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Published by She Writes Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
As a young doctor working in the middle of the HIV epidemic in the early ’90s, Alicia Blando feels unsure of the effectiveness of the medical profession. To gain insight into her life’s path, she seeks advice in some unconventional places, and lands on astrology as her way forward. Astrology, based in astronomy, has specific rules; it can’t be easily manipulated. The scientist in her can’t help but respond to this idea.
At a pivotal group demonstration, Alicia finds a mentor, Iris, who introduces her to the study of astrology. By learning to read the horoscope, Alicia gains insight into her potential and manifests her ambition to travel and explore healing techniques from indigenous cultures. Eventually, her search for new teachers and past knowledge takes her from Manhattan to the Peruvian Amazon, Belize, and Bolivia, where she discovers ancient ways of healing among people who consider the sky to be a continuation of nature on earth. She connects with the tenets of astrology as the language that describes man’s connection to the sky environment. The horoscopic map gives information that can assist in making better choices in life, Alicia learns; it has the potential to analyze a person’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and health concerns.
Alicia’s journey off the beaten path ultimately leads her to true self-exploration and connection with the world around her, as well as a desire to share her knowledge. In Open for Interpretation, she shares her story of finally finding the map she’s been seeking—and explains how we can all use that map to access our true selves and untapped potential.
At a pivotal group demonstration, Alicia finds a mentor, Iris, who introduces her to the study of astrology. By learning to read the horoscope, Alicia gains insight into her potential and manifests her ambition to travel and explore healing techniques from indigenous cultures. Eventually, her search for new teachers and past knowledge takes her from Manhattan to the Peruvian Amazon, Belize, and Bolivia, where she discovers ancient ways of healing among people who consider the sky to be a continuation of nature on earth. She connects with the tenets of astrology as the language that describes man’s connection to the sky environment. The horoscopic map gives information that can assist in making better choices in life, Alicia learns; it has the potential to analyze a person’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and health concerns.
Alicia’s journey off the beaten path ultimately leads her to true self-exploration and connection with the world around her, as well as a desire to share her knowledge. In Open for Interpretation, she shares her story of finally finding the map she’s been seeking—and explains how we can all use that map to access our true selves and untapped potential.
Product Details
- Publisher: She Writes Press (June 27, 2023)
- Length: 232 pages
- ISBN13: 9781647424718
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Raves and Reviews
2023 Best Book Awards Finalist in Health: Alternative Medicine
“A contemplative consideration of incorporating astrology into daily life.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Open for Interpretation is a moving memoir about a medical doctor’s search for a guide to a life of connection, meaning, and purpose.”
—Foreword Reviews
“Open For Interpretation by Alicia Blando MD is a wonderfully written, thought-provoking book that made me look at things differently. With the rise in cases of lifestyle diseases and the lack of answers on some issues by conventional medicine, I believe it's time we looked at the role of complementary and alternative medicine in the care and outcomes of patients. I cannot wait to read something else from this talented author.”
—Readers’ Favorite
“This memoir is enlightening for anyone curious about a medical doctor’s inquiry about divination practices. Blando relays her triumphs and challenges in clinical care, meaningful serendipitous interactions, and life-changing friendships. . . . Her story proves that one can cultivate varied interests while maintaining the integrity of one’s life purpose.”
—San Francisco Book Review
“Blando’s prose is clean and concise, and her storytelling moves effortlessly between the conscious and unconscious mind and body. . . . For those drawn more to the practical than the magical when it comes to the intuitive arts, her scientific perspective on astrology will be particularly appealing."
—BlueInk Review
“Fascinating, informative, and of special interest to readers engaged in the study of astrology and alternative medicine, Open for Interpretation: A Doctor's Journey into Astrology is a definitely recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and academic library Astrology collections and supplemental Alternative Medicine curriculum studies lists.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Dr. Alicia Blando’s Open for Interpretation is a beautifully written memoir that will pull at your heartstrings as she pursues a medical career that is juxtaposed with her passion for astrology. She writes with brutal honesty about her self-doubt and questions whether to give up on her dream to become a doctor. At the same time, Alicia uses the language of the stars to view herself objectively and build the confidence to become a physician. Join her in this illuminating journey as she combines her two passions: medicine and astrology.”
—Ronnie Gale Dreyer, MA, author, astrologer, and teacher
“This memoir is a fun read by a conventionally trained medical doctor who also finds herself compelled to study divinatory and healing arts, including astrology. . . . As an adult and later a doctor, she follows various psychics and mediums, takes a past life workshop with Roger Woolger, studies Vedic astrology . . . Blando demonstrates how she has woven astrology into daily life alongside a very different profession.”
–The Organization for Professional Astrology
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