Question: “I’m looking for astrological reading material; can you suggest any titles? I like to learn about astrology and am fascinated by natal charts, synastry, horary, and forecasts. I’m only interested in ways that work in real life. To add to it, synthesis is where I really struggle.”

Providing a list of recommended astrology books can be a delicate topic, especially if the person you’re recommending the book to ends up rejecting it. Then they’ll blame you for it.  Although fascinating and full of useful information, ancient astrological texts from bygone ages are less relevant to present life. Works written by authors like Carter, Alan Leo, and Dane Rudhyar who are a few decades older are typically excellent.

I do find Liz Greene’s books to be well worth the price for their insightful and creative psychological interpretations. Sue Tompkins and Donna Cunningham are two talented astrologers when it comes to practical application of their craft. Actually, if you’re looking for a synthesis, How to Interpret Your Astrological Chart: In terms of outlining a horoscope, Aspects of the Cosmic Puzzle should be at the top of the list. When it comes to understanding the significance of planetary positions in signs and aspects, this is the only book that comes close. In summary, here’s what critics had to say:

Though intrigued, I was hesitant to purchase Donna’s book. My shelves are already sagging under the weight of astrology books, many of which are unread. Her premise, though, hooked me. If you’ve been studying astrology for a while but still feel uneasy about reading a real horoscope, this is the book for you. Even now, when I first see a chart, my face freezes up like a deer in the headlights. I begin to rummage through my recollections of several cookbooks I have read in the past. Donna’s method is anti-cookbook since it educates you to think astrologically in order to draw your own conclusions. This is not an introductory text. Having a good grasp on the fundamentals you picked up through books is essential. She explains how to skim the surface data and extract the most relevant insights from the chart. If you’ve been studying astrology for a time and are ready to put what you’ve learned into practise, you should devour this work.

Horary:  This is something I simply cannot help you with. Any natal astrology textbook can be used for inexpensive predictive astrology by simply reading the themes as current or future events. Some books on prediction are overly complicated and include a lot of extraneous information.

Love Signs ends with some excellent book suggestions from author Linda Goodman.

There are many hundreds of astrology textbooks published, most of them repetitious, some of them of no help whatsoever – and a only a few of them are of any real value to the serious, esoteric professional. One can waste a good deal of money, since astrology books are so expensive, using the slow process of trial and error. I don’t claim that these are the only valued textbooks. There are a number of other fine ones. But these constitute a required library for the sincere student of astrology. They are basic. After these books have been acquired, others may be added according to personal taste. …I’m offering some suggestions for further study – these all being either my past and current astrological “bibles” – or books that have expanded my awareness in the metaphysical fields, at various times.

The following are some of Linda’s suggestions:

The Manual of Astrology, by Serpharial, 1962. This is perhaps the one book I would place at the very top of absolutely indispensable interpretive textbooks. This book alone can make anyone who has a natural aptitude for such work a competent astrologer of natal science. An exceptional and extraordinary interpretive guide on a level with the Sepharial textbook. In particular, this is a fine book regarding transits and progressions in predictive work; whereas the Sepharial book is more helpful concerning the interpretation of the natal horoscope (character and potential, etc.)

Related posts:

How to be a Great Astrologer Sue Tompkins: Aspects in Astrology Through the Zodiac Lens: Liz Greene’s Astrology for Lovers Archetypal Astrology Book: The Mysterious Forces of Destiny The Goddess in Your Stars: Review 8 Astrological Tidbits: Quotes Pluto: Fritz Brunhubner What’s the Best Synastry Book? Astrology Made Easiest Secrets From A Stargazer’s Notebook Relationships, Astrology, & Karma