Now at last, for students, practitioners, teachers, and those simply wanting to experiment with astrology, there is a step-by-step method using clear, modern language that reveals the essential meanings of any birth chart. This book focuses on precise, in-depth language in a way that never loses sight of the basic principles being considered. The author emphasizes how to think astrologically in such a way that the central, reliable meanings are always kept in view.Stephen Arroyo builds upon the principles and the approach that thousands of readers worldwide have appreciated and found personally meaningful in his previous books (for example, Astrology, Psychology & the Four Elements and Astrology, Karma & Transformation). This volume is a further development of that material and shows how to combine the keywords and interpretive phrases in a way that illuminates the meanings of the planets, signs, houses, and aspects emphasized in any chart.Those trying to learn astrology, especially those who use astrology as a self-help method for understanding deeper needs and motivations, have long been frustrated by the lack of a chart interpretation book that penetrates to the essential truths that people immediately identify with. The wisdom of astrology is too important to be lost in a profusion of words or endless minor details. The intelligent student quickly gets tired of simplistic advice and incomprehensible jargon. Now, this pioneering work fills the need for accessible, accurate interpretive guidelines that help one gain greater understanding of oneself and others.STEPHEN ARROYO is the author of numerous best-selling books on astrology, all of which have presented a type of astrology that is modern, innovative, and directed toward self-understanding. He is internationally renowned as a pioneer of in-depth astrology, which his writings express with remarkable clarity. His work is extremely popular around the world, with translations now appearing in nine languages. He has also been awarded the Astrology Prize by the British Astrological Association and the International Sun Award by the Fraternity of Canadian Astrologers. Mr. Arroyo holds an M.A. degree in psychology and for many years maintained a busy counseling practice. In addition, he taught some of the first credit classes in astrology in American colleges.Emphasizing the essentials of a Birth Chart is the best approach to chart interpretation because any important life theme will always be reflected in the major factors of the chart. The purpose of this book is to help the reader to focus on those essential meanings that are always reliable. Only by doing so can one be a clear lens for illuminating the complexities of life and human nature. -- Stephen Arroyo Shows how to combine the keywords and interpretive phrases in a way that illuminates the meanings of the planets, signs, houses, and aspects emphasized in any chart. For students and teachers alike, written in an easy-to-follow step-by-step manner.