Reviews

MOON TIDES, SOUL PASSAGES:
YOUR ASTROLOGICAL CYCLES FOR PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
BY MARIA KAY SIMMS
REVIEW BY KARL SCHLOTTERBECK

This publication is a rich resource for lunar information for astrological interpretations, as well as for rituals and for understanding both real-time and progressed lunar cycles throughout one’s life. One can do not only a “reading” of the moon’s house and sign at the time of birth, but also the meaning of the new moon and eclipses before birth and how they impact the course of one’s life. Furthermore, the author explains the significance of the eight-fold phases of the lunar cycle (and relates them to the wheel of the year) and what it means to be born in each of those phases. If that weren’t enough, she also includes the cycles, phases and meaning of the progressed moon (how we evolve or progress) over the life cycle. Included throughout the work are numerous examples of events from the author’s and others lives, and well-known individuals who share some lunar aspect. She also explains the 19-year Metonic cycle of the moon and shows how to find it one’s own life.

Ms Simms’ Wiccan background adds a dimension absent in ordinary astrological texts. For example, she includes sample rituals for lunar phases, as well as charging eclipses as they occur. In addition, she asserts that the proper astrological timing of the cross-quarter celebrations is on the 15th degree of the fixed signs, which places them a few days after we normally celebrate them. These astrologically-timed rituals invite introspection in accord with rhythms of the universe with an empowering attitude that takes us beyond a fixed-fate sort of view.

I should note here that I have been an astrologer for many years and found Ms. Simms’ work neither obscure nor oversimplified. It was, in a word, quite satisfying.

An added treat is the captivating artwork by the author and her daughter.

Included with the book is a computer program (by Rique Pottenger) that allows one to calculate the dates for all the above information. A three-page printout provides moon house, sign and phase at birth; new moon and eclipses before birth; dates when the moon moves by progression into succeeding signs and through its phases for the course of one’s life; and a detailing of each of the lunar phases, solar holidays and cross-quarter dates for the coming year. Data entry into the program is very user
friendly and, because it includes a time-zone and location atlas, it is not necessary to look up this information.

The book is not without its weak points, such as a number of typographical errors and an outdated inaccurate depiction of right-brain/left-brain functioning – but these elements do not detract from the meat of her astrological text and guidance.

In summary, she has done us a wonderful service, taking little-known areas of astrology and making them accessible to the general public. In so doing has also related the 8-fold wheel of the year to the phases of the moon and to a general cycle of growth, and encourages us to practice our spiritual celebrations in accord with the rhythms of the earth – using computer data rather than standing stones for timing.

Recommended for anyone even slightly interested in lunar cycles, natural celebrations, and in the course of their own passages through life. Moon Tides, Soul Passages Your Astrological Cycles for Personal and Spiritual Development, by Maria Kay Simms; published by Starcrafts Publishing, 2006.