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Astrology for Yourself: How to Understand And Interpret Your Own Birth Chart
Astrology for Yourself is designed to introduce you to the language, art, and science of astrology through a series of self-directed, program-learning exercises that will literally enable you to write your own chart interpretation. Aside from providing you a wealth of knowledge about your birth chart, Astrology for Yourself promises to promote personal growth and change your life.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1987
248 people are currently reading
1706 people want to read
About the author
Demetra George
19 books162 followersDemetra George, M.A. Classics, received the 2002 Regulus Award for Theory and Understanding. A practitioner of astrology for over 30 years specializing in archetypal mythology, she has authored numerous books and articles, including Astrology For Yourself, Asteroid Goddesses, and Mysteries of the Dark Moon. She lectures internationally and leads pilgrimages to the sacred sites in the Mediterranean. Currently she is translating a corpus of hermetic medical astrological texts from ancient Greek, is an associate of Project Hindsight, and teaches the history of ancient and medieval astrology and Hellenistic techniques.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 19, 2012
An incredibly helpful introduction to astrology, though I used it in combination with many other books to gain a well-rounded perspective on each component of my natal chart. I started off knowing nothing outside of my sun sign (Aquarius). Over the course of a few months I worked gradually through this workbook, armed with a free birth chart I found online. Some concepts were difficult to understand-- particularly aspects-- using only the information in this book, but I think the authors did a fantastic job of presenting something extremely complex (complete chart interpretation from the very beginning) in a simplified way. As you fill in the blanks with each exercise, some of the terms provided won't seem to logically or gramatically fit, which can be confusing; it's important to remember that part of personal astrology is your own interpretation and that nothing is set in stone. Again, other texts can be helpful in understanding the more abstract concepts presented here. I highly recommend this workbook as a starting point for anyone interested in studying astrology on their own. Whether or not you believe in cosmic influence-- or if you are on the fence-- it is certainly an interesting and challenging exercise in introspection.
July 2, 2021
This book was going really great until the author used quotation marks to describe Astrology as pseudoscience. Like... c'mon. It's a pseudoscience, no quotations. I feel like if astrologers could've gone into the field of non-science just like literature and stuff, people wouldn't be attacking them left and right. But no. They just have to insist it's science. So chapter 7 sounded like absolute bullshit to me. I would say no offense but truthfully? Some offense.
Nonetheless, it was still fun to read this book. I really like the journaling aspect. There were also so many tables that I could refer to. And out ot 8 chapters, I could agree with and have fun with 7 chapters. So it's not a bad experience. I feel like it's somewhere between 3 and 4 stars so I settled on 4. A really good book for personal use!
Nonetheless, it was still fun to read this book. I really like the journaling aspect. There were also so many tables that I could refer to. And out ot 8 chapters, I could agree with and have fun with 7 chapters. So it's not a bad experience. I feel like it's somewhere between 3 and 4 stars so I settled on 4. A really good book for personal use!
October 10, 2020
I started reading this but realized shortly afterwards that using the digital format was not the best option. From what I read, the book is a great start for those looking to learn how to read birth charts. It's written in workbook style and that's where my issues came about. I love the format but trying to easily flip back and forth from the workbook pages to other reference pages was a pain in the rear. I tried using digital bookmarks but it just wasn't working for me. I hope to aquire the actual book in paper format but I don't feel like buying the book again. Too bad paper books don't just come with the digital book included like some school text books do.
April 9, 2025
This workbook takes the reader through their own birth chart, covering planets, signs, houses, angles, asteroids, lunar phase and nodes, and more. Many of the activities involve filling in blanks based on your own chart and sets of keywords included in appendices at the back of the book. I found the appendices, and the way they are organized, to be very helpful. Repeated filling in may feel formulaic, but I found it an effective way to engage with the material and there is lots of room provided for reflection.
The authors include the idea of house-sign-planet correspondences in a ‘twelve letter astrological alphabet’ which I don’t find helpful, and that I frankly don’t see a strong rationale for. In her more recent work on Ancient Astrology, George advises suspending any use of this ‘alphabet’ approach in learning older traditions as it’s very much a contemporary invention. Alsoworth noting is that this book doesn’t include any real attention to house systems, presuming the reader is using a system like Placidus (as intercepted houses are covered). As someone who uses whole signs, I could complete most of the activities as written but had to make a few adjustments here and there.
