The Principles of Astrology

by Charles E. O. Carter

While Carter said he intended this book for "beginners", he didn't quite mean that. While he does spin you through the basic signs & houses, while he tells you how to construct a chart (both north and south of the equator), if you've already grasped that, you'll be prepared for the amazing details, the practical, hard-won, sharply observed things that you simply won't find anywhere else. Open the book anywhere & you'll be surprised. Mutable signs rising tend to slouch. What's another way to spot a Leo rising? They love fur. Did you ever really want to know what death looks like in a chart? How about infant mortality? Carter gives you the good, and the bad, and so much more as well. Get this book (and the companion, Some Principles of Horoscopic Delineation , and, using them, learn astrology and unlock his other books, among them: Astrology of Accidents , Encyclopaedia of Psychological Astrology , Symbolic Directions in Modern Astrology, and, The Astrological Aspects But here is Carter, himself. From the Foreword to the first edition of this book: The present work is designed to give a clear and concise presentation of the essential facts of modern Astrology. A good deal of experience in teaching the average beginner has convinced me that, while there are several text-books suitable for the use of the more advanced student or of a novice who has the advantage of personal tuition, the majority are either too prolix or too condensed for one who is compelled to be his own instructor. Moreover, Astrology is now to some extent in the melting-pot : on the one hand, many new ideas are being introduced ; on the other, statistical research, such as earlier astrologers could not carry out for lack of sufficient data, has cast considerable doubt on the validity of portions of the rather incoherent mass of tradition that till recent years represented astrological science. The beginner does not wish to be confronted with controversial matters, however attractive he may find them later. He requires, firstly, a statement of what may be regarded as known astrological facts ; and secondly, an explanation as to how these facts affect human life. It is this that I have aimed at giving him. An endeavour is made not to neglect the theoretical aspects of Astrology, for the modern student dislikes what appear to him as isolated statements, and looks for a logical and synthetic aspect to our teaching, without, of course, wishing to plunge at the outset into metaphysical speculation. I trust that the Index will be of considerable use in practice, since it should enable the student to find readily those passages that deal with any matter that may trouble him. Finally, I would express my sincere hope that this book may be of some value in assisting its readers to grasp something of the true nature and worth of astrological science, both in the commonest and the most sublime aspects of human life. Those who have realized what this may mean to the individual are reluctant to set any bounds to their estimate of the beneficial effects that its universal recognition, in a proper form, would mean to the human race. Charles E. O. Carter

Genres: Astrology

Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Nikki Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a professional astrologer, I very much enjoyed this book. It was one of the best astrology books I have read in a long time, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because of its density. Unless you already have a thorough understanding of astrology, it can be a difficult read. I would not recommend it as a beginner's first astrology book.

When I say this is a dense book, I mean that Carter will discuss a subject in a single paragraph—or even a single sentence—that modern astrologers might devote an entire lecture to. For example, this is his complete discussion of parallels, found in the section on aspects:

"The Parallel of Declination occurs when two bodies have the same declination or distance from the celestial equator. Whether both of them are north, both south, or one north and one south, appears immaterial. It is abbreviated as par. dec., par., or simply P."

This is the only paragraph devoted to parallels, and Carter never mentions them again.

A seasoned astrologer can recognize that he is folding parallels into the broader discussion of aspects and giving them treatment equal to the other aspects he discusses—conjunctions, oppositions, trines, squares, sextiles, semi-squares, sesquiquadrates, semi-sextiles, and quincunxes. A beginner, however, may find it intimidating to encounter so many concepts with very little explanation, no examples, and almost no interpretation beyond a brief sketch.

The edition I read was the 5th edition, published in 1973. Carter does not discuss Pluto extensively, which is understandable given that the book was originally written in 1925 and Pluto was not discovered until 1930. Likewise, some topics emphasized by contemporary astrologers receive little attention or are absent altogether.

If you are looking for a bridge between classical and modern astrology, this is an excellent book. I would recommend approaching it with a solid astrology background and plenty of time to test and experiment with Carter's methods, many of which differ significantly from modern approaches.

The book also includes instructions for calculating charts by hand, something most contemporary astrology texts skip in favor of software. While the overall approach is more deterministic than much of today's astrology, Carter readily acknowledges the role of free will and offers guidance on how a person might use knowledge of the natal chart to steer their fate toward the possibilities the chart promises.

[sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting book