What Astrology is and How to Use it

As an author of many astrological books and articles, Bruce Scofield has studied astrology since 1967 and practised as an astrological consultant since the 1980’s, focusing on psychological, relationship and electional astrology. As president of the Professional Astrologers Alliance (PAA) he teaches at Kepler  College. He has an MA in History and a Ph.D. in Geosciences. This is a great introductory book to astrology for those who want to develop a general understanding of astrology. Not only theoretical, it provides a good grounding in a variety of astrological techniques with the ability to interpret the horoscope at a beginners level. Some of the chapters include a brief discussion on planets, aspects, signs, houses; how to interpret a birth chart as well as how to go about predicting transits. Bruce Scofield also gives an historical insight into how the different branches of the art and science of  astrology developed and the ensuing conflict with religion throughout the ages. This book offers a practical ‘wide-angle-level’ approach and overview to this multi- faceted rich subject. It may be especially appealing to those with an inquiring mind and experimental inclinations. Jeanni Monks for the FAA Journal A frequent social media question thrown at me is, ‘Can you recommend a book that introduces astrology? – something I can understand!’. There are in fact quite a few useful titles out there. But Bruce Scofield’s book is in a class of its own and should be recommended to any friend or loved one suddenly interested in studying horoscope. His Foreword starts on a bleak note. Astrology we are told is not fashionable. Religions forbid it (my local vicar takes a more moderate view…) and scientists have no place for a reality that cannot be weighed and measured by lab geeks. This is all true. But never say never. The lucrative success of astrology apps, for instance, is one example of just how popular astrology is – at Sun sign level, at least. Scofield proceeds to give an excellent tour d’horizon of astrology, addressing such themes as its place in relation to science and religion, and the different traditions and techniques. A succinct history is followed by exposition of the horoscope, its symbolic furniture (e.g., planets and points) and all the rest including chart sectors and forecasting by transits. Most welcome is the chapter ‘Astrology Software’. Even now many astro-writers eschew computers in their ruminations when it would be hard to make a living from hand-drawing charts through manual calculations. Scofield is plainly a natural-born teacher, and his no-fills approach is both refreshing and informative. Victor Olliver The Astrological Journal April/May 2022