This workbook was originally published in the 1980s, and definitely shows its age in some ways – for instance, ‘he or she’ is used repeatedly rather than ‘they,’ and there are frequent references to ‘sending away to get a copy of your chart.’ Overall, though, I do think it holds up fairly well and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a structure to facilitate a deep dive into their own birth chart.
I completed this workbook with a friend over the course of a year and a bit; we stretched it out over many video calls, completing our activities and then discussing our findings. It was a fantastic experience, and an approach I’d recommend to folks interested in this book.
The authors include the idea of house-sign-planet correspondences in a ‘twelve letter astrological alphabet’ which I don’t find helpful, and that I frankly don’t see a strong rationale for. In her more recent work on Ancient Astrology, George advises suspending any use of this ‘alphabet’ approach in learning older traditions as it’s very much a contemporary invention. Alsoworth noting is that this book doesn’t include any real attention to house systems, presuming the reader is using a system like Placidus (as intercepted houses are covered). As someone who uses whole signs, I could complete most of the activities as written but had to make a few adjustments here and there.
This workbook was originally published in the 1980s, and definitely shows its age in some ways – for instance, ‘he or she’ is used repeatedly rather than ‘they,’ and there are frequent references to ‘sending away to get a copy of your chart.’ Overall, though, I do think it holds up fairly well and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a structure to facilitate a deep dive into their own birth chart.
I completed this workbook with a friend over the course of a year and a bit; we stretched it out over many video calls, completing our activities and then discussing our findings. It was a fantastic experience, and an approach I’d recommend to folks interested in this book.
July 10, 2020
This book keeps a tight focus on reading your own birth chart, and is really chock full of exercises to help you interpret your placements, aspects, and other features in detail along with journaling prompts to reflect more broadly on different areas of life. Many of the exercises have a kind of "plug and chug" format, but with some flexibility, where you can select a few keywords from a longer list that fit into whatever sentence you're writing in this section of the book. I found that the keyphrases, especially, for planets, signs, and aspects, really helped me to deepen my existing knowledge of astrology beyond just looking at a keyword list. For example, each sign has a keyphrase stated as a fundamental need, in addition to lists of keywords pointing to the skillful and unskillful uses of that sign. While it could come across as formulaic, I found this style much more helpful in developing my own skills than books that focus on paragraph descriptions of specific placements. I was able to take the formula and then reflect on how it manifests, rather than being married to a specific description.
Get the print copy, though! The e-book formatting is awkward, and then you have to do all the exercises in a separate document.
Get the print copy, though! The e-book formatting is awkward, and then you have to do all the exercises in a separate document.
February 28, 2020
Good and thorough intro to studying your own chart. I journaled a ton during the three weeks I read this book, and learned so much more about myself and Astrology by doing so.
When I tell my friends this book is old, I don't mean the Astrology teachings are irrelevant, but rather that it's written in a different astrological social context. The first edition was published in the 1980s, and an effort was made to always refer to clients as he or she, instead of they, for example. The marriage chart example is (surprise!) a straight couple, and the USA natal chart interpretation is way too generous and very dissasociated from actual historical facts we are openly discussing in the 21st century.
I did recommend this book to friends and will continue to do so.
When I tell my friends this book is old, I don't mean the Astrology teachings are irrelevant, but rather that it's written in a different astrological social context. The first edition was published in the 1980s, and an effort was made to always refer to clients as he or she, instead of they, for example. The marriage chart example is (surprise!) a straight couple, and the USA natal chart interpretation is way too generous and very dissasociated from actual historical facts we are openly discussing in the 21st century.
I did recommend this book to friends and will continue to do so.
August 13, 2022
Now I’ve read so many astrology books and I must say this one has to be one of the worst… The signs were poorly described, like the book kept explaining and describing that all the water signs share the same traits or all the fire signs share the same traits, however, Pisces and Scorpio are both the water signs but are they totally the same personality wise? Ofc not.. Leo and Aries are the fire signs but are they totally the same? No, I wish the book described every sign separately.
March 31, 2020
One of the authors is the woman who taught Chani Nicholas everything she knows, so there are some similarities in the "workbook" format. Really thorough and great for beginner/intermediate astrology enthusiasts. I'll have to revisit some of the information toward the end once over learned a little more.
January 22, 2011
This was a great introduction to astrology for me. There were a few aspects of this book that went over my head, but it was very good for the most part. It is in workbook form, so it really gets you actively involved, and you'll learn a lot about yourself just by your birth chart alone.
