Books for the well read astrologer, books I grew up with.......
Basic Building Blocks | Progressions | Synastry-The Study of Relationships | Medical Astrology | Asteroids | Declinations | Cosmobiology | Horary | Fixed Stars | Eclipses | Other Advanced Reading | Astrology and Religion | Vedic and Hindu | Astrology and Myth | Chiron | Tools of the Trade | Beginners Books |
1. Rudhyar, Dane
An Astrological Mandala
The Cycle of Transformations and Its 360 Symbolic Phases
This book is primarily known for the degree analysis and symbolism that was the basis for the Sabian Symbols. To study astrology is to study cycles of growth and transformation. We are always changing, altering, growing, and moving through a myriad of cycles. Although cycles repeat, there are also those that cannot repeat during our lifetimes.This book is a source of inspiration and a stimulant to the mentality.
Astrology of Personality
A Reformulation of Astrological Concepts and Ideals in Terms of Contemporary Psychology and Philosophy
In depth psychology, explorations of complexes and personality disorders, and one of THE books to read and understand. Rudhyar's musical background comes across in his writing rhythm and style. A sensitive, profound writer who has influenced the path of modern astrology greatly.
2. Leo, Alan
Perhaps this belongs in the section devoted to astrology and religion. I feel that even if you have no interest in that subject that Leo's book should be perused for the sense of our cosmic place on earth it invokes. Alan Leo is long gone but this book is still in print.
3. Jones, Marc Edmund
The Sabian Symbols
:A Symbol Explained For Each degree of the Zodiac
Originally printed in the early 50’s this book has stood the test of time and astrologers. The Sabian Symbols were derived by psychic means and are not exactly astrology, but a valuable addition to interpretive techniques. Each degree of the zodiac is given a picture with a story to it, and from this we can glean a bit more information from the positions of the planets and the degrees on the axis.
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Advanced techniques
1. Progressions
The Eagle and the Lark
:A Textbook of Predictive Astrology -Brady, Bernadette
This book is most famous for the Saros Cycles discussion on Eclipses, but the progressions materials are quite good also.
2.Synastry
Relationships : Synastry Techniques
March & McEversFrom the Only Way to Learn Astrology series. Good beginner book.
How To Handle Your Human Relations - Sargent, Lois H.
Still available through the AFA, this is a 1958 book that still has a “leave it beaver” attitude about marriage which doesn’t fit into the 90’s, but her book has been the seminal work on synastric comparisons for many years and well worth the hunt to find a copy. Just a tiny book, but filled with immense knowledge.
Relationships and Life Cycles
Arroyo, Stephen
Arroyo brings deep insights into human relationships and a method to compare charts that is easy and simple. How to judge emphasis between charts..does her Mars aspect his Mercury and vice versa? If so, we have emphasis along the lines of Mars/Mercury, and this will be a recurrent theme in the relationship. A good read and you feel just as though you sitting right in front of the man, listening to him, as this book is taken from lectures. Other books by Arroyo under Elements and Chart Interpretations.
Planets in Composite
Analyzing Human Relationships
Hand, Rob
The Composite Chart is derived from takng the midpoints of the same planets in two or more charts, and creating a new chart. Hand was not the first one to use this technique, but certainly has explained it well and offered a “cookbook” of interpretations second to none. This is a good book to use to learn and study this method of viewing the interactions in relationships.
The Astrology of Human Relationships
Sakoian & Acker
How does the positions of one persons planets affect another person? How do aspects between two charts manifest? This again is a cookbook, but it gives you an excellent basis for analysis from which you can grow. A good foundation book for synastric studies.
Astrology for Lovers
Another great book by Liz Greene
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3.Medical Astrology
Medical Astrology
Nauman, Eileen
Absolutely the best reference books for the serious practitioner of medical astrology. Herbs, vitamins, aspect references, minerals, and much more. Her Med Scan technique is wonderful. Nauman is thorough, well researched, and reliable. If I could only keep one author for astrological medical reference this would be the one I would choose.
Astrology, Nutrition, and Health
Jansky, Robert
A good overview of the signs and elements in relation to health. Not as specific as Nauman nor as well written, but a book needed for study of the complexity of interactions between signs and elements. This book addresses the overall dynamics of the signs and planets with body systems as no other does.
Casenotes of a Medical Astrologer
Millard, Margaret, MD
OUT OF PRINT, but used copy may be found. Not as much astrology as previous two books but more actual case histories from a medical doctor’s point of view. You will learn a lot from Millard, but she is not a teaching astrologer and this is in no way a textbook. Not a “must have”, but definitely belongs on your reading list if you intend to pursue medical astrology. Warning: She dealt with some very sad cases, including her daughters. This book may cause tears.
Astrological Healing
The History and Practice
Ebertin, Reinhold
Medical astrology from the viewpoint of the Midpoints and the school of Cosmobiology. Ebertin is a seminal writer and his health rules via the midpoints are taken as absolutes by many astrologers.
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4.Asteroids
Asteroid Goddesses-
George, Demetra with Douglas Bloch
Ceres, Pallas, Vesta, Juno, etc. tied to the feminine mystique. This book is highly thought of in astrological circles. Particularly of interest to those delving into "feminine" issues. Worth reading if you want to pursue asteroids.
Asteroid Name Encyclopedia-
Schwartz, JacobJust what the title says. Bet you didn't know an asteroid encyclopedia existed!
