The best books that take astrology beyond the sun sign

This is the book that ignited my spark of interest in astrology, along with so many other practitioners. How anyone could pinpoint characteristics of people from the month of their birth astounded me, and from this premise I continued to read every astrology book I could get my hands on. One of the most user-friendly books in this field, anyone from any walk of life can glance through it and, knowing only their birthday, learn their place in the scheme of the heavens. In addition to her piercing insights, Linda Good was an exceptionally good writer who keeps you turning the pages. 

This classic takes you to the next step of horoscope analysis, along with a more philosophical approach to how the heavens impact human behavior based on planets’ placements at the time of your birth. Detailed explanations about signs, planets, and houses are presented in almost a “cookbook” presentation that helps the reader make more sense of how horoscopes play a role in a person’s destiny. The language and descriptions may be a bit dated for some tastes, but the timeless message remains intact.

In a refreshing break from standard fare, Kempton-Smith uses humor with deep insight to describe the components of a horoscope in a writing style that is more amenable to the contemporary reader who is seeking the fundamentals of horoscope analysis. Descriptions of planets, signs, and aspects are instructive and instantly applicable in her many clear examples. The unique chapter on "Astrology for Daily Living" illustrates how astrology is used in mundane events and other areas that is not found in most texts. Her techniques for determining the best days for those born under certain signs to undertake endeavors is highly recommended, and her overall mass appeal is up-beat and entertaining. 

The first installment in a series from the modern-day guru of evolutionary astrology, The Inner Sky is a must-read for anyone with a strong interest in how horoscopes function in our lives. Written in excellent prose with subtexts of symbol, strategy, endpoint, resources, and shadow for each Sun sign, Forrest takes us on a journey of discovery of the finer points and lesser qualities of each zodiac sign, and presents more contemporary explanations of planets in signs, houses, and aspects. Referring to a copy of your chart while reading this book brings your chart to life, bringing inner revelations in the process. 

In Cosmos and Psyche, a massive tome based on thirty years of astrological research, psychologist and cultural historian Richard Tarnas has written a sensational synthesis of astrological, psycho-spiritual, and humanistic studies. Sun signs and other horoscopic explanations are not included. This masterpiece begins and ends with the psyche, the human condition, and, most especially, the modern mind, and how it is screaming to be reunited with the soul of the universe. 

Tarnas writes that modern science has de-anthropomorphized cognition and thus the modern world is disenchanted and ultimately disconnected. In the disenchanted cosmos, nothing is sacred, but if one is involved in the “participation mystique” the universe is truly enchanted, hence everything is sacred. Highly recommended for advanced students and practitioners.