How to Read and Interpret a Birth Chart: Guideposts for Understanding Natal Astrology, by Laurie Farrington
Weiser Books, 1578638461, 280 pages, January 2025
In How to Read and Interpret a Birth Chart: Guideposts for Understanding Natal Astrology, Laurie Farrington offers a comprehensive guide for those seeking to deepen their understanding of natal astrology. Farrington is an experienced astrologer with over thirty years in practice. She presents a structured system for approaching the complexities of birth charts, providing valuable insights for both beginners and seasoned professionals. The book emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the basics of astrology to achieve a more nuanced and insightful interpretation of the natal chart.
Farrington’s approach is both objective and subjective. She acknowledges the skill and art involved in interpreting a natal chart. She shares her personal experiences and insights, including her initial struggles with a cohesive method for chart interpretation and how the method presented in this book comes about. For Farrington, astrology is a spiritual discipline that provides a path to self-understanding and soul evolution. She encourages astrologers to approach each chart with fresh eyes and an open mind, recognizing a single natal chart’s immense complexity and potential.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part, “Reading the Heavens,” delves into the history of astrology, the four branches of Western astrology (natal, mundane, Electional, and horary), and the author’s perspective on Western humanistic astrology. Farrington advocates for a deeper understanding of the individual within the context of their birth chart, moving beyond the predictive approach to exploring personal growth and self-actualization. She also stresses the importance of developing a system for reading charts to provide clarity and confidence.
One of the things I found most interesting and helpful was her explanation of how the houses work, she writes the following:
“Consider your new friend with the hidden Pisces nature. Why is your experience on meeting her not what you would expect of a Pisces? Let’s say that Sagittarius was rising in the east at the time of her birth. This places her Pisces Sun in the 4th house (home and family). With Sagittarius rising (see Guidepost 7), Jupiter “rules” the chart (see Guidepost 2). Because Jupiter rules, not only her Sagittarius rising, but also her Pisces Sun, Jupiter is a key player in this chart. And if Jupiter is in the 9th house (higher understanding) in Leo, it is this expansive Leo exuberance that you encounter when you meet this person”1
Part two, “Guideposts for Understanding,” presents a detailed exploration of seventeen key concepts or “guideposts” that Farrington considers essential for accurate chart interpretation. These guideposts are key to understanding the whole of the chart, rather than its distinct pieces. Each guidepost is thoroughly explained with examples and considerations for practical application.
The guideposts are
Guidepost 1 – Sect Diurnal and Nocturnal Charts
Guidepost 2 – Planetary Rulers
Guidepost 3 – Hemispheres, Quadrants, and Houses
Guidepost 4 – Saturn Retrograde
Guidepost 5 – The Nurturing Moon
In this guidebook, she breaks down how the moon reflects the chart owner’s experience, not the parents themselves. As an example, here is what Farrington says about individuals with Moon in Leo:
“Moon in Leo
• These individuals experience the mother or mother figure as playful, exuberant, and generously affectionate.
• On a more challenging level, they likely see her overbearing, self-centered, and arrogant side as well.
• Example: Chelsea Clinton, born February 27, 1980, at 11:24 PM CST in Little Rock, Arkansas.”2
Guidepost 6 – Union of Sun and Moon
Guidepost 7 – Ascendant and Rising Signs
Guidepost 8 – Idealization
Guidepost 9 – Keywords and Personifications
Guidepost 10 – Signature Signs, which she describes as the sign that is most heavily emphasized in the chart.
Guidepost 11 – Retrograde motion
Guidepost 12 – Aspects and Unaspected Planets
Guidepost 13 – The Aries Point, which I plan on using going forward
Guidepost 14 – The Two Faces of Pluto
Guidepost 15 – Grand Trines
Guidepost 16 – Stelliums
Guidepost 17 – Dispositors
For example, the guidepost on “Planetary Rulers” explores the traditional and modern systems of planetary rulership, the concept of essential dignity, and the rulership of houses. Farrington combines traditional and contemporary approaches, advocating for using traditional rulers and modern co-rulers to understand the zodiac signs better. Her argument is that this integration enriches chart interpretation, providing a more complete picture of the individual’s astrological influences. I have also been using this same approach in my practice. It is very useful, offering nuances that the humanistic approach often overlooks.
Throughout the book, Farrington emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual behind the chart. She advocates asking open-ended questions and actively listening to facilitate collaborative chart exploration. This approach empowers individuals to connect with their “inner knowing” and fosters a deeper self-understanding.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed reading How to Read and Interpret a Birth Chart. It is a fantastic resource for anyone seeking to enhance their astrological knowledge and chart interpretation skills. I would recommend this book for an advanced beginner looking to take the practice to the next level.
This book fills far too big a gap in the available astrological literature on chart interpretation. There really aren’t that many books that teach you how to put everything together in a systematic way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Farrington’s systematic approach and emphasis on self-discovery and compassionate communication provide a solid foundation for personal exploration and professional practice.
The 17 guideposts are the key takeaway for me from How to Read and Interpret a Birth Chart. I plan to include these in my chart Interpretation form that I use with every client. This book has made my list of 10 astrology books every astrologer should read.
Ken is a professional Writer and Astrologer who was born in New York, went to school in the Berkshires, found his soul in Seattle, and now lives in Santa Ana, CA with his husband of 11 years and their two dogs, Pooh-Behr and Mr. FancyPants.
Ken’s passion for Astrology began in the mid-1970s and has only grown deeper throughout the decades. With a wealth of knowledge in Traditional techniques and methodologies, he offers insightful and accurate services through 4phases.com.