My favorite books that take astrology beyond the sun sign

Why am I passionate about this?

As a Certified Astrologer and Education Director of The National Council for Geocosmic Research, I host monthly webinars with experienced astrologers from around the world who present state-of-the-art lectures on every facet of astrology. I taught astrology in-person and online for 10 years, have consulted professionally for 40, and have written many articles in astrological newsletters and magazines, some of which have been published internationally. For the past 14 years I’ve been a staff writer for Horoscope Guide Magazine, and have been interviewed frequently on talk radio, podcasts, and newspapers, including The New York Post.


I wrote...

Finding Success in the Horoscope: The Slevin System of Horoscope Analysis

By Jackie Slevin,

Book cover of Finding Success in the Horoscope: The Slevin System of Horoscope Analysis

What is my book about?

In my book I outline the Slevin System of Horoscope Analysis, a 12- step system that provides a step-by-step approach to determining the best route to success based on your individual horoscope. Expanding beyond Sun-Sign Astrology, all you need is a computer print-out to discover the aspects of your Midheaven (one of the four angles in a horoscope) and define abilities, develop talents, and ultimately attain your goals. More than 40 example charts are included and delineated to help you follow the specific steps  Extending beyond standard Sun-Sign Astrology, this unique method has not been published anywhere else, and revolutionizes astrological career counseling

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Linda Goodman's Sun Signs

Jackie Slevin Why did I love this book?

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. 

By Linda Goodman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Linda Goodman's Sun Signs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Your sun sign is determined by the day and month of your birth and dictates your zodiac personality. Taking each of the twelve signs in turn, Linda Goodman explains the importance of the sun in astrology. She explains the charactersitics of each sign and how these can be used to really get to know the men, women, children, bosses and employees in your life.

Before 1968, astrology as we know it had a very limited following in the United States and around the world. It was the 1968 publication of Linda Goodman's Sun Signs that changed that forever, bringing metaphysical…


Book cover of Astrology: A Cosmic Science: The Classic Work on Spiritual Astrology

Jackie Slevin Why did I love this book?

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.

By Isabel M. Hickey,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Astrology as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This is a new approach to astrology that has for too long been neglected in astrological textbooks. This book combines the inner and outer aspects of astrology in a unique and inspirational manner. The blueprint we call the horoscope deals with the personality, showing the tendencies and the habit patterns brought into this lifetime from other lifetimes. Some are good, some destructive. There is nothing fatalistic about astrology. Behind the personality (the unlit self) lies the Power of the Real Self that can change the outer self completely. Character is destiny. Change your character and you change your destiny. The…


Book cover of Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook

Jackie Slevin Why did I love this book?

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. 

By Debbi Kempton Smith,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Book by Kempton-Smith, Debbi


Book cover of The Inner Sky: How to Make Wiser for a More Fulfilling Life

Jackie Slevin Why did I love this book?

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. 

By Steven Forrest,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

This bestselling astrology classic was the WINNER OF THE 1985 PAI AWARD (Professional Astrologers Incorporated) "for outstanding activities in furthering the goals of Astrology." Published to almost immediate critical acclaim, The Inner Sky is beloved by both beginning and seasoned astrologers. The book introduces all the astrological basics--signs, planets, houses, aspects--and pulls them together in a step-by-step strategy for synthesis that anyone can learn. One of the most popular texts for beginning the study of astrology, the book has received praise by professional astrology teachers as well as celebrities such as Sting and Robert Downey Jr. Readers will learn an…


Book cover of Cosmos and Psyche: Intimations of a New World View

Jackie Slevin Why did I love this book?

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.

By Richard Tarnas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Cosmos and Psyche as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A groundbreaking book that explores how astrology can inform our understanding of the events that have shaped our world—the inspiration for the docuseries Changing of the Gods.

In these pages, distinguished philosopher and cultural historian Richard Tarnas traces the connection between cosmic cycles and archetypal patterns of human experience. Based on thirty years of meticulous research, and on thinkers from Plato to Jung, Cosmos and Psyche explores the planetary correlations of epochal events like the French Revolution, the two world wars, and September 11.

This brilliant book points to a radical change in our understanding of the cosmos, shining new…


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I Am Taurus

By Stephen Palmer,

Book cover of I Am Taurus

Stephen Palmer

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Philosopher Scholar Liberal Reader Musician

Stephen's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

The constellation we know as Taurus goes all the way back to cave paintings of aurochs at Lascaux. This book traces the story of the bull in the sky, a journey through the history of what has become known as the sacred bull.

Each of the sections is written from the perspective of the mythical Taurus, from the beginning at Lascaux to Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, and elsewhere. This is not just a history of the bull but also a view of ourselves through the eyes of the bull, illustrating our pre-literate use of myth, how the advent of writing and the urban revolution changed our view of ourselves, and how even bullfighting in Spain is a variation on the ancient sacrifice of the sacred bull.

I Am Taurus

By Stephen Palmer,

What is this book about?

The constellation we know as Taurus goes all the way back to cave paintings of aurochs at Lascaux. In I Am Taurus, author Stephen Palmer traces the story of the bull in the sky, starting from that point 19,000 years ago - a journey through the history of what has become known as the sacred bull. Each of the eleven sections is written from the perspective of the mythical Taurus, from the beginning at Lascaux to Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Greece, Spain and elsewhere. This is not just a history of the bull but also an attempt to see ourselves through…


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