mike gleason

Maria Shaws's Star Gazer by Maria Shaw © 2003 Llewellyn Worldwide 302
pages + Glossary, Suggested Reading and Index paperback ISBN 0-7387-422-9
$17.95 (U.S.)

This is a book for ****s. As such, it is oriented to **** problems and
attitudes.

The first chapter is devoted to astrology and is an extremely basic overview
of the subject, dealing only with sun signs. It gives thumbnail sketches
for each third (ten day period) of the individual signs as well as which
signs make best friends, which signs are best (and worst) for relationships,
the best (and worst) traits, and which careers each sign should consider.

The next chapter explains the basics of numerology, using only the date of
birth, with an additional modification to predict general trends for each
year from 2002 to 2011 (without, however, explaining how that number was
arrived at).

Chapter Three explores palmistry in enough detail to be interesting without
becoming tedious. It deals only with the lines, without reference to any of
the other features (the mounts, the shape, color, and firmness of the palm,
etc.), so once again it provides a foundation for further exploration. With
the exception of Chapter Four, it is the most extensive chapter in the book.

Next is a chapter about the Tarot. It provides three spreads (a one card, a
three card, and a twelve card) and then moves on to the meaning of the
cards. These meanings are again kept fairly simple and, in keeping with the
overall theme of the book, aimed at the younger reader. Both upright and
reversed meanings are given. In general, they conform to standard
interpretations. Unlike some texts I have seen which only give the upright
"positive" interpretations of the cards, Ms. Shaw does provide cautionary
(rather than "negative") interpretations.

The fifth chapter is short, only thir**** pages, and explains the basics of
the aura. While this is undoubtedly good information, it does seem a bit
out of place in a book dedicated to helping young folks working to learn
about the future.

Ms. Shaw moves on to the use of gemstones - including a short list of stones
appropriate for a variety of purposes, as well as a listing of information
about the various stones; then on to candles. The seventh chapter (candles)
is an introduction to actively using magic in your life.

Chapters Five, Six and Seven are definitely NOT about the future.

Chapter Eight moves on to dreams and their interpretations, thus returning
once again to the main theme of this book. The interpretations given are
very basic. The author does state that the individual is the best
interpreter of dreams and only suggests the use of a dream dictionary as a
stimulus, not as an arbiter.

This is not a book which I would recommend, except to serve as an extremely
basic introduction to the idea of forecasting the future. It will probably
appeal to junior high school girls, but not to many others.