Planetary Apothecary

This book is a stand-out because it's an inviting mix of leading edge wellness ideas. She's got each sign pegged, with health issues, but also behaviors that throw us out of balance. For Cancer's, it's emotional eating, and for Leo's it's too much partying; Aquarians benefit from the harmonious vibrations of nature, while Pisces should limit the libations. Gailing writes, Drowning you sorrows in a sea of Syrah can compromise your liver, leading to reduced energy and immunity. For each sign, she's looking at the holistic picture, and that comes across in a way that inspires.

This book has its roots in medical astrology, and builds on each Zodiac sign's vulnerabilities. Stephanie Gailing shows you ways to turn the dis-ease into strength. It's fun and concise, with lots of surprises thrown in.

As an example, let's take Aries, a fire sign that is prone to burn out and head/face issues. For suggested Spa and Wellness Therapies, she lists Craniosacral Therapy and Moxibustion, which you may have heard of; but how about Shirodhara, an Ayurvedic healing treatment. Lean back, Aries, as Gailing writes, warm herb-infused sesame oil is gently poured onto the center of your forehead.

Throughout the book, she fuses Eastern foods and practices, which I resonated with having lived in San Francisco, as very West Coast. She writes with expertise in many areas of holistic health, like aromatherapy, flower essences, relaxation techniques and nutrition. She puts a 21st-century twist on the Zodiac health associations, because her scope draws on the best of many traditions.

Some of these hands-on therapies may be more accessible to the urbanite. But with e-commerce, you don't have to live near an Asian market to try Umeboshi. It's a good one for Virgoes; writes Gailing, Made from pickled ume plums, this Japanese alkalizing wonder curbs digestion, enhances mineral absorption and has a great reputation as a hangover remedy.

There's a chapter for each Zodiac sign, but it's not one of those that you'll tire of, after reading your sign. It's meant to be applied to the Moon and Rising signs, and I'll bet you'll want to peruse all the signs. It's a useful guide for those recurring issues of the Big Three (Sun, Moon and Rising). And it'll be handy for times when you're learning the lessons of a particular sign. It's a book with original ideas to try, for whatever ails ye, whether you can connect it to a Zodiac sign, or not.