SPIRITUAL APPROACH TO ASTROLOGY

by First Last

In A Spiritual Approach to Astrology , Myrna Lofthus strives to re-awaken the conscious mind to the intentions and meaning of this lifetime of which the higher self was aware before birth. "Thus," she writes, "you are made aware of what you wished to accomplish and in what areas of life you need the most work and understanding." Drawing upon the universal teachings of reincarnation as expressed in Edgar Cayce's work, Myrna Lofthus illuminates the karmic patterns reflected in the birth chart. Dozens of charts and illustrations help the reader to understand the astronomical and the theoretical foundations of the birth chart. The lengthy section on aspects not only explains their karmic meaning but includes interpretations of the 40° ("nonagen" or "novile") and the 150° ("quincunx") aspects, as well as aspects to the Moon's nodes, Part of Fortune, Ascendant, and Midheaven, all of which are rarely found in other books. This comprehensive guide places astrology within a spiritual context and makes it accessible to novice students with no prior knowledge of astrology as well as advanced students seeking specialized information on the subtler implications of astrological configurations. Myrna Lofthus , a lifelong student of world religions and philosophies, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Pacific Lutheran University. Strongly influenced in her search for truth by the philosophy of Edgar Cayce and by the astrological concepts of Isabel Hickey, Myrna Lofthus has come to view astrology as a way an individual can find the main purpose of this incarnation.

Genres: Astrology, Nonfiction, Spirituality

100 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1983

Reviews

[Shane · Rating 2 out of 5]

More than many others published around the same time, A Spiritual Approach to Astrology (1983) has dated. That’s partly because Myrna Lofthus, a devotee of mystic Edgar Cayce, grounds her theory in astronomical facts, some still valid and others redundant due to newer discoveries (if all intermingled with her whimsically inventive use of the planets’ traits as metaphors for the traits of souls they rule).

To appreciate where she’s coming from, you’ll probably need to (1) accept – or at least not reject – the premise of reincarnation; (2) believe in the kindness, love and compassion of a paternal Creator; (3) suspend disbelief re Lofthus’s touchingly simple logic. From her preface: ‘The reason we temporarily forget our past lives is God’s protection from the remembrance of negative lives which would only cause deep distress.’

Why God should want to protect His charges from traumatic memories but not genocide, war, drought, disease, tsunamis etc. makes little sense, even if you believe that all who suffer have karmic debts to complete – for which, see the last chapter, on the meaning of aspects, which comprises nearly a third of the text. This section is so schematised as to make for highly repetitive reading, and often seems extremely general, e.g.: ‘These individuals have the ability to communicate ideas and concepts to others, either verbally or in writing.’ Or: ‘There may be creative abilities which could be pursued.’ And quite a few aspects signify distress suffered with, among others, ‘friends who are in actuality hidden enemies from former lives’.

In what other ways has this quaint text dated? The section ‘Pluto in Scorpio: (1984–1996)’ contains some revealing predictions:

Astrology will be taught in schools and colleges. Emphasis in education will be toward the development of the potential of the individual. Psychic research will be promoted by the government. Psychic healing will be commonplace. Corruption will continue to be brought out into the open. Criminals will be severely punished, but crime will continue. The lost continent of Atlantis will rise with many buildings and artifacts still intact.

Though Lofthus made these among other, related prophecies in the ’80s, not one of them refers to technology.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another essential beginner's book that incorporates deeper discussion of astrological aspects.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reference guide - an original take on a lot of concepts that really helped my understanding to grow. Homophobic and sexist in the ways that astrological texts from the 1980s tend to be.

[Chandler King · Rating 2 out of 5]

I highly recommend Shaq’s new armchair, if the leg support raises higher than the waste line when all the way up.

[Brittinay Lenhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I would’ve read this years ago when I got into astrology - it’s so good and I highly encourage people into this lifestyle put this as their must read book

[Sarah Lombard · Rating 5 out of 5]

a book i have reffered to over the years.