Have you ever wondered why you were born in a particular country and what bearing that has on the life you lead? What do the challenges and gifts of a ‘nation’ of souls have to do with you as an individual? How can someone living a normal life have any power to change the devastating effects of poverty, war and global climate change?

I am not a political person, just your average suburbanite who would like to do the something to help, yet when faced with the enormity of the world’s problems, does not know where to start.

Jessica Murray’s brilliant insights in Soul-Sick Nation, An Astrologer’s View of America gave me answers to some of these questions in an unexpected way.

"Can the quality of our individual consciousness really make a difference?" She asks in the opening pages. "Every one of us with a social conscience and an affection for this small, green planet has been casting about for a way to address the insanity of our times, and the unique role the USA plays in them."

I have rarely read an author whose precision and craft with words creates concepts that are so instantly and stunningly eye opening.  Her analysis of the birth chart of the nation of the US is done with wisdom and insight, and helps to bring an understanding of current events as they affect us all, even those of us who do not live there. And with greater understanding, we stand a chance of helping bring about the needed changes for a healthier planet.

This book has changed my life because I can no longer watch news events from the point of view that "it’s nothing to do with me". This is not a dry, academic book for astrologers but rather a must read for anyone with the slightest social conscience. Jessica has also provided hope, with the concept that each and every one of us can make a difference by gaining more understanding of ourselves, our lives and therefore our place in humanity as a whole.

Sue Thompson