Introduction to Traditional Natal Astrology: A Complete Working Guide for Modern Astrologers

Traditional astrology has had a renaissance in recent years, and there have been a number of texts written to explain some of the ancient techniques. I have studied astrology for nearly 50 years, and like many, I am incorporating traditional methods into my own practice. I would recommend that anyone wishing to understand the basics of traditional astrology start with this book. It is the clearest treatment I have read on the subject, and will be of great assistance in understanding other books on traditional astrology. The author's additional insights and wisdom are also appreciated.

I am renewing my knowledge of astrology, both modern and ancient. This book fills the bill perfectly. Clearly written, doesn't just review the same old tropes in the same old way.

A really good read and primer to traditional astrology, and not just for modern practicing astrologers (as the title suggests), but also for the student/aspiring traditional astrologer. The no nonsense comparisons between modern and traditional practice are straight up and clear. The comparisons might conflict with the modern practitioner's philosophy, but the author is careful to always bring the discussion back around to the modern approach.However, my edition (first?) of the book has lots of typos. Some are minor, and some are egregious (sticklers will see any typo as egregious!). For example, during an eight house discussion the terminology suddenly changes and 'eighth house' becomes 'fourth house.' With POD publishing the typos have probably already been corrected, but this is tough to overlook. So even though I thoroughly recommend this book, and I liked the price, I have to give it 4 stars for the editing or lack of editing and the fact that my copy of the book has both copy edit marks and marginalia. :-)

Having very little knowledge of astrology at all this was a great place to start traditional methods. The book is meant for those with a background in modern astrology, (as the cover boldly states), yet I was still able to muddle through with the help of the internet The book opens the door to this fairly vast subject and lets you get your feet wet. An index would have granted a 5th star and the book could use a bit of editing. I would love to see the book expanded to guide a complete novice into traditional astrology without the need to learn the modern methods as a precursor. Perhaps 'Introduction to Traditional Natal Astrology for the Complete Newb" I'm now heading into Chris Brennan's Hellenistic Astrology with a bit more confidence. Thank you Mr. Obert!

This is an excellent introduction to traditional astrology, an easy to read but thorough account of the principles of traditional practices. The annotated bibliography in the end-pages is especially helpful. The author draws his interpretive framework from Morin's Astrologia Gallica Book 21, which he insists is required reading. I have that book, but I intend to read through this one again, and perhaps again, to get a better grasp of the basics which the author presents in a very readable form. I gave the book 4 stars because of the poor text editing that failed to correct rather obvious grammatical and textual errors.

great, clear + simpler way of explaining the complex method of using traditional natal astrology

Good reading.

Very well done great for modern astrologers wanting to learn something of traditional astrology and use in practice.

I won't bore you with a long detailed analysis of this book. But to put it very simply this is the best book on Traditional Astrology by a mile and I say this with having read many books on the subject. Charlie writes in a clear and concise manner and gets right into the depth of the subject with clear guidance on interpretation techniques. Why some have moaned about the typo errors and given it 4 stars is beyond me? That is not Charlie's fault but the publisher's. Well worth the money and mine had no typos! LOL

Being a relatively short yet very to-the-point book, this has become my new favorite on traditional astrology. I have re-read it at least four times so far. I like that not only traditional concepts (which are very different than those of modern astrology )are explained, but we get an introduction into the mind set of pre-modern man.

The best book on traditional (17th century in this case) astrology I've ever read - Obert nails the basics in a very engaging and easy to understand way. If you are interested in learning this art, start here.

Look past the poor cover design and you’ll find an excellent book on traditional astrology by an experienced and thoughtful astrologer. Recommended.

Brilliant start for the beginner