5.Declinations
Astrology Really Works
Magi Society
Update: June 3, 2002 This wonderful book seems to have become a new CLASSIC in a very short time and is difficult to find even in a used edition and currently Sold Out. The Magi Society brought a refreshing and intelligent perspective to chart reading by incorporating a long history of astrological expertise, and a great deal of research, into discovering which aspects (including, and especially, declinations) represent fame, fortune, and compatibility. Concentration on the chart aspects sans birth time calculations (no ascendants and no houses) is alien to the average Western traditional astrologer, but the Magi Society proves it to be highly effective. Definitely a must to read. Do look for Magi Astrology: The Key to Success in Love and Money the follow up to "Astrology Really Works" which is filled with a great deal of useful astrology for the real world, and The Magi Society Ephemeris which may only be found in a used edition but contains a few chapters of otherwise unpublished secret techniques. And do keep an eye out for their next book....it will be published when the astrological aspects are auspicious.
6.Cosmobiology
The Combination of Stellar Influences
Ebertin, ReinholdThese are THE books on cosmobiology.
7.Horary
Ivy M. Goldstein-Jacobson has the best book Simplified Horary Astrology. Sadly I haven't found it back in print. If I do I will place a link here.
Horary and Electional Astrology
March & McEvers
The Only Way To Learn Astrology series.Horary Astrology : Practical Techniques for Problem Solving
Jones, Marc Edmund
Originally written in the 50’s this book has stood the test of time and is still available. This is the same man who compiled the Sabian Symbols and the book is well written, contemporary in attitude, and a good addition to your library.
8.Fixed Stars
by Vivian E. Robson
This is THE book for exploring the fixed stars. How to calculate their current positions, how to interpret them in a chart, and which stars are in what constellations. A standard reference book. Robson is one those "old-timers"who is back in reprint after reprint.
9.Eclipses
Eclipses in Theory and Practice
by Sepharial
Although Sepharial passed away in 1919 his works live on. This book was first published in 1915 yet it is still a basic reference to rely upon for eclipse interpretations. Again, a standard reference book. Read it first if you are interested in eclipses. Warning: language and terms are terribly dated.
The Eagle and the Lark
A Textbook of Predictive Astrology
Brady, Bernadette
Eclipses repeat themselves over and over again. The same degree is accentuated approximately every 19 years. But there are larger cycles called Saros Cycles which Brady explores in depth and quite well. The books main focus is prediction, but I bought it for the eclipse information. Quite a good contemporary Australian author.
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Other Advanced Reading
Cunningham, Donna
An incredibly accurate book for those who have experienced Pluto in their own lives or through the charts of others. Cunningham brings the subjects of sexual abuse, power struggles, and violence into the light of sensitive healing methods. A wonderful book by an enormously observant and skilled author. My own personal 3 star choice.
Classical Astrology for Modern Living
From Ptolemy to Psychology & Back Again
Lehman, J. LeeI don’t have this book, but have heard Lehman lecture on this subject, and she is one of the few astrologers who can bring ancient techniques to life in contemporary terms without boring me to tears. Her scholarship is superb, her writing style excellent, and her works an asset to anyone interested in the ancient astrologers and traditional astrology techniques.
Miscellaneous interests
1.Astrology and Religion
Esoteric Astrology
by Alice Bailey
Bailey, a well known Theosophist, was a prolific writer and her series on Esoteric Astrology covers many volumes. If you are interested in the Rays and the Zodiac you should read this book. The Rays explore the unfolding development of the spiritual path as seen through the interchange of energies as symbolized by the signs and elements. She refers often to The Secret Doctrine by Madame Blavatsky, another well known Theosophist. You will find she uses a different set of rulerships for signs which she explains in the book. Her background in Yoga and her studies of the chakras is perhaps better explained in The Light of the Soul.
Spiritual Astrology : The Origins of Astro-Mythology and Stellar Religion
(The Brotherhood of Light, Course 7)
Zain, C.C.Highly esoteric and symbolic. Heavy, ponderous reading with many obscure references, but a necessary book for those following the path of Spiritual Astrology. Zain was a methodical writer and left no loose ends in his philosophy or his astrology. From the Church of Light Courses that originated in the 20's and 30's.
Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception : Mystic Christianity
by Max Heindel
I grew up with Heindel’s Message of The Stars which seems to be out of print at this time. Heindel was a famous Rosicrucian astrologer and his works and attitudes seem quite dated and judgemental now. However, the philosophy behind his astrology and the Rosicrucians outlook is worthwhile to understand. And the astrology is superlative even if a bit melodramatic at times.
2.Vedic and Hindu
Vedic Astrology
A Guide to the Fundamentals of Jyotish
Ronnie Gale DreyerI sat in on several of Ronnie's lectures and she has a contemporary touch that makes this technique highly palatable for the Western astrologer.
Ancient Hindu Astrology for the Modern Western Astrologer
James Braha is extremely readable and merges Eastern with Western astrology . All of his works come highly recommended. He is well grounded in both Western and Eastern approaches and does not sit in judgement on either, but explains the differences as well as the similarities.
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3.Astrology and Myth
What can I say? Liz Greene is great! You get much more than just myth and astrology but also explorations of the collective archtypes operating in modern man. Thought provoking books.
The Inner Planets : Building Blocks of Personal Reality
The Astrological Neptune and the Quest for Redemption
Saturn : a New Look at an Old Devil
4.Chiron
Chiron : Rainbow Bridge Between the Inner and Outer Planets
Clow, Barbara HandClow brings up some questions as to the ruler of Chiron. Yet if Chiron is a comet, as has been proved, does it really NEED a ruler? This book has some very good examinations of Chiron operating in natal charts and how to look at Chiron activity as it makes it’s cycle through the natal chart by transit (i.e.: it squares itself, then opposes itself, then we have the Chiron return at age 50-ish)
Chiron and the Healing Journey
An Astrological and Psychological Perspective
Reinhart, MelanieA well loved book, much more down to earth than Clow, and more psychologically based. Choose either one for thoughtful discussion of Chiron in the chart.
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