Essential Astrology: Everything You Need to Know to Interpret Your Natal Chart Paperback – March 8, 2016

Ms. Herring's writing style is full of imagery and clarity with ideas presented in simplicity. Astrology can be confusing and arduous, but this book makes it easy. For example, "Taurus is symbolized by the bull, which tends to conjure cartoon images of a great beast charging down a little man holding a red cloth, but most of the time the raging bull is simply a cow, content to graze where it stands" p. 109. I love the imagery as it sets a tone that most astrology books do not. She also supplies clear keywords and definitions that are simply put. The structure of the book makes a lot of sense as it discusses each piece of astrology in an orderly manner that can build as one progresses through the material, or can be studied on its own. Ms. Herring begins with a history of astrology moving on to an explanation of the differences between astrology and astronomy, how to read a chart map, the meanings of angles and glyphs used. Then she proceeds through the planets, signs, houses, aspects and how to spot them, moon nodes, chart interpretation techniques and more. This book really has everything you could need to learn and interpret astrology.

This book is an excellent way to get familiar with the different terms and symbolism in astrology. I found it to be an easy read with an interesting lens. It discusses astrology using the lens of someone who studies psychology. It also discusses both ancient and modern interpretations. Overall I would highly recommend for anyone who is interested in learning how to interpret natal charts.

This is very easy to read and makes for a great resource for quick references.

Amy's books are great for beginners. I have also had trouble finding books on astrology that were written for a beginner to understand. Amy has done a great job doing just that. I look forward to my Astrology studies now that I have both her books to guide me.

I have read scores of books on astrology, but Amy Herring’s book has to be my favorite. I like her non-cookbook style approach, the organization of the book, and her exceptional descriptions. I will definitely be rereading this book often.

It's a good book, but I am a beginner and found it a bit of a dry read. I had planned on reading it straight all the way through but instead have found it more valuable as a reference book as I study astrology from multiple sources. I don't think I could retain all the information it contains if I read it straight through. It has been a great reference for me as I study my own birth chart. I find I retain the information within easier when I apply it in a way that is more meaningful and significant to me. Perhaps this book could be improved if it had some optional "workbook" parts to it where you can apply your new knowledge with the helpful guidance of the author. Or perhaps it would benefit from a workbook to go along with it :o). I know I would purchase it. Dusty White's book on the tarot is a workbook and benefits from it in my opinion.It's my first book on modern astrology, and overall I'm pretty happy with it. I'm going to slowly soak it up over time.

I’m only a few chapters in and I already love this book! I was able to (quickly) get a copy of my natal chart for free by contacting the author and it’s so great! I’ve never been more excited to learn about myself and really dive into astrology. I highly recommend this book!

This is a fantastic astrology book for beginners and possibly for others. She uses accessible language and organizes the material in a very easy to understand and logical way. She helps the reader think about the concepts deeply, so that reading a horoscope is not just "keyword" recognition, but rather a conversation with self or others to see how the energy of the sign, planet, house, aspects play out in a life. This is the book I've been looking for as I begin my serious study of astrology.