The most recommended astrology books

Who picked these books? Meet our 21 experts.

21 authors created a book list connected to astrology, and here are their favorite astrology books.
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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 Catfish Alley

Fiona Forsyth Author Of Blood and Shadows

From Fiona's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Rome nerd Teacher Notebook hoarder Thwarted thespian

Fiona's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Fiona Forsyth Why did Fiona love this book?

This is the perfect thriller. It has a good mystery, of course, and you can’t trust anybody, but for me, the real coup lies in the hero.

The author achieves the most difficult trick of all – a hero you don’t like but whom you nonetheless root for. I think the last time I felt like this was reading Jane Austen’s Emma. A twisty plot and perfect pacing help to make this a really satisfying read.

By T.M. Stretton,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

I once had a girlfriend back in Scotland, Lorna, who was into astrology, karma, healing crystals and all that shite. She always said the universe had a way of knowing when you needed something and providing for you. In my experience, what it generally provides is a kick in the bollocks.

Tommy Chisholm is in trouble.

His dream life in Barcelona is unravelling. He’s broke, his writing career has stalled, and maybe it’s time to pack up and go home.

When he’s recruited by an organised crime gang to help them rob an art gallery, he thinks his financial worries…


Book cover of Fruits Basket, Vol. 1

Stephen McCranie Author Of Space Boy Volume 1

From my list on graphic YA with slow-burning high school romances.

Why am I passionate about this?

My name is Stephen McCranie and I'm currently working on Space Boy, a slow-burning high school romance that asks the question, "How do we bridge the gap between us?" I love working in this particular genre because high school is such a formative period for all of us. Also, when a romance burns slowly, the audience gets time to explore the world of the story, which can often be dynamic and lush with detail. And then, when our lovers find each other at long last, it is all the more sweet for having waited.

Stephen's book list on graphic YA with slow-burning high school romances

Stephen McCranie Why did Stephen love this book?

A homeless high school girl is taken in by a mysterious family, whose members are possessed by the 13 animals of the Zodiac. As she lives with the family, she slowly uncovers hidden wounds, which she heals with her generous spirit. Eventually, she falls in love with one of the two brothers her age, but which one will it be? Usually, with love triangles like this, I can figure out almost immediately who will end up together, but this one took me a while, which made the story all the more interesting.  

By Natsuki Takaya, Natsuki Takaya (artist),

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

After a family tragedy turns her life upside down, plucky high schooler Tohru Honda takes matters into her own hands and moves out...into a tent! Unfortunately for her, she pitches her new home on private land belonging to the mysterious Sohma clan, and it isn't long before the owners discover her secret. But, as Tohru quickly finds out when the family offers to take her in, the Sohmas have a secret of their own--when touched by the opposite sex, they turn into the animals of the Chinese Zodiac!A perennial favorite of fans and librarians alike, Natsuki Takaya's beloved bestselling Fruits…


Book cover of Evolutionary Herbalism: Science, Spirituality, and Medicine from the Heart of Nature

Bethany Stahl Author Of Save the Ocean

From my list on non-fiction that inspire you to love earth.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an author, illustrator, herbalist, and aromatherapist with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. I’ve spent years working with native flora and fauna from propagating endangered plants back into their natural habitats and swimming through alligator-infested waters to rescue baby manatees who’ve been abandoned. This list is a look into the wonderful works that have touched me deeply and pivoted me deeper into understanding the world we share.

Bethany's book list on non-fiction that inspire you to love earth

Bethany Stahl Why did Bethany love this book?

I was captivated by this deep dive into the alchemical side of plants.

Sajah presented the plants in a way that was opposite of my scientific understanding and gave a monograph of a plant's full spirit, challenging me to see the natural world in a way I hadn’t considered before. This book is a true staple in my library and has sparked my yearning to learn alchemy.

By Sajah Popham,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Introducing a groundbreaking, holistic approach to the practice and philosophy of herbal healing for the body, spirit, and soul.

The first-ever herbalism guide to integrate herbal, medical, and esoteric traditions from around the globe—including astrology, Ayurveda, and alchemy—into one cohesive model.

Sajah Popham presents an innovative approach to herbalism that considers the holistic relationship among plants, humans, and the underlying archetypal patterns in Nature. Organized in 5 parts, this work explores a unique integration of clinical herbalism, Ayurveda, medical astrology, spagyric alchemy, and medical and esoteric traditions from across the world into a truly holistic system of plant medicine.
 
