Creative Stars: Using Astrology to Tap Your Muse
By Trish MacGregor
St. Martin's Griffin/$13.95
It takes more than a mere quick read to fill that void in your life with creative urges flowing like manna from the star-filled heavens. And not only is Creative Stars: Using Astrology to Tap Your Muse not a quick read, it's not even an especially easy read. Though the book begins with an introduction that breaks down how to use it, I found the content a bit too advanced for the likely purchaser — a layperson hoping to discover his or her creative talents within the span of 306 pages.
Perhaps MacGregor should have referenced some of her earlier, more basic works, such as The Everything Astrology Book, which is an excellent source for the beginner. Also, the confusion factor could have been lowered had MacGregor eliminated some of the technical jargon and concentrated on a more user-friendly writing style. She is Sovereign Queen of Astrologica, and we, the readers, are the astrological village idiots.
In MacGregor's defense, she somewhat redeems herself (or perhaps she's being charitable to us simpletons) by breaking the often confusing charts down into bulleted points. Another point in the author's favor is her lack of promises. MacGregor merely offers readers a spiritual quest with Creative Stars as the guidebook. In fact, MacGregor stresses astrology as a tool to use with free will: "Creativity is about finding what you love and committing to it. It's an approach to living that is in line with your deepest beliefs and passions. It's about becoming who you are so that you can realize your greatest potential."
With that said, I do admit to feeling a little more creative these days. I think. I couldn't help but wonder, though, about the author's seemingly obsessive look at Stephen King's natal chart, which she discusses incessantly throughout the book. (Perhaps the chart could've warned Mr. King to beware of Tauruses. Ford Tauruses, that is.)
—Kelli Hall
This article appears in Apr 24-30, 2002.