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Use Your Planets Wisely: Master Your Ultimate Cosmic Potential with Psychological Astrology
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and archetypal transformation with psychological astrology.
Your cosmic DNA is written in the skies--and when you explore the celestial threads that weave together your unique tapestry, you discover a map to your greatest potential in this lifetime.
Written by popular astrologer and depth psychologist Jennifer Freed, PhD, Use Your Planets Wisely is an innovative and transformative guide to personal evolution through astrology. Bridging the archetypal nature of the birth chart with an understanding of psychological growth, Freed helps us see the many parts of ourselves with new clarity--both the parts we love and the parts we try to hide--and then work with each part as we come into greater alignment with our most joyful and impactful lives.
Use Your Planets Wisely is written with the complete beginner in mind, though even experienced readers will find value as Freed expertly demystifies elements of astrology that are often either overlooked or overly complicated. First, an insightful integration of astrology and psychology helps us identify the primitive, adaptive, and evolving expressions of the star signs within our charts. Then, through reflection questions and activities, we learn to celebrate the places we already shine and grow into our potential to thrive and serve where we've been stuck.
This book is your invitation to embark on a journey to greater connection, joy, and purpose with the archetypal guidance of the stars.
Your cosmic DNA is written in the skies--and when you explore the celestial threads that weave together your unique tapestry, you discover a map to your greatest potential in this lifetime.
Written by popular astrologer and depth psychologist Jennifer Freed, PhD, Use Your Planets Wisely is an innovative and transformative guide to personal evolution through astrology. Bridging the archetypal nature of the birth chart with an understanding of psychological growth, Freed helps us see the many parts of ourselves with new clarity--both the parts we love and the parts we try to hide--and then work with each part as we come into greater alignment with our most joyful and impactful lives.
Use Your Planets Wisely is written with the complete beginner in mind, though even experienced readers will find value as Freed expertly demystifies elements of astrology that are often either overlooked or overly complicated. First, an insightful integration of astrology and psychology helps us identify the primitive, adaptive, and evolving expressions of the star signs within our charts. Then, through reflection questions and activities, we learn to celebrate the places we already shine and grow into our potential to thrive and serve where we've been stuck.
This book is your invitation to embark on a journey to greater connection, joy, and purpose with the archetypal guidance of the stars.
304 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2022
119 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Freed
24 books25 followersBio for Dr. Jennifer Freed, Ph.D.:
Dr. Jennifer Freed is a renowned psychological astrologer, bestselling author, and thought leader in relational and emotional intelligence. With over four decades of experience guiding individuals toward soul realization, she blends clinical insight with celestial wisdom to create transformational tools for healing and connection. Her latest novel, Beyond Aquarius, is a radiant tapestry of romance, astrology, and self-discovery—inviting readers to expand their hearts beyond traditional boundaries. A celebrated speaker and cultural commentator, Dr. Freed continues to inspire global audiences with her visionary voice, playful spirit, and profound commitment to love as a revolutionary force.
Dr. Jennifer Freed is a renowned psychological astrologer, bestselling author, and thought leader in relational and emotional intelligence. With over four decades of experience guiding individuals toward soul realization, she blends clinical insight with celestial wisdom to create transformational tools for healing and connection. Her latest novel, Beyond Aquarius, is a radiant tapestry of romance, astrology, and self-discovery—inviting readers to expand their hearts beyond traditional boundaries. A celebrated speaker and cultural commentator, Dr. Freed continues to inspire global audiences with her visionary voice, playful spirit, and profound commitment to love as a revolutionary force.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 21, 2020
In the introduction of her book, Dr. Freed says: “You are receiving a magnificent gift, and with it comes an ethical responsibility. The knowledge in this book will give you what you need to dramatically transform your relationship to yourself and others—a laser-like insight into what makes you tick and into what truly motivates others.”
I’ve known for a few years that we are so much more than our Sun sign. Though I wasn’t exactly sure how to understand and work with all my other signs.
Dr. Freed’s book has taken care of that. I was astonished at the accuracy of each of my signs within the planets as I read them. She breaks each sign/planet down into what she calls, primitive, adaptive and evolving. In being honest, some of the primitive for my particular signs were difficult to read. But the reality is that they were true.
Through transformational work I’ve done over the years I’ve learned to discern and take things such as this as opportunities to grow. Reading the adaptive and evolving descriptions is something I was able to glean how far I’ve come and also what I can do to become an even better human being.
