it can be found that the individual fantasizes so automatically and so easily that they are not aware of it. -
Venus ā 
Saturn: strong issues with self-validation, especially with respect to oneās beauty and femininity (if female). History of childhood with little affection, more to the point of no affection from the father-figure. Mother may have been more loving but there were strings attached. Demonstration of affection becomes a big deal. Almost expect rejection - constantly listening for clues that may indicate otherās love has waned; needs constant proof of affection; āIām Sorryā is their phrase
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Jupiter ā Saturn: Prudent, careful, and capable; wise in adapting means to ends. Commonly educated in a strict moralistic/religious code (fire and brimstone kind) that conveyed as a threat. Craves real meaning in life (both personal and religious) - finding this meaning can be a major life quest. Whatever the faith, it needs to be clearly defined with distinct rites and rituals. Doesnāt like doubt - journey is about finding out what they believe for themselves.
All in all, would I recommend this book?: Yes, once you have an understanding of the planets, houses, and signs.
Happy reading! 
Thanks so much for sharing and Iām happy you enjoyed Ocean Magick 
Iām glad you found a great resource and got some new exercise to help you enhance your energy work. Congrats to you, Amethyst, and thanks for sharing your thoughts about Magical Energy Manipulation 
It sounds like Sorgitzak was exactly what you were hoping for- and how cool about the origin story for witches! It sounds like she has lots of interesting ideas and what a bonus that it lead you to your ancestors in the Craft 
Regardless, itās how it works in practice that is what really matters, and it sounds like it was great for your Litha work! 
Wishing you all the best with your Welsh language studies too- good luck and have fun with it! 
It does sound like a great resource for more intermediate astrologers and Iām glad you enjoyed your read! It sounds like the book has lots of guidance for applying astrology in helpful ways- a real treasure! 
Thanks so much for sharing, Amaris!
Thanks for the recommendation, 
