Starred Review.
Astrologist-blogger Shepherd (of Astrology.com's Venus and Beyond: Love on the Outer Planets) offers a welcome oasis for those who feel stranded by lower-your-expectations dating guides (see He's Just Not That Into You). Rather than focus on pitfalls, Shepherd prescribes a "cosmic love adventure" utilizing the Secret-esque principle of "magnetic desire," along with a bit of magic and meditation, to conjure up one's sought-after mate. Channeling the goddess of love, Shepherd provides a range of analysis and advice, including the ways that Venus influences your astrological sign, how to develop a magical tool kit, and what's important about moon-watching. Each chapter is rich with less-than-common exercises, meditations, affirmations, love spells and rituals, along with the requisite quick tips. Her "Cookbook of Soul Mate Spells" appendix is delightfully down-to-earth, insightful, and provides hours of playtime. Despite its New Age trappings, Shepherd's approach is rooted in fundamentals-self-confidence, wisdom, and patience-and effectively makes working toward personal growth and enlightenment fun.
