I've been learning astrology for three-plus decades, and teaching a beginner's course for the last two of them. Yet I am still amazed at how well others can guide us to deeper levels of knowledge. One such person is author Laurie Farrington and her superb, How to Read and Interpret a Birth Chart: Guideposts for Understanding Natal Astrology.
There are generally two issues that keep people from doing more with astrology than checking their sun sign horoscope. First is the seemingly impossible to translate and understand chart itself, full of arcane glyphs and strings of numbers. Second is that math is involved. Fortunately there are many excellent guides to teach you all of the basics and ease you through the beginning waters.
Many of us don't go much further. "Interpreting a natal chart is not just a skill; it’s an art. It’s also a journey that can be filled with anxiety and uncertainty, a path many of us have walked" (from the Foreword). But for those who do, who decide to become professionals (in one sense or another), Farrington's book is exactly what you need to synthesize and understand the complexity of another's birth chart.
"To understand a birth chart, you have to become intimately acquainted with the dance of the cosmos. It is important for aspiring astrologers to learn the speed of the planets and clearly envision them in motion, day to day, year to year." (From the Introduction) Farrington gives us what she calls Guideposts to bridge our knowledge of planets, signs, aspects, and cycles to an understanding of and ability to work with an individual natal chart.
Part I focuses on the emergence of astrology from a variety of sources, both historical and practical, and encourages readers to seek out these sources to learn more and grow in their understanding. Part II is the heart of the book where she sets out 17 Guideposts for delving deeper into the wisdom of the natal chart.
All throughout Farrignton's voice is that of a wise and patient teacher willing to share her knowledge. Sprinkled throughout are small moments of reflection on ethical concerns and reminders to keep the person we are reading for in the focus. I especially appreciated her guidance in "going with" the natural twists and flow of a chart, allowing it to uncover the best questions we can ask to in turn offer suggestions that validate, honor, and empower the querent.
As you can see from the contents, this is emphatically not a book for beginners. For everyone else, How to Read and Interpret a Birth Chart needs to be a well-thumbed part of your library.
~review by Lisa McSherry
Author: Laurie Farrington
Weiser Books, 2025
pp. 280, $22.95
