Reading signs

Astrology: the study of how astronomical events effect humans. Did you know it is quite the American trait to be asked “what’s your sign?” Many are familiar with Western astrology, (e.g. Cynthia – Capricorn; Ed – Cancer) while there are also many familiar with Chinese astrology (e.g. Cynthia – Monkey; Ed – Pig).

So, with two completely different formulas that define a person’s notable character traits, with each sign stating something unique, what would happen if you were to overlap these two major astrological philosophies? You get descriptions downright amazing.

Enter French author Suzanne White’s “The New Astrology – A Unique Synthesis of the World’s Great Astrological Systems: The Chinese and Western (With 144 Complete, Personalized Character Readings).” Think about that — 144 different signs. That certainly explains why two people with the same sign can be so different.

We were intrigued by this concept of merged signs, so we looked ours up in this wonderfully comprehensive book. Sure enough, “Capricorn-Monkey” Cynthia’s personality was quite accurate, as was “Cancer-Pig” Ed’s.

“The New Astrology” not only provides an excellent overview of each of the 144 combo-signs, it also covers topics for each, such as how they relate to profession, compatibility, home and family and love. Naturally, many would be curious to not only look themselves up in this book, but also to look up their boss, wife, husband, family, friends, future date, etc. just to see what useful inside info they might learn.

White’s book proposes a wonderful astrological system, one that seems, in our view, to work better than each system separately. So, whether you are an ardent subscriber of astrology, a casual follower, or that perhaps you find the whole thing rather silly, it’s hard not to be astonished at how well you may find yourself described.

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Ed and Cynthia Justus are owners of The Bookstore in Hanapepe.