The Real Astrology by John Frawley (London: Apprentice Books, 2000)

The Real Astrology is both a Martial and Jupiterian book: Martial, because it is a powerful and educated broadside against the most questionable beliefs of modern psychological astrology; but it is Jupiterian due to its constructive and educational contributions. Plus, it's often very funny.

Frawley is one of the leading public figures in recent efforts to explain and promote what he calls "real" astrology, i.e., the genuine tradition of systematic and predictive astrology practiced in the West until roughly 300 years ago. Since that time, "real" astrology has been whittled down, changed, parts ignored, and had new social and political agendas injected into it, so that it barely reflects its origins. Frawley hopes both to expose modern astrology's flaws and show the internal coherence, spirituality, and predictive ability of "real" astrology.

Frawley's "real" astrology (usually called "traditional") is more or less the Western tradition as interpreted and handed down by William Lilly (1602-1681). It is a later and more pared-down version of medieval astrology. And since Lilly is an acknowledged master of horary astrology, much traditional astrology is put in the context of horary. But to his credit, Frawley's presentation of traditional astrology includes chapters on electional, natal, mundane, and medical astrology, along with astrological meteorology and astrological magic.

The major strength of Frawley's book is his devastating combination of humor and exposing the flaws of modern psychological astrology. Modern astrology tends to be flattering, avoids speaking of evils or flaws, has a pollyannish view of freedom and self-transformation, and treats the natal figure as only reflecting the native's personal feelings. Frawley shows how real astrology, with its emphasis on concrete, objective thought and real events, can help us both understand our real lives and develop spiritual humility.

The Real Astrology is not a textbook. It uses traditional techniques to illustrate real astrology for people who have little knowledge of it. But Frawley's presentation is effective, entertaining, and educational. Schoener says that when Mars and Jupiter rule the mind of a native, they make someone good and wise in disputes: such is the nature of this book's message.