Chart Interpretation Handbook: Guidelines for Understanding the Essentials of the Birth Chart

Stephen Arroyo is in my opinion the best astrologer of our time. He is able to combine impeccable technique with a deep understanding of the human being and its psyche. His astrology is a reflection of his humanistic orientation and his keen insight. All his books are an incredible worthwhile read for both the beginning and the veteran astrologer.In his Chart Interpretation Handbook, Arroyo gives us a way of looking at the birth chart in terms of the energetic building blocks within it. Unlike more cookbook style texts, he does not provide just a list of planets, signs, houses but teaches the reader how to tune into the chart in a more subtle way. At first this text might seem a bit vague, but it is ultimately a text in which Arroyo shows us his particular way of sensing the subtle nuances of the astrological energies. Arroyo also in this text is a master at showing us how to unravel the themes within the birth chart. I particularly loved his description of the sub-tones of planets that is something that I use to this day in my chart interpretations. Stephen Arroyo is a fantastic astrologer and writer. All his books are marvellous and this one is no exception. I cannot recommend it enough.

As a new student to astrology I appreciate Stephen Arroyo's straightforward style. Easy to read and easy to understand, Arroyo breaks down chart interpretation into the basic elements of astrology. If you are familiar with Parker's Astrology, this book is totally different. While Parker's is very detailed, a sort of encyclopedia for astrology, this is a much smaller volume that gives general guidelines. Arroyo deliberately kept things general. Evidently he thinks it's best to think in broad terms and to only deal with the essentials of a chart when interpreting it. By teaching us the basics of astrology Arroyo helps us do that. I see Arroyo's book and the Parker book being very complementary--being a new student I appreciate what each has to offer.This is a great place to start of you are serious about understanding the fundamentals of astrology.

This book is the most valuable reference tool I own. I've always admired the way Stephen Arroyo makes astrology accessible and useful without all the hocus-pocus. He brings out the building blocks of chart interpretation and encourages the reader to think instead of just leaning on tradition. Everything you need is here: elements, signs, planets, houses, the trips and quads, aspects...The language is clear, modern, and anyone from the most neophytic can understand and apply it immediately.

Those familiar with Stephen Arroyo will not be surprised by the exceptional quality of this handbook which builds on his previous best-selling astrology books. In fact some of the content is directly lifted from previous work such as "Astrology,Karma and Transformation", but the book is no less value for money as a result. Step by step, Arroyo uses clear, modern language to reveal the essential meanings of any birth chart. Wisdom and clear intelligent insights spring from every page and even an experienced astrologer can benefit from Arroyo's imaginative and precise use of language. Unlike some of Arroyo's early work, the Chart Interpretation Handbook is expertly laid out, due no doubt to the editing skills of Jerilynn Marshall who Arroyo enthusiastically acknowledges. Its all here: the four elements and the twelve signs, key concepts for the planets, the planets in the signs, the ascendant and midheaven, the houses and planetary aspects. And, true to Arroyo's sense of humour (always bubbling away beneath the profound depth of his writing), there's even a couple of cartoons! I had been a practising astrologer for several years when this came out, and after one read through, the Chart Interpretation Handbook became my primary reference for birth chart work. It still is today! Highly recommended.

This has to be the best astrology book I own! Arroyo goes down to the basics of astrology, and teachs us how to use them like a tool, rather than learn traditional interpretations by heart. This book helps wannabe astrologers to think astrologically and to have a scientific approach to a chart. Astrology immediately feels more serious, less like "dabbling with the occult". I highly recommend it to scepical people, they might change their opinion about astrology!