A…


Book cover of The Only Way to Learn Astrology

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?

While nothing replaces going to school or studying under a real teacher, this series comes close. It assumes the reader knows nothing and starts you off from the fundamental basics (the basic vocabulary) and takes you step-by-step into the more advanced topics. This is not something you just read - like a novel - it is something you study and work with.

I recommend all 3 volumes of this series. 

By Marion D. March, Joan McEvers,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Only Way to Learn Astrology as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This new publication of a highly popular classic lives up to its title in presenting very clear instructions for how to learn astrology. As the first volume of a six volume series, this book teaches "Basic Principles" in a proven critically acclaimed method. Part 1 explains the symbolism of signs, planets, houses and aspects. Part 2 provides detailed delineation of each of the planets by sign, house placement and aspect, with thorough examples and then quizzes that allow the reader to self-test. Throughout, March and McEvers encourage their readers to "think like an astrologer."


Book cover of Goddesses in Everywoman: Powerful Archetypes in Women's Lives

Anita Johnston Author Of Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationship with Food Through Myths, Metaphors, and Storytelling

From my list on the archetypal feminine.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a clinical psychologist who has specialized in women’s issues and disordered eating for over thirty years. Born on the island of Guam, I was raised in a matriarchal and multicultural household where storytelling was a means of transmitting important concepts, traditions, and values, and was a way to experience meaningful and joyful connections with others. Because I was raised by strong women and my indigenous ancestors were Chamorro, a matrilineal culture that honored the motherline, I have always been interested in the archetypal feminine rooted in these stories, although I didn’t discover the term until I began to study psychology.

Anita's book list on the archetypal feminine

Anita Johnston Why did Anita love this book?

When I read this book, I felt much the way I did as a teenager when I discovered astrology and began to appreciate there were patterns of behavior found in humans that were reflected in the vastness of the cosmos -- and vice versa. Who would have thought that what I considered idiosyncratic tendencies within myself and others actually were a part of a much bigger pattern that had existed for millennia in the form of ancient goddesses? I was astounded to see the personalities of my sisters, friends, mother, aunties, as well as celebrities, accurately depicted by Greek goddesses. 

In this book, Shinoda-Bolen brings to life many dimensions of the archetypal feminine that get played out in our modern lives, our individual psyches, and in our relationships.

By Jean Shinoda Bolen,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Jean Shinoda Bolen's celebrated work of female psychology that uses seven archetypical goddesses to describing behavior patterns and personality traits, as relevant and timeless today as when it was first published thirty years ago. Myths are fascinating stories that become even more intriguing when we realize that they can reveal intimate truths about ourselves and others. Jean Shinoda Bolen brings the Greek pantheon to life as our inner archetypes and applies the power of myth to our personal lives. Once we understand the natural progression from myth to archetype to personal psychology, and realize that positive gifts and negative tendencies…


Book cover of The Earth Spirit: Its Ways, Shrines and Mysteries

Nick Inman Author Of A Guide to Mystical France: Secrets, Mysteries, Sacred Sites

From my list on seeing what isn’t there (or is it?).

Why am I passionate about this?

A while ago I lived with the extraordinary spiritual Findhorn community in Scotland and that experience opened my eyes to the mysteries that we are and that surround us. Subsequently, I became a professional travel guide writer and as I visited churches and megaliths, it gradually occurred to me that the ancients may have recorded information useful to us if only we could work out how to interpret it. Twenty years ago I settled in France, a country densely packed with extraordinary places. Here, I have been able to deepen my understanding of the universal, greater reality of which we are part.  

Nick's book list on seeing what isn’t there (or is it?)

Nick Inman Why did Nick love this book?

John Michell needs to be mentioned somewhere on my list for his pioneering work into seeing the earth as a living creature with which human beings interact. This is part of a legendary series of illustrated books, Art and the Imagination, which gives serious treatment to subjects that are too often treated in a less rigorous way. Each has an expert introduction and extended picture captions. Other titles cover astrology, alchemy, the Holy Grail, Tao, Zen, the mythical spiral, and sacred geoometry.

By John Michell,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Discusses how various ancient cultures worshipped the Earth and shows wells, sacred rocks, standing stones, and symbolic earthworks.


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

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 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…


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 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…