Astrological birth charts have long been likened to everything from a “blueprint for living” to a “celestial compass.” With such promising allusions it’s no wonder that countless seekers turn to astrology for guidance and insight. During the last 15 years of teaching astrology I have observed that nearly every student is driven by her desire to understand not just the meaning of life, but the meaning of her own life. The questions are universal; Why am I here? Where am I headed? How can I overcome my challenges and make the most of my talents?

Mapping Your Soul’s Purpose grew out of my own observation that countless individuals who could benefit from astrology’s cosmic clues were turning away in frustration, simply because the system of astrology is not exactly user-friendly. After all, when you are standing at one of life’s important crossroads do you really want to stop and master a new language just to figure out which direction to go? Why should you be required to delve into the intricacies of interpretation just to understand your own personal game plan when our modern world lets you operate a microwave and read your email without a degree in computer programming?

Life is a journey and this book helps you hone in on your soul’s intentions without a lot of fuss or frustration. It provides plenty of information to help you sidestep the speed traps and enjoy the sights along the way. For starters, the first section lays out “Rules for the Road,” and identifies what, exactly, you are here to learn and teach to others. If you approach this information with an open heart and mind, you’ll gain instant insight into the patterns of your relationships and how to get back on course.

The “Traveling Companions” section of the book explores the importance of the Sun and Moon and how this dynamic duo lights the path ahead of you. Here you’ll come to grips with the fact that your friends and lovers either support or undermine your spiritual evolution. Once you find the balance between the Sun’s energy and the Moon’s gentle illumination, you can take steps to create the life you crave. What’s more, it quickly pinpoints major layovers from past lives that could be creating all sorts of delays and dilemmas, in and out of relationships.

I’ve assembled the most effective tools to identify and clarify your personal programming so that by the time you reach the third section of the book, several life themes will emerge. Maybe your soul’s purpose is to be authentic in relationships. Perhaps you are here to have faith in your intuition. Or maybe you really are supposed to write the great American novel. Of course, conflicting information is bound to pop up, but you’ll still be able to grasp the big picture.

Every voyage has smooth sailing and your life path is no different. The “Ticket to Paradise” chapters outline your prime potentials and blessings from on high. This section helps you identify and make the most out of your birthright, including Jupiter and the Part of Fortune. Here you’ll discover the options and opportunities that are laid out before you and where you need to be cautious of overstepping your bounds.

After flying high through the pages of part three you’ll get grounded, at least temporarily, by the sobering realities contained in the chapters outlining how to “Get Derailed.” Saturn’s serious lessons must be acknowledged and integrated before you can truly move on. Part four contains the simple truth about how to take responsibility, overcome obstacles and stand tall during difficult times. However, this section is not limited to searching for the light at the end of the tunnel and actually outlines how, when you make peace with Saturn, you can move forward with confidence and wisdom.

The book concludes with your “Final Destination,” and how the vulnerabilities of the Vertex help you understand what your soul is actively evolving towards. It is in this final section that you will begin to recognize your own soul’s purpose, especially if you take advantage of the helpful worksheets contained at the end of each section. The book also contains a CD-ROM, which calculates your personal chart and offers a detailed five-page report based on your individual chart.

Mapping Your Soul’s Purpose offers an invitation for anyone with no previous astrological knowledge whatsoever to peer into the cosmos and glimpse their spiritual path. But even if you already know a thing or two about astrology, you’re bound to gain insight and inspiration from this passport to cosmic understanding.

Anne Windsor holds professional certification from the American Federation of Astrologers and bases her practice in Salt Lake City, Utah. To find out more, please visit www.annewindsor.com.