An excellent book, though more for the intermediate and advanced astrological student than the beginner. The reason for this is because many of the explanations for basic Astrological information offered here are of a more classical nature than most of the modern "New Age" oriented books. Also of great interest is the collection of natal charts of notable individuals from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. This is because the best way to learn how to read a chart comes from studying charts, and what better way to do that than analyzing the natal map of a famous person whose deeds before the public have revealed much of their personality. The refreshing aspect here is that one will get to see the charts of individuals like Sir Issac Newton, Mozart, and Shelley rather than the likes of Madonna or Britney Spears.

For this reader, a further plus regarding the book is that its author, Aleister Crowley, is revealed not only as the ghost writer for the famous American Astrologer Evangeline Adams, but also for the truly important thinker he was rather than the distorted and dark charlatan he is often portrayed as by those who are ignorant of his serious scholarly work.

All in all I would rate this as an excellent addition to the library of anyone interested in Spirituality, Metaphysics, or the Occult as well as for those who are passionate about Astrology.

Review by abramelin21@yahoo.com

Astrology was forbidden and therefore neighwell forgotten till late 19th century. It was Crowley who raised astrology from obscurity. And he knows well that which reimplemented into western culture.

A beautiful book which describes -as its title pronounces- the general principles of astrology. No other astrology book I have yet seen that does that so well. All planets and signs are described very basic and yet rich in information. Relievingly absent is the psychologized approach toward astrology that saturates the content of the contemporary books.

There are almost 200 charts of well-known people which he interprets throughout the book. There is additional information where Crowley crosses astrology with other occult knowledge.

Heralded is Weiser who published this book in the fashion it deserves. Beautiful hard cover and rich in figures, tables and illustrations.