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by Robert P. Blaschke
Earthwalk School of Astrology Publishing, 2000, PO Box 19778 Portland, OR 97280, ISBN: 0-9668978-1-1, 243 pages Volume II of Blaschke?s Astrology series does more than just discuss the orbs to be used for Sabian symbols. Orbs are just a small part of what this book is all about.? He introduces a fascinatingly different approach to using the symbols in interpretive work, a technique that requires calculating the distance between two planets and using this numerical arc as the basis for choosing a symbolic degree that ?explains? the relationship between the two bodies. However, there is a deeper resonance to Blaschke?s system ? the casters of runes, the chicken-bone throwers and those others looking for instant gratification will find they need to understand some basic astrological concepts before they can become proficient. One can?t just look up the degree of a planet and get a quickie piece of approved mystical text to use to entertain and titillate the masses?.with this method one must dig a bit deeper, work a bit harder and truly understand essential principles of celestial mechanics to reach the meanings veiled behind the obvious. It is well worth the effort to utilize Blaschke?s method and uncover intrinsic symbolic and spiritual meanings underlying the surface. Blaschke has brought a great deal of intense thought and research to this method of applying the Sabians and bases most of his work on Rudhyar?s broad vision of the internal structure of the zodiac. Even calculating the distance of arc requires fundamental astrological knowledge, as the speed of planets is part of the formula. The author explains it this way, ? The Sabian Aspect Orb technique overlays the 360 degree aspect circle onto the Zodiac circle. Angular separation between planets is measured by placing the slower moving body at 0 Aries and determining where the faster moving body is in the Zodiac. For example, Uranus at 22 Cancer 58 trine the Sun at 22 Scorpio 44 is an angular separation of 119 degrees and 46 minutes, and corresponds with the Sabian Symbol for 30 Cancer.? The book goes even further by differentiating between waxing, waning, applying and separating aspects for the Sabian interpretations. Familiarity with the Chaldean Order of the planets is necessary to delineation and, as the actual distance of arc is calculated, terminology relating to the more obscure aspect patterns abound, such as the septile, novile and octile series familiar to those working with harmonics. (Try saying ?quinqueundecile? three times fast!) Blaschke presents each segment of the harmonic unfolding with explanations of the broad meanings as developed and laid out by Rudhyar, both in the natural zodiac and by aspect relationship, then he prints the specific symbolic word pictures derived from Marc Edmund Jones with the Rudhyar interpretations for each degree. Afterwards he provides case histories to point out how each symbol works out in real lives. ?To research the book, Blaschke sent out a request for volunteers via email, (during a Mercury Rx !) and then he cast the chart with the data provided, chose an aspect to delineate and asked for personal responses to the interpretive text, many of which are incorporated anonymously in the book. Old astrology hands will have no problem leaping to the next level and using the method for progressions and transits as well as natal work, and students will find all these ?new?? (old) terms carefully and clearly explained.? This educative and informative book would make a good addition to one?s reference library. Best of all, the book prods one to think deeply about the mystical and spiritual truths behind the zodiac if one goes just one step further in exploring Sabian symbols. And astrology does seem to be all about building on the previous work of our astrological ancestors. Like the author, I have the Sun applying to a trine to Uranus in the 11th house.? I found the Sabian symbol for my aspect?s specific orb of separation, 27 Cancer; ?a violent storm in a canyon filled with expensive homes?, to make more sense personally when put into the framework of a waxing trine?s essential meaning, ?recognizing quality from the past, expanding creatively beyond family limitations, and spiritual development of the mind.? It doesn?t matter in this scenario that Uranus is in Cancer or Sun is in the third house, as the aspect itself relates to Cancerian values in the Jupiter ruled Piscean third decanate of Cancer. In the final sentence of the last paragraph above I ?spoke my chart? according to the Sabian Language of Life that Robert Blaschke presents in this very thought provoking book. Reviewed by Bette Denlinger, C.A.P
Editor, The International Astrologer
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