The Astrologer's Universe

Although best-known for his thought-provoking book on the philosophy of astrology (especially as it is used in live consultation sessions) ‘The Moment of Astrology’, the late Geoffrey Cornelius also contributed to a few simpler books, one of which was ‘Astrology for Beginners’, which he co-authored with his long-time partner and astrological collaborator Maggie Hyde. As the title suggested, the original Icon Books edition of 1995 was designed as an introduction to astrology and its principles for complete beginners. It was profusely illustrated by an artist called Chris Webster with jocular comic-strip-styled sketches.

31 years later, the book has been relaunched by The Wessex Astrologer under a new title, ‘The Astrologer’s Universe’. The text itself has been selectively revised, updated, and corrected. Perhaps the most striking difference in this new edition, however, is the wholesale replacement of all the original cartoonish artwork with a completely new set of illustrations by a different artist, Andrea Aste, whose style is less comic-strip, more surrealism with excellent fine line work and detail. I get the feeling that he could be at home illustrating fairy tales. The result, in any case, is less in-your-face, less jokey, and subjectively somewhat more refined and graceful, than Webster’s art in the original edition – which is not to say it wasn’t good of its kind, or what the authors wanted at the time!

The text of the book remains very much a taster of astrology from multiple angles, including an introduction to the elements astrologers work with and bits and pieces of potted history touching on how astrology has developed in the light of both ancient and modern thought. A comprehensive history lesson it isn’t, but it is meant to whet the appetite of the idly curious who want to know a bit more of what this astrology lark is all about, without necessarily committing to believing in any of it or otherwise buying into its doctrine. However, some of those readers will find the content resonates with them enough to motivate them to take the next step of either buying a comprehensive learning book on astrology or attending a class or course. As such, 'The Astrologer's Universe' could make for a thoughtful present for your average sceptical friend or relative, with unpredictable results. You just never know who will be motivated to study astrology after reading this book!

Philip Graves