April 25, 2023
ASTROLOGY is a language, art, and science that studies the relationship between the cycles of celestial bodies and the affairs of people on earth. Derived from the Greek roots astron (star) and logos (word or speech), astrology literally means “star talk.”
“Earth my body, water my blood, air my breath, fire my spirit.”
Fire is the identity principle. Earth is the material substance principle. Air is the mental principle. Water is the feeling principle.
The twelve signs of the Zodiac can be divided into three groups called modes or modalities, each of which contains four signs. The three modalities, known as cardinal, fixed, and mutable, describe a threefold cyclic process.
The Cardinal phase initiates and generates energy, and corresponds to the signs Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. The Fixed phase stabilizes and concentrates energy, and corresponds to the signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. The Mutable phase adapts and distributes energy, and corresponds to the signs Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.
Saturn’s position in the chart, by house and sign, often points to the areas where these feelings of limitation are most strongly felt. Yet, Saturn also promises that if we confront these problems head on, we will ultimately transform our inadequacies into our greatest assets. Saturn’s symbol is depicted by the cross of matter over the semicircle of the soul. Hence, Saturn governs the need to learn the lessons of the physical plane. These lessons are given to us by Saturn’s most important law—the law of karma. On the physical plane, this law states that every action produces an equal but opposite reaction, or “what goes around comes around.” Saturn, therefore, metes out perfect, impersonal justice to all. It tests us every step of our lives, leaving no room for escapism, self-deception, or wishful thinking. Through Saturn’s workings, we get exactly what we deserve, no more and no less. In conclusion, Saturn teaches that the purpose of life is growth through experience. Saturn’s path is not always easy, for sometimes our most valuable lessons are also the most painful. However, in working through our lessons, like the child, we gain the freedom to progress to higher stages of development. If Jupiter provides us with the faith that all will work out for the best, then Saturn teaches us how, through our own efforts, we can turn that vision into a reality. Physiologically, Saturn rules the sytems that provide the body with its form and structure. These include the skeletal system, the skin, teeth, joints and knees. Saturn also governs the gall bladder, spleen and hearing organs. Saturnine illnesses are structural disorders caused by blockages or crystallization occurring over time. Examples include rheumatism, arthritis, and arteriosclerosis.
Although only a handful of psychologists and psychiatrists incorporate astrology into their practices, astrology has always had a natural affinity with its hundred-year-old sister social science. For example, psychologists have developed a number of tests, which, like astrology, measure and describe specific personality types. Most notable among these is the Meyers Briggs Type Inventory, whose four basic types of Intuition, Sensation, Thinking and Feeling loosely parallel the astrological elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Indeed, the major use of astrology to psychologists lies in its diagnostic capabilities. Carl Jung, upon whose work the Meyers Briggs test is based, computed the charts of many of his clients. Because the chart reveals a blueprint of the psyche, Jung found that he could gain immediate access to information that would otherwise take months to uncover. Because it provides an instant snapshot of the workings of the human psyche, astrology is a valuable therapeutic tool that can be used as an adjunct to traditional psychotherapy. Hence, not only astrologers, but all mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, marriage and family counselors, pastoral counselors) can use astrology as an awareness tool to facilitate the analysis of their clients. We recommend that these professionals use astrologers as consultants, calling upon them to help evaluate and diagnose the important psychological elements of their cases. In this way, the process of therapy can be made both more efficient and more effective.
“Earth my body, water my blood, air my breath, fire my spirit.”
Fire is the identity principle. Earth is the material substance principle. Air is the mental principle. Water is the feeling principle.
The twelve signs of the Zodiac can be divided into three groups called modes or modalities, each of which contains four signs. The three modalities, known as cardinal, fixed, and mutable, describe a threefold cyclic process.
The Cardinal phase initiates and generates energy, and corresponds to the signs Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. The Fixed phase stabilizes and concentrates energy, and corresponds to the signs Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. The Mutable phase adapts and distributes energy, and corresponds to the signs Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces.
