personally, to

you? Because it can help you know yourself and

shape your own future. Astrology explains what
8
INTRODUCTION
you are. Whether you stay that way is up to you.
In other words, a naturally lazy person can,
with effort do excellent work, and a fiery, hotblooded
person can leam to hold his temper.
Sometimes knowing the problem and its pitfalls
is half the battle.
Equally important, astrology helps you understand
others better. You know you relate to
people differently—that one person "bugs" you
while you are instinctively drawn to another.
Astrology explains why you are compatible or
why you clash, and how best to bridge that gap,
generation or otherwise.
Use this book not only to discover the real
you, but to find out about your friends. Use it in
special situations: when a parent seems to
think, unfairly, that everything you do is wrong
. . . when you have a falling out with a friend
.. . when someone you see every day "gets your
goat"—or, on the other hand, fascinates and
turns you on.
Use the book to find out why your love interests
are usually people bom under certain signs,
what characteristics draw you to that special
someone, and how to sustain a meaningful relationship.
Also, find out why you are sometimes
intrigued by a person who isn't good for
you or keeps you guessing. Finally, find out
what signs are compatible—and why, on the
other hand, you may develop the closest, most
9
INTROD CTCTION
intimate relationship with someone quite opposite
in nature. In all matters of the heart—
from a fling to real, lasting love—this book can
be an invaluable guide to romantic happiness
if you will let it.
One thing, however, cannot be stressed too
strongly. Astrology describes traits and inclinations.
It is definitely not a philosophy of predestination,
and it does not forecast the future. Astrology
concerns itself with likelihood. Actual
events are shaped by your characteristics under
a given sign—plus other factors such as free
will, environment, and effort.
Also, whether an inherent trait develops in
a positive or negative way is up to you. For instance,
egotism is the flip side of self-confidence,
while impulsiveness is eagerness without
inner control. With a bit of trying, a moody
person from a strongly emotional sign can become
a sensitive yet fully self-controlled individual.
In other words your future is up to you. Astrology
points out certain talents and tendencies.
The stars caution you to shape up in certain
ways, and to develop and expand yourself
in others. They tell you a change for the better
is possible, and that you are responsible for it