Book Review
By Kathryn Andren
www.kathrynandren.com
Under a Sacred Sky
ESSAYS ON THE PRACTICE
AND PHILOSOPHY OF
ASTROLOGY
By Ray Grasse
R
ay Grasse’s new book Under
a Sacred Sky, Essays on the
Practice and Philosophy of
Astrology is a delight and inspiration.
The seasoned astrologer and the nov-
ice who is astrologically curious will
find treasures of insight in the author’s
thoughtful essays. The book is a compi-
lation of essays on various topics; includ-
ing astrological connections in cinema,
arts and culture, current events, diving
deep in the metaphysical, and more!
The author illustrates practical exam-
ples of how astrology works in the world
across time. This is one of the greatest
gifts of reading Under a Sacred Sky, since
the content is both timely and timeless.
Ray Grasse cites many historical refer-
ences and some chapters link research
to birth charts of popular individuals in
politics, arts and sports. For the astrol-
ogy enthusiast, this dynamic variety of
essays has something for everyone.
I dare say that this book is a must
read for any astrologer who is in pro-
fessional practice. There are several
chapters where the author clearly and
compassionately defines how to be a
better astrologer. He offers supportive
suggestions that are touching and heart-
felt. Chapters on astrology counseling
include: “The Seven Most Common
Mistakes Made by Astrologers” & “The
Perils of Telling
People What to Do.”
Ray Grasse writes
from decades of
experience as a sea-
soned astrologer
with a rich variety of
interests. His is the
author of two other
books and has been
a contributor to The
Mountain Astrologer
for many years. “He
received a degree in
filmmaking from the
Art Institute of Chicago
. . . He has studied
with various teachers
in both the Kriya Yoga
and Zen traditions . .
. He’s lectured exten-
sively on the topics
of astrology, synchronicity, and mytholo-
gy, and maintains an active astrological
practice with clients around the United
States and abroad”. Learn more about
Ray Grasse on his website http://www.
raygrasse.com
Ray’s book deeply inspired me. A most
happy surprise was an essay called
“Astrology and the Chakras: Toward a
Sacred Psychology of the Horoscope”
originally published in the TMA in 1996.
This chapter includes revealing infor-
mation integrating planets with the
chakras. Personally, as an astrologer
and massage therapist who has been
in professional practice of energy heal-
ing bodywork for years, I was humbly
reminded as well as excited, that no
matter how much I
think I have learned,
there is always more
to know!
Concluding chap-
ters include inspiring
interviews called
“Conversations in
Astrology” with
Richard Tarnas and
Laurence Hillman.
Readers, be sure not
to skip the notes! The
final remarks at the
end of this author’s
chapters hold a wealth
of information.
Ray Grasse’s depth
of knowledge and
material inspires me
to check out his other
books: The Waking
Dream, and Signs of the Times. I am in
deep gratitude for this author’s contribu-
tion to the field of astrology!
Order information for Ray Grasse’s
books is found at http://www.raygrasse.
com/#!alternate-book-page/cq0i
Find a sneak peak of Ray’s writing available
on his web site: http://www.raygrasse.
com/#!contact/c1472. R
Will give away to the right home
• A complete collection of The Mountain Astrologer
from 1989 to the present
Special Offer
The
Career
Astrologer
OPA’s Quarterly Magazine
• The Planet Earth Magazine from Cancer 1988 to July 1999
• NCGR journals from Fall 1989 to 2014
• Eleanor Bach’s Planet Watch from Sept. 1981 - Sept. 1985
All in cardboard magazine boxes and in order.
Please contact Kate Plumb [email protected] if interested.
Thank you!
V25 -01 MARCH EQUINOX 2016
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