The Stories Behind Astrology: Discover the mythology of the zodiac & stars

by Alison Davies

Discover the intriguing mythology behind the planets and zodiac signs that rule Western astrology and learn how to channel the energy of each star sign to live your best life.

Have you ever wondered why the zodiac signs are associated with certain animals? Or how a crab (Cancer) came to rule a part of the sky? Or, for that matter, what it means to have Taurus, the stubborn bull, as your star sign?

Whether you’re a fiery Aries, a mysterious Scorpio, or a sassy Sagittarius, you can discover the fascinating, sometimes forgotten, and often wild Greek and Roman mythology that gave rise to the star signs and planet names, while learning the stories

Aries, the ram; Taurus, the bull; Gemini, the twins; Cancer, the crab; Leo, the lion; Virgo, the maiden; Libra, the scales; Scorpio, the scorpion; Sagittarius, the archer; Capricorn, the goat; Aquarius, the water-bearer; Pisces, the fish; Venus, the planet of love; Mars, the planet of war

… and more!

With stunning, specially commissioned illustrations from Jennifer Parks (@spectralgardens) and rituals and affirmations included at the end of each story to help you harness the power of every sign and planet, whether you’re a super grounded Taurus looking to bring more activist Aquarius energy into your life, or a dreamy Pisces looking to get focused like no-nonsense Virgo, this book is for you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Astrology, History

176 pages, Hardcover

Published August 27, 2024

Reviews

[Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Preslee Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank You NetGalley and Leaping Hare Press for approving me for this ARC!! The title and description is right up my alley I can't wait to read it!!

Rating: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐’s
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I loved this book!! It is filled with short stories (Greek Mythology) of how the astrological signs came to be. I really enjoyed each short story, and alongside these at the end of every signs story is a short affirmation and ritual to connect with that sign. The latter portion of this book includes the planets and their stories as well. This book comes out Aug. 27th and I highly recommend buying!! It is definitely a book I'll keep on my coffee table for short reading

[Latasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning the stories behind the zodiac signs as well as the spells that accompany the stories. This is followed by a section on the planets. The way this book is written, it’s appropriate for all ages. Behaviors and personalities have been glossed over or softened. There is a lot of good info in the back of the book to help create your own spells or to begin astrology work. Thank you NetGalley for the review copy.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The Stories Behind Astrology is a beautifully illustrated book about astrology and the stories and origins behind each star sign.
The book combines both Greek and Roman mythology and explains so much such as the energies, planets and symbolism associated with each sign.
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and as I read the netgalley widget version I should imagine they are even more beautiful in the physical version of the book.
This would make a beautiful and sentimental gift for anyone who loves astrology or wants to learn more about it.

[Ophelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My copy was provided by NetGalley.

I enjoyed this book very much. Reading the stories behind each zodiac sign was interesting and entertaining.
The stories of each sun sign are presented in a family-friendly manner with vibrant illustrations and short spell instructions the reader can perform to enhance their understanding and growth within the characteristics of each.
The final portion of the book is additional information on the planets represented by each sign.
If you enjoy astrology or Greek mythology, I recommend this book as a pleasant, low-stress read.
Thanks, NetGalley!

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the way Alison Davies writes her stories. They are so captivating and it has me excited to read what delights we have within the pages. Having read The Tales Behind Tarot book not too long ago I was more than excited to see this!
I loved TBT and this one follows the same style, except this one goes into the stories of each star signs and planets. Fab!

The short chapters with beautiful illustrations tell the tales well and are easy to understand. Each has a little spell work at the end to help incorporate into your own practice if you choose. This also gives us a helpful guide of crystals, herbs or oils with each section which is a delightful addition to the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and will look out for more from this Author in the future.

Many thanks the the Author and Publisher through Netgalley for an ARC.
Publication Date 27/8/2024

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: The Stories Behind Astrology by Alison Davies

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing "The Stories Behind Astrology: Discover the Mythology of the Zodiac & Stars by Alison Davies", and I loved it! This book is a delightful journey through the captivating myths that breathe life into Western astrology. If you've ever found yourself wondering about the origins of the zodiac signs or how a crab like Cancer ended up ruling a part of the sky, this book is for you.

Davies takes us on an enchanting trip through Greek and Roman mythology, revealing the fascinating tales behind each astrological sign and the planets associated with them. From the fiery Aries to the dreamy Pisces, each sign has its own unique story that not only explains its symbolism but also connects readers to the deeper energies that these signs embody. The book answers questions like why Taurus is represented by a bull and what it really means to be a stubborn Taurus.

What I adored most were the short stories woven throughout the book. Each one is a bite-sized piece of mythology that captures your attention and transports you to a time of gods and legends. To top it off, at the end of every sign’s story, there’s an affirmation and a ritual designed to help you harness the energy of that particular sign. Whether you’re a grounded Taurus looking to embrace some of that activist Aquarius spirit or a whimsical Pisces wanting to get more focused like Virgo, these rituals are practical and meaningful.