I really appreciate the psychological aspect Dr. Freed brings to the table with astrology. Her book helps us to see ourselves from a different and much deeper perspective than the simple and often not useful horoscopes that only include our sun sign.
I’ve brought this book to the attention of my women’s circle and hoping we will use it as a monthly discussion and take advantage of the exercises at the end of the chapter. If not, I will definitely be doing it on my own to gain deeper insight.
I’ve known for a few years that we are so much more than our Sun sign. Though I wasn’t exactly sure how to understand and work with all my other signs.
Dr. Freed’s book has taken care of that. I was astonished at the accuracy of each of my signs within the planets as I read them. She breaks each sign/planet down into what she calls, primitive, adaptive and evolving. In being honest, some of the primitive for my particular signs were difficult to read. But the reality is that they were true.
Through transformational work I’ve done over the years I’ve learned to discern and take things such as this as opportunities to grow. Reading the adaptive and evolving descriptions is something I was able to glean how far I’ve come and also what I can do to become an even better human being.
I really appreciate the psychological aspect Dr. Freed brings to the table with astrology. Her book helps us to see ourselves from a different and much deeper perspective than the simple and often not useful horoscopes that only include our sun sign.
I’ve brought this book to the attention of my women’s circle and hoping we will use it as a monthly discussion and take advantage of the exercises at the end of the chapter. If not, I will definitely be doing it on my own to gain deeper insight.
March 3, 2024
Good info for beginners but not much here for an advanced astrologer
January 20, 2021
I was looking forward to this book's focus on astropsychology, but I found it to be lackluster. In Freed's Intro, she mentions her study and practice of depth psychology (with a nod at the back of the book to practitioners and authors like Jung, Estes, Freud, etc.).
I thought this book would be a deep dive into the insights gleaned from combining the study of astrology with archetypal stories and myths for understanding the psyche. Yet, the book did nothing to actually tie in the significance of the (solely Greco/Roman) cultural myths and stories to demonstrate how astrology and our interpretations of archetypes reveals aspects of our psyches.
I had a tough time with the hierarchical depictions of "primitive" (I actually cringed at that word use), "adaptive," and "evolving" dissections of each sign and placement. I found this to be stereotyped and reductive, as well as sending a judgemental message to people about how to view the energy they are witnessing in themselves.
Freed's assignment of each energy's "levels" carries the same "low vibration, high vibration" new age hierarchical enlightenment verbiage that I find to be harmful (and promotes spiritual bypassing). To me, embracing the spectrum of planetary, archetypal, and sign energy without a superficially imposed hierarchy is what actually moves the needle on psychological growth and understanding of something greater than ourselves.
This book is useful for giving a very brief and relatable introduction to the complex system of Western Astrology. It helps create an invitation for beginners to get curious about doing their own exploration.
I thought this book would be a deep dive into the insights gleaned from combining the study of astrology with archetypal stories and myths for understanding the psyche. Yet, the book did nothing to actually tie in the significance of the (solely Greco/Roman) cultural myths and stories to demonstrate how astrology and our interpretations of archetypes reveals aspects of our psyches.
I had a tough time with the hierarchical depictions of "primitive" (I actually cringed at that word use), "adaptive," and "evolving" dissections of each sign and placement. I found this to be stereotyped and reductive, as well as sending a judgemental message to people about how to view the energy they are witnessing in themselves.
Freed's assignment of each energy's "levels" carries the same "low vibration, high vibration" new age hierarchical enlightenment verbiage that I find to be harmful (and promotes spiritual bypassing). To me, embracing the spectrum of planetary, archetypal, and sign energy without a superficially imposed hierarchy is what actually moves the needle on psychological growth and understanding of something greater than ourselves.
This book is useful for giving a very brief and relatable introduction to the complex system of Western Astrology. It helps create an invitation for beginners to get curious about doing their own exploration.
October 24, 2019
I am very interested in astrology and psychology. I was looking forward to reading this book because it claims to be a mix of psychology and astrology.
Unfortunately, I didn't find a lot of psychology in the book. Yes, the author gives us some exercises to do after each chapter but there was no psychology in it.
Coming to astrology, the author mentions right in the beginning that you need a full chart which can be found online. I could find it with relative ease, no problems at all. But the explanations didn't really match for me. It's a small book to read because you will only read the sections that pertain to you.
