Fans pick 75 books like Classical Scientific Astrology

By George C. Noonan,

Here are 75 books that Classical Scientific Astrology fans have personally recommended if you like Classical Scientific Astrology. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Nero

Phillip Barlag Author Of Evil Roman Emperors: The Shocking History of Ancient Rome's Most Wicked Rulers from Caligula to Nero and More

From my list on challenge thinking of the Titans of Roman history.

Why am I passionate about this?

I never set out to read & write so much about Roman history; it was an accident. I happened to visit Rome when I was young, quite poor and decidedly light on my knowledge of Roman history. Five minutes out of the train station and into the streets and I was hooked for life. I had to know more and started reading. Then I found gaps in the library and started writing. Roman history never stops changing, even thousands of years later. New discoveries, new scholarship, new interpretations, all keep Roman history fresh & exciting. I love sharing what I find. Thank you for joining the adventure.

Phillip's book list on challenge thinking of the Titans of Roman history

Phillip Barlag Why did Phillip love this book?

Was Nero really such a monster? The New York Times and the British Museum are among the venerable institutions attempting to answer this question. It’s part of a broad trend to rethink the life and rule of one of history’s most famous villains. I’d like to think that this book helped start this historical reframing. Nero was not without his virtues. But he most definitely had vices in abundance. The question is not whether he was good or bad; rather, how did those two dimensions interact? Champlain does a great job of looking at Nero with a measure of objectivity and helping readers see things a bit differently. 

By Edward Champlin,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The Roman emperor Nero is remembered by history as the vain and immoral monster who fiddled while Rome burned. Edward Champlin reinterprets Nero's enormities on their own terms, as the self-conscious performances of an imperial actor with a formidable grasp of Roman history and mythology and a canny sense of his audience.

Nero murdered his younger brother and rival to the throne, probably at his mother's prompting. He then murdered his mother, with whom he may have slept. He killed his pregnant wife in a fit of rage, then castrated and married a young freedman because he resembled her. He…


Book cover of Nero: The Man Behind the Myth

Humphry Knipe Author Of The Nero Prediction

From my list on Nero (the man and the myth).

Why am I passionate about this?

The deeper I looked into Nero’s history the more references I found to astrology about which I knew nothing except that it was a “pseudo science”. Then an idea hit me like the proverbial lightning bolt. It didn’t matter that astrology was mere superstition. All that mattered was that Nero and his contemporaries believed in it. Nero’s birthday and time are known so it must be possible to re-create his horoscope. With this mysterious wheel in hand, anyone familiar with ancient astrological lore should be able to make some very intelligent guesses about what Nero’s astrologer would have been advising his imperial client on perhaps a daily basis.

Humphry's book list on Nero (the man and the myth)

Humphry Knipe Why did Humphry love this book?

Written by a veteran London Times journalist this exciting book reads like a fast paced thriller. What I found most interesting is his detailed description of Nero’s most notorious action, the murder of his mother. He writes “It is in the realm of abnormal psychology that an explanation may lie.” He is clearly unaware that what best explains the spooky full moon melodrama played out on a cosmic stage was the blind faith both Nero and his mother had in astrology (see Nero's astrology chart here). 

By Richard Holland,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Richard Holland's biography looks at Nero from a different perspective and encourages readers to see the man rather than the monster.


Book cover of Nero: Emperor In Revolt

Humphry Knipe Author Of The Nero Prediction

From my list on Nero (the man and the myth).

Why am I passionate about this?

The deeper I looked into Nero’s history the more references I found to astrology about which I knew nothing except that it was a “pseudo science”. Then an idea hit me like the proverbial lightning bolt. It didn’t matter that astrology was mere superstition. All that mattered was that Nero and his contemporaries believed in it. Nero’s birthday and time are known so it must be possible to re-create his horoscope. With this mysterious wheel in hand, anyone familiar with ancient astrological lore should be able to make some very intelligent guesses about what Nero’s astrologer would have been advising his imperial client on perhaps a daily basis.

Humphry's book list on Nero (the man and the myth)

Humphry Knipe Why did Humphry love this book?

A magisterial, affectionate portrait of Nero and his times, this book is full of delightful touches of humor. Grant writes that although Nero enjoyed giving feasts, “we are not told if he was amused by the famous contemporary glutton Arpocras, who ate four tablecloths at a time, and broken glass as well.”

By Michael Grant,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Bound in the publisher's original cloth covered boards, spine and cover stamped in gilt. Dust jacket rubbed at the edges, small closed tears at the extremities.


Book cover of Renan's Antichrist

Humphry Knipe Author Of The Nero Prediction

From my list on Nero (the man and the myth).

Why am I passionate about this?

The deeper I looked into Nero’s history the more references I found to astrology about which I knew nothing except that it was a “pseudo science”. Then an idea hit me like the proverbial lightning bolt. It didn’t matter that astrology was mere superstition. All that mattered was that Nero and his contemporaries believed in it. Nero’s birthday and time are known so it must be possible to re-create his horoscope. With this mysterious wheel in hand, anyone familiar with ancient astrological lore should be able to make some very intelligent guesses about what Nero’s astrologer would have been advising his imperial client on perhaps a daily basis.

Humphry's book list on Nero (the man and the myth)

Humphry Knipe Why did Humphry love this book?

This book by the renowned nineteenth-century biblical scholar is a great read because it epitomizes the traditional anti-Nero bias to the point of parody. Renan writes that “Nero’s actions float between the black wickedness of a cruel dunce and the irony of a cynic. He did not possess an idea that was not puerile. The sham world of art in which he dwelt had made the veriest fool of him.”

