Kevin Burk - Astrology: Understanding the Birth Chart

KEVIN BURK

I couldn't have possibly written this book on my own. However, since there's only room on the cover for one name (mine), I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the people who truly helped make this book possible.

I want to thank Terry Lamb, who was my first astrology instructor, and who is therefore one of the people directly responsible for the book that you're reading right now because she gave me the foundation that enabled me to write this book. Terry's classes and instruction prepared me to complete my NCGR Level IV certification in Astrological Counseling. Terry is also the person who introduced me to the incredible power of Classical Astrology.

I also want to thank and acknowledge Dr. J. Lee Lehman, Ph.D., both on a personal level, for the invaluable information that I have received as one of her students, and on a professional level for the work that she has done to bring Classical Astrology techniques into modern usage. Her books, Essential Dignities and Classical Astrology for Modern Living are the bibles of classical astrology.

Jim Shawvan took on the daunting task of being my first reader and editor of both this volume and the companion math book. His feedback on both major issues (the astronomy facts are correct thanks to Jim) and minor issues (I'm embarrassed to remember how many typographical errors he caught) is greatly appreciated.

Andrea Neff, my editor at Llewellyn, picked up where Jim left off, and has helped me to smooth out the remaining rough edges. Never underestimate the value and importance of a good editor!

I also want to acknowledge and thank some other very important teachers (who just think that they happened to be my students at the time). Robyn Dennen and Lorraine Del-Rose actually helped me to complete this book, because I was teaching the material to them as I was writing it, and had to keep at least one chapter ahead of them at all times. Julie Braden, Patricia Ray, Diana Wall, and Michael Zlocki gave me the chance to refine and revise the material, by asking me to teach it to them.

On a more personal note, I've been blessed with the love, wisdom, and support of many other teachers, who, while they didn't specifically teach me about astrology, certainly taught me how to work with astrology in a loving, healing, and compassionate way. Dorothy, Adam, and Argena, this book is dedicated to you.

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Chapter 1

Chapter 2

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Chapter 3

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Chapter 4

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Chapter 5

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Chapter 6

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Chapter 7

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Chapter 8

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Chapter 9

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Chapter 10

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Chapter 11

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Chapter 12

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Appendix A

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Appendix B

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Appendix C

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List of Figures

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What is astrology? If you ask most people today, they'll tell you that it has something to do with your date of birth, and probably also something to do with the daily horoscope columns you can find in most newspapers and magazines. Whether or not they profess to believe in astrology, most people know what their "sign" is (even if they don't understand what that means). Although the popularity of these types of columns (and books, too) has kept astrology at least near the mainstream of popular culture, they have nothing at all to do with real astrology.

Astrology is not a science, at least not by today's definition of the term. Portions of astrology do overlap with the realm of science, and as research astrologers have demonstrated time and again, astrological influences can be shown to have statistically significant results. By far the most famous studies were done by Francoise and Michel Gauquelin, showing how the planet Mars has a pronounced tendency to be strongly placed in the charts of successful professional athletes. Much of astrology, though, falls outside of the very limited realm of "science" into what is loosely termed "metaphysics."

Astrology is also not a religion. You don't need to believe in astrology in order to use astrology any more than you need to believe in a hammer to use a hammer. Astrology is a tool, nothing more, nothing less. It is an amazingly versatile tool with a wide range of applications, but it is a tool, nonetheless; and as is the case with any tool, its use is more appropriate in some situations than in others.

So astrology is not a science, not a religion, and has almost nothing to do with the daily horoscope columns in the newspapers. What is it then?

Astrology is the study of cycles. By observing the cyclical movements of the planets, we are able to gain a greater understanding of the cycles and patterns in our own lives. Astrology can be a powerful tool for healing and transformation, and it can be a key that can unlock a greater spiritual connection to the universe. Astrology can be applied in many ways to many different situations. Although astrology is not fortunetelling, when skillfully applied, astrology can be an extremely effective predictive tool.

On a personal level, astrology can be used to gain a deeper understanding of our individual life paths and life experiences. Exploring the natal chart (also known as the birth chart or horoscope) can give us insight into our personal issues, our patterns, our fears, and our dreams. We can gain insight into our purpose in life and gain a stronger sense of self. Astrology is a tool that can help us understand and unlock our highest potentials, and that can teach us how to live in harmony with the universe.