Saturn’s position in the chart, by house and sign, often points to the areas where these feelings of limitation are most strongly felt. Yet, Saturn also promises that if we confront these problems head on, we will ultimately transform our inadequacies into our greatest assets. Saturn’s symbol is depicted by the cross of matter over the semicircle of the soul. Hence, Saturn governs the need to learn the lessons of the physical plane. These lessons are given to us by Saturn’s most important law—the law of karma. On the physical plane, this law states that every action produces an equal but opposite reaction, or “what goes around comes around.” Saturn, therefore, metes out perfect, impersonal justice to all. It tests us every step of our lives, leaving no room for escapism, self-deception, or wishful thinking. Through Saturn’s workings, we get exactly what we deserve, no more and no less. In conclusion, Saturn teaches that the purpose of life is growth through experience. Saturn’s path is not always easy, for sometimes our most valuable lessons are also the most painful. However, in working through our lessons, like the child, we gain the freedom to progress to higher stages of development. If Jupiter provides us with the faith that all will work out for the best, then Saturn teaches us how, through our own efforts, we can turn that vision into a reality. Physiologically, Saturn rules the sytems that provide the body with its form and structure. These include the skeletal system, the skin, teeth, joints and knees. Saturn also governs the gall bladder, spleen and hearing organs. Saturnine illnesses are structural disorders caused by blockages or crystallization occurring over time. Examples include rheumatism, arthritis, and arteriosclerosis.
Although only a handful of psychologists and psychiatrists incorporate astrology into their practices, astrology has always had a natural affinity with its hundred-year-old sister social science. For example, psychologists have developed a number of tests, which, like astrology, measure and describe specific personality types. Most notable among these is the Meyers Briggs Type Inventory, whose four basic types of Intuition, Sensation, Thinking and Feeling loosely parallel the astrological elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water. Indeed, the major use of astrology to psychologists lies in its diagnostic capabilities. Carl Jung, upon whose work the Meyers Briggs test is based, computed the charts of many of his clients. Because the chart reveals a blueprint of the psyche, Jung found that he could gain immediate access to information that would otherwise take months to uncover. Because it provides an instant snapshot of the workings of the human psyche, astrology is a valuable therapeutic tool that can be used as an adjunct to traditional psychotherapy. Hence, not only astrologers, but all mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, marriage and family counselors, pastoral counselors) can use astrology as an awareness tool to facilitate the analysis of their clients. We recommend that these professionals use astrologers as consultants, calling upon them to help evaluate and diagnose the important psychological elements of their cases. In this way, the process of therapy can be made both more efficient and more effective.
April 24, 2019
If you are a beginner astrologer, this is the book for you. The whole book is written in a workbook format guiding you gradually through your entire birth chart.
First you are introduced to the Sun signs, explaining the inner logic of all the zodiac signs. I really loved this! Not just the characteristic features of the signs are mentioned in a cookbook format, but also the reasons behind them.
Then you are introduced to the Big Three, your Moon sign and ascendant besides your Sun sign. It is amazing how much information you can gather about a person just by analyzing these three factors.
And finally you are introduced to the rest of the planets. The asteroids are also mentioned. And at the end of the book, all the fields of astrology are mentioned.
What amazed me was how well structured, gradual, and engaging the book is. I analyzed my own birth chart and intend to do the same with each member of my family and a few close friends.
First you are introduced to the Sun signs, explaining the inner logic of all the zodiac signs. I really loved this! Not just the characteristic features of the signs are mentioned in a cookbook format, but also the reasons behind them.
Then you are introduced to the Big Three, your Moon sign and ascendant besides your Sun sign. It is amazing how much information you can gather about a person just by analyzing these three factors.
And finally you are introduced to the rest of the planets. The asteroids are also mentioned. And at the end of the book, all the fields of astrology are mentioned.
What amazed me was how well structured, gradual, and engaging the book is. I analyzed my own birth chart and intend to do the same with each member of my family and a few close friends.
December 3, 2019
The workbook model is a really handy way of learning the structure of chart interpretation. The section on modern asteroids adds insights you don’t get from similar introductory books. But the ending seems a bit sketchy. That’s where my skepticism of astrology as more than a personality test equivalent comes in.
June 23, 2024
First of all... the workbook part is a bit dumb. I'm not sure how taking adjectives provided and literally copying them into a blank space on a piece of paper is supposed to do anything for me other than give me something to do with my hands. It feels very second grade. I'm not saying the basics of astrology like this are useless, because it is a good foundation; just that the authors spend a lot of time on it and it gets super repetitive because it IS basic.
Secondly, to say this book could use an update would be the understatement of 1990. At the beginning they tell you that you will need to "send away" for a copy of your birth chart or contact a local astrologer to create one for you. Because it was written before the internet. And yet my edition was published in 2006. Why not update that?
I do like that they included the asteroids in the workbook, but probably better to get a more comprehensive book about them.
