Part 1 sets up the foundation by establishing the fundamental principles of practical astrology. Chapter 1 defines practical astrology. Chapter 2 explores how to become a talented astrologer. You learn about deep practice, the secret of developing astrological skills, and you get an overview of the process of natal chart interpretation. Chapter 3 explores the art of astrological interpretation, and Chapter 4 introduces you to the concept of a three-dimensional natal chart interpretation.

Astrology is a language. Language communicates through content and context. The words make up the content, but the meaning of the words comes from the context. This is why you can’t translate between languages using only a dictionary.

The rules of grammar and syntax in the language of astrology help you to translate between the language of astrology and English without changing the meaning of the sentence. The relationship between planets, signs, and houses is specific and objective, and the order of the words matters. Remember, the sentence, “John ate the cake” uses the same words as the sentence “The cake ate John,” but they don’t mean the same thing. The correct use of grammar and syntax can help you to avoid carnivorous desserts.

In Part 2, you will learn how to work with the different parts of speech in the language of astrology: planets, signs, houses, and aspects. You’ll use fill-in-the-blank blueprint template sentences to maintain the correct syntax, and these blueprint sentences will guide you when you create your final interpretation.

You’ll also learn how to work with the Essential Dignities, the heart of traditional astrology, in the context of a three-dimensional natal chart interpretation. The “Board of Directors” approach allows you to access a wealth of detailed, specific, practical information from any natal chart.   

Part 3 uses Sally Ride’s chart to explore the process of creating a written, synthesized interpretation of a natal chart.

The chapters in Part 3 alternate between exploring how to approach each section of the interpretation (Personality, Relationship Needs, Relationship Wants, and Career), and demonstrating the process using Sally Ride’s chart. The example chapters include illustrations from the Chart Interpretation Worksheet, completed blueprint sentences for each relevant part of the interpretation, and examples of the Notes and Sketch Sentences.

In cooking, you use spices to enhance the natural flavor of food, not to disguise the flavor of it. You add spice at the end. It’s optional, and a little goes a long way. Too much spice, or the wrong combination of spices, can ruin a dish.

The same principles apply to astrology. A pinch of spice can improve an interpretation. A pound of spice will ruin it.

The meat of your natal chart interpretation is your analysis of the planets, signs, houses, and aspects. You can enhance your interpretation with a variety of astrological spices. In Part 4, I introduce you to some of the spices from my personal spice rack. In small doses, these spices can enhance a practical natal chart interpretation.

Chapter 23 explores sensitive points in the chart, including the Moon’s Nodes, the Part of Fortune, and the Vertex.

Chapter 24 explains how to create a Dispositor Tree for a chart.

Chapter 25 takes a more detailed look at Dignity and Debility. It explains how to work with the Essential Dignities in a two-dimensional context in the natal chart. You’ll learn the difference between Essential Dignity (which measures power), and Accidental Dignity (which either measures prominence or performance).

Part 5 is an astrological portrait of George Lucas. Chapter 26 includes all of the blueprints, notes, and sketches for the interpretation, and Chapter 27 is the final astrological portrait, created from the notes and sketches. 

When you know how to interpret a natal chart, you can identify the precise nature of the patterns and challenges in your life or the life of your clients. This is impressive and fascinating, but it’s not practical. Identifying a problem doesn’t address the problem. The precise, specific information you’ve obtained from your natal chart interpretation isn’t practical until you do something with it. Nothing changes at the level of the chart. Appendix A contains a series of simple, yet immensely powerful spiritual practices that will help you to move into right relationship with each of the Astrological Archetypes. These spiritual practices will help you to step out of Victim Consciousness and into integrity.

Appendix B provides instructions on how to access the Bonus Gifts that come bundled with Principles of Practical Natal Astrology. Bonus gifts include the Chart Interpretation Worksheet, additional examples of celebrity natal chart interpretations, bonus video content, and a free class on natal chart interpretation.

Appendix C is an overview of the Talented Astrologer Certification Program offered through The Real Astrology Academy.

And Appendix D is a comprehensive glossary of terms.