My favorite books for learning psychological astrology

Why am I passionate about this?

I've had a deep passion for the esoteric world since childhood. I read books on everything to do with ghosts, magic, and astral travel, and began drawing up astrology charts from books I had borrowed from the library as a teenager. I studied astrology back in the mid-1980s when the new age was in full swing. Ten years later I went back to university and studied to become a psychologist. I am a firm believer that an understanding of personality through depth psychotherapy, and the hidden wisdom found in alternative schools of knowledge, can enhance one’s personal and spiritual growth in the difficult times we face today.


I wrote...

Psychological Astrology And The Twelve Houses

By Noel Eastwood,

Book cover of Psychological Astrology And The Twelve Houses

What is my book about?

I spend a lot of time preparing for a reading, and when mentoring students and professionals, by first examining the house position of the planets. The planet’s house position allows you to see a side of your personality that you would normally miss in a general reading. Dig deep and you will find gold. I wrote this book so that I could show astrologers how to do just that.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Development of the Personality

Noel Eastwood Why did I love this book?

I was fortunate to have attended a lecture in 1988 presented by Liz Greene, I didn’t quite understand much of what she said because I was just a beginner, but I loved her passion and how other astrologers held onto every word she spoke. This was one of my first books on psychological astrology and I have bought nearly every book she has ever written since. Understanding the very basics of personality gives astrology an incredible foundation on which to then learn how to read the natal chart. This does just that.

By Liz Greene, Howard Sasportas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Development of the Personality as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Greene and Sasportas focus on psychological complexes and astrological factors that encompass issues from childhood, including the stages of childhood, the parental marriage, subpersonalities and more. An important book helping those in the counseling process.


Book cover of Dynamics of the Unconscious

Noel Eastwood Why did I love this book?

Liz Greene and Howard Sasportas are brilliant at uncovering the very nuts and bolts that form our personalities. Your unconscious urges, drives, and instincts are clearly shown in the astrology chart through the planets, their signs, and house placement. Understanding these foundational aspects of the chart gives you an enormous advantage when doing readings for your clients, your friends, family, and particularly for yourself.

By Liz Greene, Howard Sasportas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dynamics of the Unconscious as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Combining the symbolism of astrology with that of psychology, the authors show you how to understand depression, the quest for the sublime, the astrology and psychology of aggression, and alchemical symbolism for tracking life changes. Charts. Reading list.


Book cover of Astrology, Karma & Transformation

Noel Eastwood Why did I love this book?

When I read his expose of the Saturn Return I knew that I had hit upon a hidden gem. His description of how to read and use the conflicts of planets, signs, and houses within the chart changed the way I approached my readings, and to Stephen, I am eternally grateful.

By Stephen Arroyo,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Astrology, Karma & Transformation as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This insightful and original book focuses on the understanding and use of astrology as a tool for spiritual and psychological growth. In contrast to traditional prediction-oriented astrology, this new approach to the most ancient of all sciences is based upon the law of karma and the urge toward self-transformation. Especially emphasizing the transformative and karmic significance of Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, this book places all astrological techniques in a growth-oriented perspective. It is especially pertinent for those whose interest in astrology is based on a recognition of its spiritual significance and its value for enhancing self-knowledge. Included are chapters…


Book cover of Astrology, Psychology, and the Four Elements: An Energy Approach to Astrology and Its Use in the Counseling Arts

Noel Eastwood Why did I love this book?

If you want to become an astrologer who reads a chart to uncover the many hidden aspects of personality then you need to know how to interpret the four elements – earth, air, water, and fire. Stephen Arroyo and only a few other astrologers have mastered this concept. Psychologically oriented astrologers can give their understanding a boost by learning these simple, yet profound insights that are explained in this book.

By Stephen Arroyo,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Astrology, Psychology, and the Four Elements as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Astrology, Psychology and the Four Elements by Stephen Arroyo, a recognized classic in modern astrology, is truly a pioneering book in the field of astrology. It establishes a new science of astrological psychology. Arroyo presents a language of energy that has enabled astrology to be widely and reliably used in the helping professions as well as by the general public. As Library Journal stated, "Transcending the boundaries of separate disciplines, this work represents a major distillation of astrological principles."

This book relates astrology to modern psychology and explains the use of astrology as a practical method of understanding one's attunement…


Book cover of Exploring Consciousness In the Horoscope

Noel Eastwood Why did I love this book?

Noel Tyl pioneered the concept of Jungian archetypes that could be translated into astrological signs, houses, and planets. Tyl edits this compendium on exploring consciousness in the astrology chart with some of the early astrologers. Although an older book, it shows how astrology today has stepped forward to embrace a deeper understanding of consciousness through the horoscope beyond what we are told on the six o’clock news.

By Noel Tyl (editor),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Exploring Consciousness In the Horoscope as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Astrology is an exciting tool for finding the meaning of life and our part within it, to bring our inner selves together with our external realities, in appreciation of the spirit. Here, ten astrologers come together to share reflections on the elusive quicksilver of consciousness. They embrace the spiritual -- and the practical -- from pulling yourself out of a wayward journey to finding your true path.


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Today Was A Good Day: A Collection of Essays From The Heart Of A Neurosurgeon

By Edward Benzel,

Book cover of Today Was A Good Day: A Collection of Essays From The Heart Of A Neurosurgeon

Edward Benzel Author Of Today Was A Good Day: A Collection of Essays From The Heart Of A Neurosurgeon

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Coming from the perspective of a neurosurgeon, I have witnessed many successes and failures over more than four decades. I recognized decades ago that communication with patients at a level that involves emotions is a necessary part of being a complete physician. This involves being empathetic and, henceforth, digging deep to find the strength to be transparent, vulnerable, compassionate, understanding, and, when needed, forceful (some would call this paternalism). Although the five books I have chosen to highlight vary widely in content, they have one common theme – finding within us the will and wherewithal to succeed.

Edward's book list on awakening of the strengths that are hidden deep inside each of us

What is my book about?

My book is a collection of monthly Editor-in-Chief letters to the readership of World Neurosurgery, a journal that I edit. Each essay is short and sweet. The letters were written for neurosurgeons but have been re-edited so that they apply to all human beings. They cover topics such as leadership, empathy, vulnerability, stress, burnout, and on and on…. These essays are relevant for all who strive to craft a better version of themselves.

Life lessons learned by the author during his 40+ year neurosurgery career are shared and translated into real-life scenarios. Between the covers are many lessons that are derived from the experiences of the author and then applied to all humans. The mastering of these lessons should translate into a sense of pride and satisfaction. In keeping with the theme of the book, this process should culminate in the feeling at the end of the day that ‘Today was, indeed, a good day.’

Today Was A Good Day: A Collection of Essays From The Heart Of A Neurosurgeon

By Edward Benzel,

What is this book about?

About the Book
Today Was A Good Day: A Collection of Essays From The Heart Of A Neurosurgeon features many topics that pertain to how neurosurgeons interact with others and how each of us can use introspection to modify how we are using tools and strategies such as empathy, respect, stress management, and much more.
This book provides some insights into leadership, effective communication, and fulfillment from the perspective of a neurosurgeon, and it causes the reader to think about and consider many, many attributes of a leader.
We all want to have a good day. This book provides strategies…


5 book lists we think you will like!

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