Eh. What I liked most about this was the deep mythological history of signs and, for me, that made it worth reading. What I didn't like is a longer liEh. What I liked most about this was the deep mythological history of signs and, for me, that made it worth reading. What I didn't like is a longer list... There's no mention that the reader should consider their moon, rising, or Venus signs and I found it extremely skewed towards whiteness or being fair-skinned. Although astrology inevitably contains sweeping generalizations, most of them were just too much for me, especially when it came to physical descriptions (which often involved being light-skinned) and family history. I also found the writing and language to be a little cringey at times--it may be a product of its time, but it felt like word choice was base to the point of trying to appeal to a wider audience. It would be interesting to see how an updated version of this would look....more
This book wasn't entirely what I expected--more of a great introduction than a complete guide. Glad to also have it as a reference book.This book wasn't entirely what I expected--more of a great introduction than a complete guide. Glad to also have it as a reference book....more
I really enjoyed this collection of essays and found it enlightening. I was specifically interested in the shadow within the self and less in groups oI really enjoyed this collection of essays and found it enlightening. I was specifically interested in the shadow within the self and less in groups or in greater society so I found those sections most helpful, but all of the topics covered were interesting and insightful....more
I originally sought this book out for an overview of the history of the occult over the centuries and how humans used and responded to it. It definiteI originally sought this book out for an overview of the history of the occult over the centuries and how humans used and responded to it. It definitely served its purpose for me in that regard--the author explores magic and other occult trends through the centuries from early man and also touches on witchcraft and spirits. Wilson discusses consciousness at length and theorizes that man has access to occult faculties/magic powers/perception/other senses that were lost to him over the course of evolution. This theory is additionally interesting and I think he makes a sound argument....more