I have had issues with vocational astrology books. They tend to not be that helpful. I never got around to reviewing Vocations on here, but it was particularly bad for showing tons of examples and no way whatsoever to translate them into something I could apply to others. (I passed the book on to a friend of mine, who was even more baffled.)

I am happy to say that this one is pretty darned good. Clear to understand, gives examples and explains what they mean. Huzzah!

The "Slevin System" (to be honest, this makes me giggle a little, it sounds like some kind of huckster thing. Oh well, the author can't help her name) actually works pretty well for figuring things out for yourself.

Key points in the system:

• Determine the sign and degree on the Midheaven.
• Find the planet nearest to that degree in Ptolemaic (well, let's say exact) aspect within signs. This is your Principal Planet.
• Note the PP's sign, strength, and direction.
• Note the PP's house or if it's within 5 degrees of the next hours cusp.
• Note the aspects the PP makes.
• Note the house(s) the planet rules.
• Note if the PP is conjunct/within a degree of the Cardinal Axis
• Note if the PP is in mutual or mixed mutual reception with any other planets
• Note if the PP is conjunct/within a degree of any Royal Fixed Stars.
• Combine those factors to get a description of the personality, and define the strongest attributes for achieving success, notoriety, or the highest visibility.
• Do this again with the planet nearest to the degree of the PP.
• Note any planets in the tenth house
  

So, trying this out myself, I get:

• Leo 8 degrees MC.
  
• Planet closest to it is Mars in Leo at 5 degrees in the 9th house. No particular advantages or disadvantages. It squares the Sun/Chiron conjunction (The tying planet with Mars is Chiron at 5 degrees, square, but since this book doesn't go into Chiron, I'll just ignore this.) in the seventh. Sun is the ruler of Leo.
  
• No fixed stars, no cardinal axis.

Leo midheaven = artistic pursuits, money, athletics, ambassadors, dignitaries. (Example: Princess Grace Kelly.)

Principal Planet conjunct the MC = "the fish are caught close to the market, with a brief and seemingly effortless return. The catch of the day is fresh, local, and readily available." If it's square, "the boat did not need to travel as far but the tide is against the fisherman on his return trip, and the motor on the boat had to work at full capacity to bring the catch in."

Mars as a PP = your boat is a speedboat, with fishermen who go off looking for sharks. Bunch of warriors. Example: guy who started a volunteering crime-fighting organization.

Not featured in the above system, but in the book, is a section on heredity. If you have Cancer/Capricorn emphasis or Moon/Saturn ties, you are bound to your family, like it or not, and can't escape. (Certainly sums up my life.)

But the part that makes me happy...

"In the Slevin System, the tried and true formula that indicates success in one's chosen field of endeavor is a specific aspect called the Boomerang. It occurs when:

• The ruler of the Midheaven is in Ptolemaic aspect to the Midheaven.
• Even if the ruler of the Midheaven is not the Principal Planet, if it is conjunct, trine, sextile, square or opposing the Midheaven within an orb of 8 degrees, success is a given in the Slevin System."
  

"Individuals with this extremely fortunate aspect are poster people for success. In the style of an express elevator, Fate enables them to reach the top, parting obstacles like the Red Sea, and remain in a penthouse of achievement. Their rank and public presentations can set the standard in their profession, and they often leave a legacy of notable success or notoriety." (Example: Katharine Hepburn.)

I totally have that, so YAY ME!