By Joseph-Ernest Renan, William G. Hutchison,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Renan's Antichrist as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1899 Edition.


Book cover of Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook

Jackie Slevin Author Of Finding Success in the Horoscope: The Slevin System of Horoscope Analysis

From my list on taking 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.

Jackie's book list on taking astrology beyond the sun sign

Jackie Slevin Why did Jackie 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 Development of the Personality

Noel Eastwood Author Of Psychological Astrology And The Twelve Houses

From my list on 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.

Noel's book list on for learning psychological astrology

Noel Eastwood Why did Noel 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 Heaven Knows What

Joseph Polansky Author Of A Spiritual Look at the 12 Signs: An Introduction to Spiritual Astrology

From my list on astrology for beginners.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a full-time practicing astrologer who’s been in practice for over 35 years. There’s a lot of misconceptions about this noblest and holy science and I’ve written extensively over the years to explain things to the best of my ability. I am the author of Sun Sign Success, Pendulum Power, Your Personal Horoscope (a series that is going on for 29 years now), The Magic Stone, A Spiritual View Of The 12 Signs, The Moving Universe, and numerous articles in the astrological press. I live in Florida and I deal with an international clientele.

Joseph's book list on astrology for beginners

Joseph Polansky Why did Joseph love this book?

Grant Lewi was a legendary astrologer. He was the editor of Dell’s Horoscope magazine in the 1930s and '40s. He died in 1951 and this book is most likely out of print, but you can still get it on the Internet. He was such a master that he simplified the casting and interpretation of Horoscopes to a level that beginners could understand. A great entry point into astrology. The legend is that he knew the date of his death from his horoscope and bought a large life insurance policy shortly before that! His heirs did well and he paid next to nothing.

By Grant Lewi,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Heaven Knows What as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Book by Lewi, Grant


Book cover of Horoscope Symbols

Babs Kirby Author Of Love and Sexuality: An Exploration of Venus and Mars

From my list on astrology with a psychological perspective.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was a humanistic psychotherapist first and came to astrology later and loved the way it didn’t pathologize and gave insight into our character and how that affects our destiny. I started to gather the charts of my psychotherapy clients (with their permission of course) and while not using this in their sessions, I was inspired by how they spoke their charts. Much of my understanding of how planetary positions and aspects manifest has been discovered by listening. I love how aspect patterns repeat through the generations within a family and what ramifications this has on the individuals. Who’s carrying the families karma?

Babs' book list on astrology with a psychological perspective

Babs Kirby Why did Babs love this book?

This is a great, in-depth introduction to the symbolic language of astrology.

Robert Hand covers just about everything in this book, which is aimed at beginner and intermediate students of astrology but stands up well even when you’ve become more fluent in astrology’s rich vocabulary. It’s accessible and profound at the same time. One you can dip into for new understandings indefinitely. 

By Robert Hand,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Whether you're a beginning student or a practicing professional, Horoscope Symbols takes you beyond your present conception of astrology into a whole new realm of understanding. Horoscope Symbols takes the beginner beyond cookbook interpretations to genuine insight, beyond superficial keywords to the fundamental principles that underlie astrology, beyond overemphasis on signs to the primacy of planets and angles. Although Hand assumes little prior knowledge of astrology, the more you know, the more you will get out of this book. Hand takes the expert beyond the fatalism of tradition to a deep understanding of the role of personal choice in the…


Book cover of This Is Your Destiny: Using Astrology to Manifest Your Best Life

Shawn Engel Author Of Mushroom Magick: Ritual, Celebration, and Lore

From my list on witchy Gen Z Millennial babes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started my path as a professional witch about eight years ago. As a millennial babe who loves instagram, I found my community in the aesthetic feed of stylized ritual and came out of the broom closet in 2016. I’ve forged many personal relationships over my time in that space, and have connected with some incredible witchcraft and astrology experts who helped me when I was just starting out. These books are from some of these trusted experts, and the information inside them is deliciously woo while able to be applied practically. I hope you add them to your growing grimoire library!

Shawn's book list on witchy Gen Z Millennial babes

Shawn Engel Why did Shawn love this book?

As a millennial girly I’m obsessed with manifestation AND astrology. I love using this guide to deepen my knowledge of my chart and explore the benefits of my personal placements. I’ve even used it to manifest new opportunities! The uniqueness to my situations and astrological makeup makes the manifestation so much stronger. 

By Aliza Kelly,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked This Is Your Destiny as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This Is Your Destiny fuses the wisdom of the stars, real-life stories and Aliza's knowledge to prove that reality is a reflection of consciousness, and by shifting your awareness you can transform your universe to create the life you've ALWAYS wanted.

Unlike most astrology books, this isn't about flipping to your sun sign page to find your generic, gimmicky take on what each sign 'does' - it's much more complicated than that. Everyone has a completely different birth chart, and a unique way of moving through the world. You can't apply a one-size fits all formula to spirituality, so Aliza's…


Book cover of Exploring Consciousness In the Horoscope

Noel Eastwood Author Of Psychological Astrology And The Twelve Houses

From my list on 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.

Noel's book list on for learning psychological astrology

Noel Eastwood Why did Noel 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.


Book cover of Nero
Book cover of Nero: The Man Behind the Myth
Book cover of Nero: Emperor In Revolt

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Interested in astrology, Nero, and horoscopes?

Astrology 42 books
Nero 28 books
Horoscopes 11 books