Unveiling a Treasure Trove of Vintage Books!

 

Greetings, fellow bookworms and mystics! For those of you who haven't stumbled upon my hidden lair yet, I'm thrilled to announce that I have an Etsy shop, 12th House Books, brimming with rare and vintage finds! Explore forgotten wisdom through books from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond at 12th House Books

Every week, I embark on a delightful thrifting adventure, scouring for hidden gems related to astrology, crystals, herbs, healing, dreams, divination, magic, witchcraft, and shamanism. To fuel your mystical pursuits further, I also offer downloadable PDFs on a variety of these topics! And the latest additions to my shop? A selection of astrological and tarot readings, ready to guide you on your unique path.

But wait, there's more! Through my tireless thrifting escapades, I've fostered wonderful relationships with the amazing staff at my local stores. They've become friendly allies, keeping an eye out for intriguing donations that resonate with my collection.

Speaking of intriguing finds, brace yourselves! This past week, I unearthed a motherlode – over 60 captivating vintage books, all at once! Needless to say, it took a delightful few days to meticulously sort through this treasure and bring them to life in my Etsy shop. Stay tuned, because a comprehensive list of these recently added titles is coming your way right after this...

• Appleby, Derek. (1985). Horary Astrology.
• Arroyo, Stephen. (1996). Exploring Jupiter.
• Arroyo, Stephen & Green, Liz. (1984). The Jupiter / Saturn Conference Lectures.
• Bennett, Judith. (1980). Sex Signs.
• Bogart, Gregory C. (1994). Astrology and Spiritual Awakening.
• Clow, Barbara Hand. (1987). Chiron, Rainbow Bridge Between the Inner & Outer Planets.
• Cunningham, Donna. (1999). How to Read Your Astrological Chart.
• Eakins, Pamela. (1992). Tarot of the Spirit.
• Filbey, John. (1988). Solar and Lunar Returns.
• Forrest, Steven & Forrest, Jodie. (1989). Skymates: The Astrology of Love, Sex, and Intimacy.
• Green, Jeff. (1988). Uranus: Freedom from the Known.
• Hall, Judy. (2003). The Crystal Bible Book 1 & 2 (Vols. 1 & 2).
• Hastings, Nancy Anne. (1984). Secondary Progressions: Time to Remember.
• Hebel, Doris. (1984). Contemporary Lectures.
• Hebel, Doris. (1985). Celestial Psychology.
• Hodgson, Joan. (1978). Astrology The Sacred Science.
• Kirby, Babs & Stubbs, Janey. (1990). Interpreting Solar and Lunar Returns.
• Kirby, Babs & Stubbs, Janey. (1992). Love & Sexuality.
• Lewi, Grant. (1990). Astrology for Millions.
• Lofthus, Myrna. (1983). A Spiritual Approach to Astrology.
• Lundsted, Betty. (1980). Astrological Insights into Personality.
• Lundsted, Betty. (1984). Planetary Cycles.
• Lundsted, Betty. (1992). Transits of Pluto.
• Mastro, Robin & Mastro, Michael. (2004). Altars of Power and Grace.
• March, Marion & McEvers, Joan. (1976). The Only Way to Learn Astrology.
• March, Marion & McEvers, Joan. (1994). The Only Way to Learn About Horary & Electional Astrology (2nd ed.).
• Marr, Alexander. (1981). Prediction: Using Common Prenatal Cycles.
• McEvers, Joan. (1989). Planets: The Astrological Tools.
• Neville, E.W. (1990). Planets in Synastry.
• Rathgeb, Marlene Masini. (1993). Sexual Astrology.
• Rudhyar, Dane. (1972). The Astrological Houses.
• Rudhyar, Dane. (1980). Person Centered Astrology.
• Schulman, Martin. (1975). Karmic Astrology (Vols. 1, 2, & 3).
• Schulman, Martin. (1984). Karmic Relationships.
• Schulman, Martin. (1988). The Ascendant Your Karmic Doorway.
• Spiller, Jan & McCoy, Karen. (1988). Spiritual Astrology.
• Tomkins, Sue. (1989). Aspects in Astrology.
• Van Gelder, Dora. (1999). The Real World of Fairies.
• Van Toen, Donna. (1988). The Mars Book.
• Zondag, Karen Hamaker. (1981). Jungian Symbolism and Astrology.
• Zondag, Karen Hamaker. (2000). The Yod Book.

These remarkable books whisper tales of a fascinating past. My detective work suggests they belonged to a highly respected Seattle-based astrologer. Each volume, meticulously cared for, hints at a life dedicated to celestial exploration.

While the exact origin remains a mystery, it seems a significant chapter has closed in their astrological journey. Perhaps a well-deserved retirement, or maybe a new path has unfolded. Regardless, these books now embark on a new adventure, ready to share their wisdom with a fresh generation of seekers.