Secondly, to say this book could use an update would be the understatement of 1990. At the beginning they tell you that you will need to "send away" for a copy of your birth chart or contact a local astrologer to create one for you. Because it was written before the internet. And yet my edition was published in 2006. Why not update that?
I do like that they included the asteroids in the workbook, but probably better to get a more comprehensive book about them.
July 15, 2022
Review of the revised 1998 edition:
Content seems not to be organized in the best way and fill-in-the-blank prompts get repetitive.
I was disappointed that it incorporates intercepted signs instead of using the simple tried and true whole sign system.
If, however, you are interested in asteroid astrology, you may want to check out this book, as it has information and exercises for several. But given that there are over 100,000 asteroids, adding them to a chart's interpretation seems the wrong way to go.
This book is okay, but probably not the best of its type out there. I did, however benefit from working through it, though I skipped over several pages.
Content seems not to be organized in the best way and fill-in-the-blank prompts get repetitive.
I was disappointed that it incorporates intercepted signs instead of using the simple tried and true whole sign system.
If, however, you are interested in asteroid astrology, you may want to check out this book, as it has information and exercises for several. But given that there are over 100,000 asteroids, adding them to a chart's interpretation seems the wrong way to go.
This book is okay, but probably not the best of its type out there. I did, however benefit from working through it, though I skipped over several pages.
July 15, 2020
This is the second astrology book that I've picked up and I think it's a good move for me given that this is in a workbook format. It is very helpful, especially with the tables, appendices and guide questions at the end of each topic. This made me decide to make a journal, learn more about astrology and, of course, myself. It's still a functional book notwithstanding the year it was published. I do wish they'd update to cover more recent events and people but otherwise it's still a really good book.
July 21, 2019
This was a pretty informative book, and even included journal entries to help you apply what you have learned. The cover is beautiful. One interesting thing about this book is that is explained why each of the signs and planets represent what they represent, and they tied the astroids to mythology. If you don't know where to start when reading your chart, then this would be the first place to look.
July 17, 2017
I liked this book so much after a cursory perusal at the library that I ordered a copy for myself. This workbook is meant to teach the principals of astrology by working through the reader's own birth chart. It is a utilitarian affair, but I expect it will be a wonderful introduction. I expect to amend this review once I've at least started filling in the workbook.
May 2, 2021
The best workbook out there. Beginner or intermediate, it’s great for everyone. I love the way it’s written and organized, it’s simple if you just want to do the workbook part, but also extremely in depth if you’re learning. If you’re learning or interested in astrology, just get it! Especially if you’re a “hands-on” learner.
October 6, 2021
Really excellent for exploring your own chart while also learning how to understand your own and in turn others. Good for beginners and also those with experience. Has a traditional approach but with some modern themes mixed in. Great for learning the basics and a good reference book. I really love the workbook style and that it’s large enough to write inside the book.
June 22, 2018
If you take more than a superficial interest in astrology, you need this book. It teaches you the basics of chart delineation, along with explanations on how to apply this knowledge in synastry as well. LOVE THIS BOOK.
November 9, 2018
Una buena guía para principiantes en el mundo de la astrología. El libro planeta un buen método para construir su carta astral de manera fácil y con conceptos claros sobre planetas, signos, elementos y aspectos. Si ya es un astrólogo estudiado, no creo que le aporte mucho de nuevo.
February 7, 2020
This is a self teaching book for astrology so it isn't something to read and then be done with. I will use this book for a long time. It isn't a novel. I set the end reading date, but will continue to consult this book whenever I need a reference for astrology.
October 5, 2020
A very thorough and helpful beginner's guide to understanding astrology as a language, with lots of helpful exercises to pick apart each part of your chart and integrate the meanings of how those parts relate to one another.
February 2, 2021
I have studied formally with one of the authors, Demetra George, and find this book to be a wonderful place to begin to develop a personal language and relationship with astrology and one's own chart.
May 31, 2017
This workbook was super helpful. Now I think all astrology texts should come in workbook form!
September 26, 2017
Great beginner's book and for continued reference.
January 11, 2019
maybe the best books written on the basic of understanding your birthchart!
April 14, 2019
It’s a good book for someone who wants to learn about astrology charts. It’s not what I thought it was going to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2019
I learnt quite a bit from this book. It got rather complicated and repetitive towards the end though.
October 23, 2019
I enjoyed this but found that I wasnt able to find some of the answers as some things were a bit too generalized. Easy to follow and insightful however.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews