The Only Way to Learn Astrology, Volume 1: Basic Principles

by Marion D. March, Joan McEvers

This new publication of a highly popular classic lives up to its title in presenting very clear instructions for how to learn astrology. As the first volume of a six volume series, this book teaches "Basic Principles" in a proven critically acclaimed method. Part 1 explains the symbolism of signs, planets, houses and aspects. Part 2 provides detailed delineation of each of the planets by sign, house placement and aspect, with thorough examples and then quizzes that allow the reader to self-test. Throughout, March and McEvers encourage their readers to "think like an astrologer."

Genres: Astrology, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Reference, Occult, New Age, Research

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Julie]

This book is an invaluable resource for those learning astrology. I will continue to reference it probably forever! This is certainly not my only astrology resource, but it does a good job of offering a more textbook-based approach with exercises for retention. I will say that some of the charts used as examples date the book, and it'd be worth it to issue a new edition with some updates. Regardless, this book is organized logically and can be referenced by section or read all the way through. After checking it out from the library several times, I finally bought myself a copy. :)

[Colin McPhillamy]

Absolutely brilliant primer.

Clear, yet detailed. A step by step guide through the basics. Highly recommended to beginner and intermediate level readers. A book I will return to many times, as I go on to read the rest of the series.

[Bee Kapitan]

Wow..this book is a reprint from 1986 and it's still full of excellent information regarding placement of planets in the different houses.

If you are looking to have a better understanding of your life's challenges and rewards, this book is an excellent tool to work injunction with your astro chart.

[Maira M. Moura]

A edição brasileira conta com muitos equívocos derivados de má ou pouca revisão, o que seria tolerável se não fosse por tais erros, como símbolos ou números errados nos mapas astrais, inutilizarem alguns dos exercícios. Infelizmente, eles realmente atrapalham a leitura e o estudo.

Fora isso, me vi recorrendo muito a fontes alternativas (como astrólogos no Youtube e sites especializados) para entender melhor ou mesmo aprofundar certos pontos do texto. Está no título que este é um curso "básico", o que justifica seu tom introdutório e mesmo superficial, mas acho que isso só tenha funcionado bem na parte I. Pessoalmente percebi um abismo entre a didática contida da primeira parte e a parte II, que chega a conter leituras "prontas" dos planetas por signos, por casas e por aspectos. Realmente, pelo o que estou aprendendo, não se lê mapa astral sem levar o conjunto em consideração (o que o próprio livro nos ensina), então me confundi um tanto com as leituras, já que elas soam menos como sugestões e mais como determinação de traços da personalidade ou mesmo eventos da vida de alguém sob a influência em questão.

Ainda assim, consegui adquirir as minhas primeiras noções concretas dos significados dos planetas, das casas e aspectos, além de aprender a fazer um aspectário - o que não parece grande habilidade hoje em dia em que se monta mapa e aspectário rápida e gratuitamente em sites de astrologia, mas ainda assim é definitivamente um conhecimento necessário para estudantes sérios.

[Liquidlasagna]

Today, you're better off to start with a batch of these, if not all of em:

Only Way to Learn Astrology - Volume I - Basic Principles - March/McEvers
Only Way To Learn Astrology - Volume II - Math and Interpretation Techniquess - March/McEvers
Only Way to Learn Astrology - Volume III - Horoscope Analysis - March/McEvers
Only Way to Learn About Tomorrow - Volume IV - March/McEvers
A Beginner's Guide to Practical Astrology - Vivian Robson
Astrology for Dummies - Rae Orion
Alan Oken's Complete Astrology - Alan Oken
Llewellyn's Complete Book of Astrology: The Easy Way to Learn Astrology - Kris Brandt Riske
Astrology: Classic Guide To Understanding Your Horoscope - Ronald Davison
Astrology: A Cosmic Science - Isabel Hickey
The Astrologer's Handbook - Sakoian/Acker
Secrets From a Stargazer's Notebook - Debbi Kempton-Smith
Astrology, A Comprehensive Guide to Classical Interpretation - Kevin Burke

I got a soft spot for March-Hickey-Sakoian-Oken
as the absolute must haves....

[Goastrotalk]

The Only Way to Learn Astrology truly lives up to its title. The authors explain astrology in a step-by-step manner, making it easy for beginners to understand zodiac signs, planets, houses, and chart interpretation. The exercises and quizzes are especially helpful for building confidence.

After reading this book, I wanted to continue my learning with practical lessons. If you're searching for a free online astrology course with certificate, I found GoAstroTalk to be a great resource for beginners.

👉 https://goastrotalk.com/

This book provides an excellent foundation, while an online course helps you apply what you've learned.

[Caro]

sa

[Karina]

It is really like taking a class through a book. Provides self tests as well. Highly recommend if you would like to learn how to read and understand birth charts!

[Jane Kendall]

This is a great book for beginners.

[Branwynne]

I’ve read a lot of beginner’s astrology books and this one is exceptional. The gendered language was annoying but otherwise the exercises were fantastic.

[mai ☾]

I reread this book last month. It used to be one of my favorites—and it still is. It’s incredibly thorough and remains surprisingly relevant for modern astrology enthusiasts.

[Tina]

This whole series is very accessible, with clear writing and well laid out lessons. I appreciated how I had to learn the "vocabulary" of astrology; learning the symbols of the signs and houses before moving on. A wonderful series. I highly recommend the whole series, with this, the first book, as my favorite. It gives you a strong foundation, which is vital for further studies and interpretations.

[Lina]

It´s a nice introduction. Didn´t like much the second part though. The descriptions are too repetitive and kind of uninspired (ok, it´s for beginners); besides, at least for me, it seems that there are some missing links between traits described in the first part and in the second.

[Kathy Kaylor]

This is the book to begin with. I learned the basics with this and volume II. The material is presented in an order that I believe makes it easier to comprehend and remember.

[George]

This was an excellent book if you want to learn more about the subject. It was recommended by my English teacher many years ago. I did not realize there were more volumes.

[Erin]

This series is an excellent way to learn about astrology. I used all three volumes as my basics, and included a few others too.

[Katyusha]

For a study this is the perfect book.