There were some things that the author did really well, like talking about the myths supporting a planet as well as looking through the lens of primitive, adaptive and evolving.
I think you might like this book if you don't know anything about astrology at all. If you do know a little bit of astrology, like me who knows a bit of vedic astrology, this isn't that great or that accurate.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.
Unfortunately, I didn't find a lot of psychology in the book. Yes, the author gives us some exercises to do after each chapter but there was no psychology in it.
Coming to astrology, the author mentions right in the beginning that you need a full chart which can be found online. I could find it with relative ease, no problems at all. But the explanations didn't really match for me. It's a small book to read because you will only read the sections that pertain to you.
There were some things that the author did really well, like talking about the myths supporting a planet as well as looking through the lens of primitive, adaptive and evolving.
I think you might like this book if you don't know anything about astrology at all. If you do know a little bit of astrology, like me who knows a bit of vedic astrology, this isn't that great or that accurate.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.
July 11, 2020
Incredible. A fantastic first read into astrology I would recommend to any interested beginner.
It covers the planets in each sign, as well as chiron and rising. Besides some similarities in discussing uranus and pluto, and repetition within signs in different placements (eg. excerpts of venus in libra repeated in saturn in libra, and uranus in libra), I have nothing bad to say about this book.
I hope she writes more because her writing style is entertaining, accessible and to the point - not dry at all - and I want to learn about sextiles, trines, north and south nodes, etc.
It covers the planets in each sign, as well as chiron and rising. Besides some similarities in discussing uranus and pluto, and repetition within signs in different placements (eg. excerpts of venus in libra repeated in saturn in libra, and uranus in libra), I have nothing bad to say about this book.
I hope she writes more because her writing style is entertaining, accessible and to the point - not dry at all - and I want to learn about sextiles, trines, north and south nodes, etc.
February 27, 2020
Add another layer to your astrology knowledge with this book. A brief break down of the planets in the signs shows us how our behaviors impact our interactions. Are we operating with selfish intent at a primitive level or are we evolving into a being who brings out the best in everyone? At times it felt repetitive. Yes, I get it my primitive Venus in Taurus is alllll about me, me, me...and so is my Mercury in Leo....and so is my Mars in Scorpio....and so is....you get the drift.
May 12, 2020
I am intrigued by the idea of the intersection of astrology, psychology and emotional well being. I also was drawn to the levels of evolution in each of the sign categories.
The book is a bit more of a tool rather than a deep read as much of the book will not apply to you if you are just working on your own chart.
I did really like the app she recommends (Time Passages) - I felt like this gave me a bit more detail to supplement what was highlighted in the book.
The book is a bit more of a tool rather than a deep read as much of the book will not apply to you if you are just working on your own chart.
I did really like the app she recommends (Time Passages) - I felt like this gave me a bit more detail to supplement what was highlighted in the book.
October 16, 2022
My goddessmother gave this book to me for my birthday along with a chart reading. I love that there's so much more to astrology than the "sun sign," and the way Freed suggests we use our charts to understand whether we are in the primitive, adapting or evolving stage of the full potential of each aspect of our chart. I've already read it twice - with a copy of my chart tucked inside for easy reference.
September 20, 2024
ok; background info: I'm one of those people who loves astrology and anything to do with outer space and sci-fi. I'm also one of those people who determines who you are based on your zodiac sign. dON'T JuDGE mE TOO QuiCKLY.
This was more of an educational book that a "don't talk to me I'm reading" book. I did enjoy it cause it was well-informed, but I don't like most people would.
This was more of an educational book that a "don't talk to me I'm reading" book. I did enjoy it cause it was well-informed, but I don't like most people would.
December 3, 2019
Use Your Planets Wisely is full of information on astrology, but not anything on psychology. There are a few exercises in this book for the reader to do. A interesting book for those interested in astrology.
April 1, 2020
You can easily quite literally get all of the information in this book, and far more, for free by getting your birth chart at a website such as cafeastrology.com. Don't waste your money
March 21, 2021
A great way to do and understand astrology with heaps of practical directives to develop Self
November 4, 2022
A lot of fun to read. Loved reading this out loud with friends and hearing everyone’s different placements
Read
June 13, 2023Fun!
July 19, 2025
I didn’t find this book to be as spot on as most I have read. I think there are plenty more accurate books out there.
November 10, 2019
A psychological astrology book that sums up each planet and its behaviour in each sign. Yes, a long read.