Another highlight of this book is its stunning illustrations by Jennifer Parks. Each zodiac sign and planet is beautifully depicted, making the stories even more vibrant and engaging. It’s one of those books that would make a perfect gift for anyone interested in astrology or mythology; it's visually appealing and packed with wisdom.

Overall, The Stories Behind Astrology offers a fresh perspective on astrology that is both informative and entertaining. It’s an easy read that leaves you feeling inspired to explore your own astrological journey and connect more deeply with the cosmos. If you're curious about the stories behind your star sign or just want a deeper understanding of astrology, I highly recommend picking up this gem!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Anja Graoroska 99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start, the tale captivates readers with vivid descriptions of the stars and their stories. Each chapter focuses on a specific constellation, relating its astronomical relevance to an astrological sign or planet. The tale is interesting, with intriguing details that bring characters like Perseus and Cassiopeia to life. What distinguishes this book is its focus on the cultural diversity of astrological myths. The author highlights not only Greek and Roman tales but also stories from Egyptian, Native American, and Asian cultures, providing the reader with a worldwide perspective that broadens their understanding of astrology. The language is both accessible and informative, combining scientific insights with an entertaining narrative style. Readers will appreciate the lucid explanations of astrological ideas, as well as the engaging anecdotes that depict their origins. However, while the research is admirable, certain sections may be too much for people unfamiliar with the subject. Overall, "The Stories Behind Astrology" is a beautifully produced book that invites readers to engage with the universe through the prism of mythology. It prompts consideration of how these old stories continue to influence our lives today. This book is bound to arouse surprise and interest, making it an excellent addition to any bookshelf.

[Kira K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book is interesting to read regardless of your belief or disbelief in astrology. I found it intriguing to learn about the mythological stories behind each individual zodiac and also the planets and the illustration attached to each was stunning. I don’t know how much I personally believe in the rituals provided after each tale but I’m sure they would mean something significant to those who believe in astrology and I liked the affirmation attached below it. I also appreciated the affirmation summary style page at the back of the book as my memory isn’t the best after taking in so much information. There was also a small section on your big three (sun sign, moon sign, and rising sign) at the back and one on creating your own ritual which I’m sure is useful for those who believe in astrology and its impacts on their behaviours.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book a lot. It was great to have a compendium of all the different stories behind the zodiac signs and the planets! The illustrations were exceptionally beautiful and I love the included rituals and celebrating of different things from each and every sign and planet.
For me, I would have liked if both the Greek and Roman names had been included for the gods and goddesses. I also was hoping for more information about the birth chart, and the differences/interactions between sun sign, rising sign, and moon sign.
However, the mythology aspect of the book was great, and organized in a very clear and easy to understand way!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never come across an astrology book quite like this one. It explores the epic tales behind each zodiac sign, explaining their origins and the meanings of their symbols. I found it incredibly engaging. Being a Sagittarius, I may be a little biased, but I particularly enjoyed the story of Sagittarius. It really struck a chord with me.

The book also features rituals for each sign, intriguing tales about the planets, and a glossary of the Gods' names, which I found quite useful. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful! It was a fantastic read that certainly changed how I view the zodiac signs.

Thanks to Leaping Hare Press for the ARC!

[Shilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a such an original take on an astrology book! I've never read about the mythology behind it.

Of course, my own sign (Scorpio) was my favorite. I've always related so much to my star sign and I like to think if it weren't obvious which sign the story was meant for, it would still be my favorite.

The illustrations were beautiful too! I might go out and buy this when it comes out so I can have a physical copy.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Ritika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written. Easy to understand and relate to. Loved the simple manner of writing and how much of an immersive experience it was. Brief explanations of the basics of astrology and how these might help us understand and better ourselves.

[Annabell Champeaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the stories and rituals in this book. I was especially drawn to the stories and rituals for Scorpio, Neptune, and Pluto. I will definitely recommend this book to my family and friends.

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Arc Review) I enjoyed all the myths and legends and also really loved the idea of having a ritual to connect with the energy of each planet and zodiac sign. It was a very creative astrology book and wonderfully illustrated ✨

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Stories Behind Astrology details the origin mythology of the zodiac. It's interesting and informative.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the idea - where do the constellations and their accompanying zodiac signs get their names? The execution...honestly, it all felt made-up by the author. No doubt many of the tales told here are from some historical mythology, but the case wasn't convincingly made that these are the true origins of the constellation or astrological sign names.

[Kate Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

A interesting book filled with beautiful illustrations. This book features the tales behind each of the 12 zodiac signs as well as dates, characteristics, the element and planet associated with each sign and a ritual for you to try.
Very well laid out and easy to read cover to cover or dip in and out of.
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto publishing for my arc copy.