BOOK REVIEW -- MECHANICS OF THE FUTURE: ASTEROIDS by Martha Lang-Wescott
Revised Edition, 1991, Paper, 244 pages -- $22.95 U.S.
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I thought I knew it all--or most of it. After 20 years of astrological practice and study, I was ge tting jaded on the subject. Until I read this book. But let me back up here and start from the beginning. I might never have bought this book to begin with had I not been fortunate enough to attend a lecture/workshop by the author. Quite by chance, I might add. "Hmmm, let's see if there really IS anything tangible that the addition of 40+ asteroids and 8 transneptunians could add to a chart." To say I was pleasantly surprised was an understatement. More to the point, I was "blown away" by her illustrations and examples in the charts of famous folks.  
That evening, after returning home, I began to place the asteroids (obtained from her computer) in my own chart and into the charts of a few folks near and dear to me to see if they really did work as well as they seemed to work in the charts of the 'famous'. Well, that was it for me -- my skepticism was gone. Working with psychics a great deal, I had often wondered if there could be more to astrology than what was already known in terms of obtaining the kind of detailed information that some psychics obtained during a reading, and am now convinced that there is, using the methods in this book.
 
Here is a book with some entirely new and unique concepts. Concepts which yield fascinatingly detailed and extremely accurate information. Information which goes BEYOND what you might see using traditional astrology alone. Try it first with your own natal chart, and then add it to progressions, solar arc, lunar returns, composites, etc. -- it works in all of them equally well. In the first 75 pages, the author 'takes you by the hand,' explaining the basic meanings of the 40+ asteroids and 8 transneptunians she employs, giving varied and detailed examples of their use in the charts of those well-known.
 
The rest of the book, which is set up in somewhat the same general format as Ebertin's Combination of Stellar Influences -- but in much greater detail --explains the influence of each asteroid in depth, then lists from two to six pages of meanings in combination with various other planets, angles, points and other asteroids. Negative as well as positive manifestations are examined, as well as the meanings of the asteroids in interception and when retrograde. Also included are various tables and graphs showing, for example, how certain asteroids bear resemblance in their meaning to specific 'different sides' of certain planets. For example, if you wanted to see the sexual side of Pluto in a chart, you'd look to Eros, while if you wanted to examine the psychological side, you'd examine the position and aspects of Psyche. Death and grieving? You'd look for Orpheus in the chart. And the list goes on. 
 
There is a LOT of material here to explore and digest, folks -- if you're new to the concept of asteroids, read the book SLOWLY, lest it overwhelm. This Second edition (revised) is 244 pages with Chapter Three (everything after the first 75 pages) set in 8 point type so that as much knowledge as possible can be passed along. And there is enough new material (including 3 new asteroids) in this edition to make it well worth buying even if you already have the first edition!
 
A card is included in every book sold that enables you to obtain from the author/publisher free of charge the positions of the 40+ asteroids for your date of birth plus another set of positions for whomever you choose so that you can get started in applying the data presented. In addition, there is a monthly newsletter which can be obtained including the current transits of the 40+ asteroids and transneptunians on a monthly basis. Ephemerides of the asteroids used are also available from the author.
 
One word of warning -- once you begin to read this book and start to apply the principles involved, you will NOT be able to put it down! (I'm almost embarrassed to admit the number of times I've been awake past 3 a.m. with this book.) Your inner skepticism will quickly disappear as you finally see on paper intimate details of your life which you thought no one could ever 'see' in viewing your chart unless they were an extremely competent psychic!  
 
Yes, adding these additional asteroids and transneptunians is time consuming and complex, but well worth it for those of you looking for 'something more' out of astrology. The psychological insight and intimate, detailed knowledge gained will astound both you and your clients, who can only benefit from your increased knowledge, especially if you are a counseling astrologer.  
 
I can't say enough about this unique book, either for natal or predictive work Buy it and apply the knowledge. May it change your life as it has mine.  
 
Reviewed in The Mountain Astrologer, July '92 edition
by Valerie Irving (AstroVal@aol.com)