The Astrologer's Universe is the revised and updated version of Astrology for Beginners, originally published in 1995. Stunningly illustrated courtesy of Andrea Aste, it is the ultimate time traveller's guide through the world of astrology. From the eclipse calculations at Stonehenge to the astrological relevance of the iconic Steve Jobs, the historical context of astrology, its characters and its battles form the perfect backdrop to any astrology course, but will also entrance the casual reader.
Details on the signs, planets and elements are also covered as are the basic techniques of horary, synastry, business and psychological astrology, and transits, progressions. It's a small book with a huge heart, just waiting to join your bookshelf.
Arvustused
"For anyone who is floundering in the foothills of astrology this short book will be a blessing." Marjorie Orr
"When it comes to learning I am a huge fan of practical tools. In this case, Cornelius and Hyde have really knocked it out of the park! The Astrologers Universe was a joy to read. It is a resource I will recommend to anyone starting out in this field. And, it is well worth a read for any practicing astrologer, if only to freshen our perspective." Jayne Logan www.astrobookclub.com
"Although best-known for his thought-provoking book on the philosophy of astrology (especially as it is used in live consultation sessions) 'The Moment of Astrology', the late Geoffrey Cornelius also contributed to a few simpler books, one of which was 'Astrology for Beginners', which he co-authored with his long-time partner and astrological collaborator Maggie Hyde. As the title suggested, the original Icon Books edition of 1995 was designed as an introduction to astrology and its principles for complete beginners. It was profusely illustrated by an artist called Chris Webster with jocular comic-strip-styled sketches.
31 years later, the book has been relaunched by The Wessex Astrologer under a new title, 'The Astrologer's Universe'. The text itself has been selectively revised, updated, and corrected. Perhaps the most striking difference in this new edition, however, is the wholesale replacement of all the original cartoonish artwork with a completely new set of illustrations by a different artist, Andrea Aste, whose style is less comic-strip, more surrealism with excellent fine line work and detail. I get the feeling that he could be at home illustrating fairy tales. The result, in any case, is less in-your-face, less jokey, and subjectively somewhat more refined and graceful, than Webster's art in the original edition - which is not to say it wasn't good of its kind, or what the authors wanted at the time!
The text of the book remains very much a taster of astrology from multiple angles, including an introduction to the elements astrologers work with and bits and pieces of potted history touching on how astrology has developed in the light of both ancient and modern thought. A comprehensive history lesson it isn't, but it is meant to whet the appetite of the idly curious who want to know a bit more of what this astrology lark is all about, without necessarily committing to believing in any of it or otherwise buying into its doctrine. However, some of those readers will find the content resonates with them enough to motivate them to take the next step of either buying a comprehensive learning book on astrology or attending a class or course. As such, 'The Astrologer's Universe' could make for a thoughtful present for your average sceptical friend or relative, with unpredictable results. You just never know who will be motivated to study astrology after reading this book!"
Philip Graves
Part I What's The Big Idea? page 6
- where astrology comes from and how it has developed
Part II Astrology Primer page 38
- astrology in practice: key symbolism
Part III Interpreting the Birthchart page 72
- how to read a horoscope
Part IV The Astrologer's Universe page 96
- what astrologers do and don't do
Part V The Modern Debate page 132
- astrology in the melting pot. Main theories on offer and how astrology
lines up with science, psychology and parapsychology.
GEOFFREY CORNELIUS was a consultant astrologer with a background in divination and philosophy.
Throughout his life, he taught and practised divination, especially astrology and the I Ching. In the 1970s he pioneered the teaching of astrology in adult education institutes in London, then later at university MA programmes in Canterbury. He was a President of the Astrological Lodge of London and a founder of the Advisory Panel on Astrological Education. He is the author of The Moment of Astrology, regarded by many as "one of the most important astrological books of our time". (Patrick Curry, historian). Geoffrey is also the author of Starlore of the Constellations (2024, originally The Starlore Handbook 1997) and The Secret Language of the Stars and Planets (1996, with Paul Devereux).
MAGGIE HYDE is a consultant astrologer and co-founder and Director of the Company of Astrologers. She has taught complementary medicine, astrology, and the I Ching, and has undertaken research into Carl Jung's intense engagement with paranormal phenomena and the occult, especially astrology, where his thought has had considerable influence. For many years she worked as a business astrologer and regular columnist in the national press; she has presented on astrology to the Institute of Directors, on Jung at the Oxford Literary Festival and has lectured widely around the world. Maggie has an MA in Mysticism and Religious Experience from the University of Kent at Canterbury, and has taught cosmology and Tarot for the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. She is the author of Jung and Astrology (Aquarian, 1992), Jung for Beginners (Icon, 1992) and co-authored Astrology For Beginners (Icon, 1995) with Geoffrey Cornelius. Maggie lives on the North Kent coast where she continues to teach for the Company of Astrologers and consult with clients.
ANDREA ASTE is an award-winning, multimedia visionary artist, animator, published author, and illustrator. Known as "The Artist Philosopher", Aste holds a master's degree in philosophy, which heavily influences his parallel fictional worlds, blending deep contemplative themes with artistic expression. His works have been exhibited globally in prestigious museums, such as the Musee Grevin (Paris, Montreal, Geneva), the Natural Science Museum in Turin, the Guildhall Gallery in London and at major events such as the Venice Biennale (2015). Aste is widely recognised in the world of Tarot and graphic novels for his innovative decks and style, including The Ghastly Lenormand (2024), The Book of Shadows (2023), and The Lost Code of Tarot (2017), Oracolarium (2020), the world's first augmented reality oracle deck.
Aste has collaborated with international performer Arturo Brachetti and served as artistic director and on-stage animator for Shiver (2021) at London's Grant Museum of Zoology and Hide (2023) at the Vault Festival.
