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The Real Astrology - John Frawley
£18.99
Apprentice Books
Available from www.johnfrawley.com
Reviewed by Wanda Sellar in Astrology Quarterly Autumn 2001
  This
is a book that needed to see the light of day. Without mincing words,
the author illustrates how the path of astrological thought has meandered
away from its natural source. He throws down the gauntlet, with a passion,
to those who would diminish the noble art of astrology. His words have
a razor-sharp edge and we sit up and take notice. He particularly condemns
the nebulous outpourings that have become known as psychological astrology.
He illustrates just how wide the chasm between real astrology and the
travesty it has become, as in Sun sign columns for instance.
His own studies have taken him to the early writings of astrology and
he states that ‘more books does not equate more knowledge’.
He encourages us to look at the source of astrology citing the works of
such writers as William Lilly and Abu ‘Ali Al-Khayyat’.
Some people may argue that psychology married with astrology may have
enriched the older art. Yet the author feels modern exponents of astrology
have lost touch with their roots. He cites the demise of many tried and
tested techniques such as the antiscion, reception and the judgement of
relative strengths of the planets. Yet in fairness his apparent rancour
is not reserved solely for the current bastardisation of astrology. He
refers to the 17th century astrologer, John Partridge, who published an
annual almanac that was apparently equivalent to a sun-sign column. Few
centuries can resist the quick buck, it seems! Quoting another source,
he agrees that what passes for astrology today, especially within the
media, is in fact a branch of journalism.
The author also debunks some of our cherished notions about Alan Leo,
the founder of the Astrological Lodge of London. He maintains that Leo
tried, ineffectually, to modernise astrology and was in part responsible
for the frivolous view in which it is held today.
I wholeheartedly agree with him when he says that the teaching of astrology
should begin with Horary followed by Electional astrology. This will give
the student sound astrological technique and put him/her in a better position
to judge the ‘more complex matter of a human life’, he says.
It would seem that the author’s chagrin is with the superficial
public portrayal of our art as well as the pseudo-psychological interpretations
by unqualified practitioners. He doesn’t pull his punches but I
personally feel that by dismissing psychological astrology, he may also
be in danger of throwing the baby out with the bath water - in reverse.
Not everyone feels that astrology should only be a material or physical
expression of the cosmos. But perhaps neither does the author. What I
feel he exhorts us to do is clean up our act. He has to be admired in
having the courage to stand up and say so.
This book will have ‘traditional astrologers’ nodding their
head in agreement but ‘psychological astrologers’ may feel
that the author is somewhat prejudiced against them. None can deny the
earnest and erudite quality of this book. It will undoubtedly stimulate
astrological discussion and debate, and that is no bad thing. It is a
thought provoking book clearing up many modern misconceptions. This book
would be a exciting addition to anyone’s astrological library.
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