The chapters start with the original myth of the planet, followed by a nature based sign (e.g. comparing the characteristics of the planet with a plant).
Moving on to three levels of expression in each zodiac sign; primitive (survival mode), adaptive (maturing) and evolving (serving the collective).
Journaling prompts round off the chapters.
It's well written and easy to follow. I would use this book as a quick refence guide.
The chapters start with the original myth of the planet, followed by a nature based sign (e.g. comparing the characteristics of the planet with a plant).
Moving on to three levels of expression in each zodiac sign; primitive (survival mode), adaptive (maturing) and evolving (serving the collective).
Journaling prompts round off the chapters.
It's well written and easy to follow. I would use this book as a quick refence guide.
January 23, 2020
Thanks to Sounds True for the ARC!
I apologize that I wasn't able to give feedback before the pub date. I took longer than I expected to read it, but the reason was that I was actually enjoying and studying each page. I didn't want to miss any details. Even the author said, it's important to feel these words. It's a lot of information, you're not supposed to remember everything just after reading it once. It takes time, but it's worth it.
I got my birth chart online a few years ago, but the website didn't explain it to me. It was kinda frustrating. I wanted to learn more. I wanted to understand what all those planets and signs meant together... But for a while, I forgot all about it. I thought it would be too difficult to find reliable sources for free on the internet. It's not a secret that many people share wrong, vague information just to get hits on their social medias. I think that's the reason why so many people don't believe in astrology... But anyway!
Then, in 2019, I saw this book and I thought: "OMG, I'll finally understand it!!!"
I did not only understood my birth chart, but I also learned a lot about humans. So many things made sense now. I even asked my friends to share their birth charts with me just so I could check the other influences. I was shocked to see how the book was totally describing us.
The reason I'm giving it 4 stars (and not 5) is only because I didn't feel motivated to do all the practices. Some of them were just not for me. At some point I started answering them only in my head, without writing anything... And I know that wasn't the intention.
I apologize that I wasn't able to give feedback before the pub date. I took longer than I expected to read it, but the reason was that I was actually enjoying and studying each page. I didn't want to miss any details. Even the author said, it's important to feel these words. It's a lot of information, you're not supposed to remember everything just after reading it once. It takes time, but it's worth it.
I got my birth chart online a few years ago, but the website didn't explain it to me. It was kinda frustrating. I wanted to learn more. I wanted to understand what all those planets and signs meant together... But for a while, I forgot all about it. I thought it would be too difficult to find reliable sources for free on the internet. It's not a secret that many people share wrong, vague information just to get hits on their social medias. I think that's the reason why so many people don't believe in astrology... But anyway!
Then, in 2019, I saw this book and I thought: "OMG, I'll finally understand it!!!"
I did not only understood my birth chart, but I also learned a lot about humans. So many things made sense now. I even asked my friends to share their birth charts with me just so I could check the other influences. I was shocked to see how the book was totally describing us.
The reason I'm giving it 4 stars (and not 5) is only because I didn't feel motivated to do all the practices. Some of them were just not for me. At some point I started answering them only in my head, without writing anything... And I know that wasn't the intention.
July 15, 2020
2.5 - While I enjoy the perspective of psychological astrology, and the idea that we have three levels of health for expressing each of our planetary placements was helpful and new to me (similar to the Enneagram), this is a very basic book for beginners. It sets a good foundation if you’re very new to astrology and offers a quick reference if you’re more experienced.
The exercises are a nice touch if you have the willpower to make yourself do them (so far I have not).
Unfortunately I was looking for something much more advanced. Use Your Planets Wisely only touches on the planets in each sign and the descriptions left me wanting more and feeling slightly cheated. There are no mentions of the houses, aspects, or the Nodes, which are critical in understanding your chart as they will impact the way the planets influence you significantly.
Overall the idea of psychological astrology was fun to explore and consider, but if you’re looking for deep wisdom and clarity, this is only the tip of the iceberg.
The exercises are a nice touch if you have the willpower to make yourself do them (so far I have not).
Unfortunately I was looking for something much more advanced. Use Your Planets Wisely only touches on the planets in each sign and the descriptions left me wanting more and feeling slightly cheated. There are no mentions of the houses, aspects, or the Nodes, which are critical in understanding your chart as they will impact the way the planets influence you significantly.
Overall the idea of psychological astrology was fun to explore and consider, but if you’re looking for deep wisdom and clarity, this is only the tip of the iceberg.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews