Book excerpt: Astrology and the Authentic Self is a ground-breaking work by Demetra George, one of the most the respected authors in her field. This book provides a model for the practicing astrologer to analyze a client’s life purpose as indicated through the natal chart. It addresses significant concerns, such as relationship and vocation and provides methods for determining current timing movements. She gives the methods to communicate this complex information in a concise and professional manner within the context of an astrological counseling session. Ms. George provides an excellent introduction to the doctrines of ancient astrology concerning how to determine the condition of a planet and its capacity to be effective and produce favorable outcomes. She outlines how to follow these traditional guidelines, but interprets them within a modern context, adding the insights of more contemporary approaches.