A thrill shot through me when I discovered an autographed copy of "Prediction in Astrology" by the legendary Noel Tyl! This gem, along with a few other particularly captivating finds, will occupy a place of honor on my own bookshelf. Other paper ephemera found between the pages of these wonderful books include the original owner's business card, several old bookmarks, a McDonald's  game piece from the 1988 Olympics, and sticky notes with hand-calculated positions of the the Moon and progressed planets! 

But the true magic lies within the remaining volumes. Imagine the potential for discovery! Each book holds the potential to unlock the secrets of a seasoned astrologer, their name perhaps hidden within a discreet stamp on the inside cover. Owning one of these volumes is not just acquiring a book, it's inheriting a piece of astrological history.

Carolina Dean 

Finder of Lost Books, Owner 

12th House Books

Review: The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need

In Review:

The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need

Joanna Martine Woolfolk

For me, this was the book that first sparked my interest in and love for astrology. I remember seeing it on the shelves of the Waldenbooks in Rock Hill, SC (the closest mall to my hometown). I had to drive 45 minutes one way to get there and I would spend hours in the stacks looking to satiate my interest in all things occult, including astrology, Wicca, and the tarot.

As soon as I got home, I asked my grandmother to pull out my birth certificate so that I can have my birth time and build an accurate natal, or birth chart for myself. I sat at the kitchen table with a pencil and paper on which I had drawn a blank astrological chart and plotting all my planets on the grid. I spent hours with my little hand-drawn chart pouring over this tome studying all of my placements and their aspects.

At some point I lost this book and astrology became a little too complicated for my level of understanding at the time and so discontinued my studies in favor of the mysteries of the tarot--- a system of divination for which I was much more gifted. Then, a few years later I would make a friend, Julie, who shared so me of my interest. To my surprise, she had a aged copy of The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need (pictured above) that she kept in an old trunk and which she gifted to me. Over the years I would study astrology up to a point, get frustrated and move on, only to come back around to it again. Today, with computers making astrology more accessible and the construction of astrological charts easier I have delved back into the study of astrology but The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need forms the foundation of much of my own knowledge and experience of Astrology on which I endeavor to build.


My Review

In print for nearly two decades, The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need truly stands up to its title. However, should you plan to make a career as an astrologer you will, of course, need further study. Beginning with the Sun signs and moving on through the remaining planets, as well as more obscure influences such as the Ascendant, Moon signs, Decanates and Cusps of each sign, the book is well thought out and the information presented in a logical and orderly manner In addition the author explains the steps necessary to erect a chart in simple terms.

Without including any un-necessary information Woolfolk includes everything that you need to get a decent idea of what each element in your chart means and provides an accurate method of putting all this information together in an easy to understand format. In addition, she describes a method of comparing one's chart to that of another, called Synastry, in order to determine their level of compatibility with one another.

Had the author stopped at this point, the book would still be an invaluable tool in and of its self; however Woolfolk has also included a plethora of miscellaneous information not found in other books on astrology including a detailed analysis of the amorous nature of each sign by gender, as well as advice on seducing an individual based on his or her Sun Sign. There's an entire chapter devoted to maintaining good health, with advice regarding a proper diet and a few words about each sign's erogenous zones.

For those who enjoy a little science to balance their magic, the book contains detailed astronomical information regarding each of the planets, as well as their mythological history and correspondences. In addition, the author has included the legend behind each of the signs of the zodiac, as well as a brief history of astrology and a comprehensive dictionary of terms. The charts in the back of the book which indicate in which sign each of the planets are in the zodiac through to the year 2025 also doubles as an almanac, an invaluable tool for Wiccans and Pagans who observe astrological hours in the timing of the spells and rituals.

Over all, The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need is a very good introduction to the topic of Astrology and contains all the basics needed to familiarize yourself with the principles of Astrology and get you started on erecting your own chart and understanding exactly what it means. That being said, should you decide to advance in your studies the book does not address the principles behind The Nodes of the Moon, The Part of Fortune, The Asteroids, or Retrogrades. However, it is an excellent reference for the casual reader and the serious student alike.


Carolina Dean


The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need (Amazon)
Joanna Martine Woolfolk (obituary)
Good Reads Author Page

Book Review: Horoscope: The Astrology Murders

Author: Georgina Frontier 

Pages: 320

Description: Dr. Kelly Elizabeth York has spent her life helping people solve their problems. A celebrity astrologer and psychologist with a devoted following, she now finds herself in the unlikely and terrifying position of helping the police and the FBI determine the identity of a serial killer—who just may be targeting her. No matter how careful she is, Kelly knows that she will have to confront darkness, an energy so black it could challenge everything she believes in. 

My Review

A very good mystery with a smattering of astrology thrown in for those who speak the language of the stars. However, you really don't need to know anything about astrology to read this book. The central mystery drew me in quickly and the final twist left me wanting more. 

It's a shame that the author died before she wrote any more books, this is a universe that I would have loved to have revisited again in future installments. There is some hope, however, as Georgina Frontiere left outlines for future story lines should the family / publisher find a good ghostwriter and editor to continue the series. If you like a well-crafted,  intelligent mystery / suspense story, then this is the book for you. 

Carolina Dean