LJ Collection Development- Guides to the Stars: Astrology Explained

The prevailing view of academics, scientists, and many librarians is that astrology is the province of the uneducated, the superstitious, and those who are chronically unable to make a decision on their own. As accurate as that assessment may be, it disregards a history that dates back at least 4000 years and cuts across cultural, societal, and geographical borders. Astrology aims to determine the fate of individuals (or even whole civilizations, countries, and businesses) by studying the position of the stars and planets. Numerology, personology, and tarot—which fall out of the scope of this article—also seek to prognosticate, but they use different sources.

Although the details of astrology's origins are sketchy, most authorities agree that it began near the area now known as Iraq 2000 years B.C.E.—back when it was inseparable from its more respectable cousin, astronomy. The Mesopotamians believed that the stars and planets were gods who would impart divine messages to worshippers. As civilizations like the Egyptian, Greek, and Roman took turns reigning as the world's dominant culture, astrology's influence was filtered through them and passed along: Plato associated the soul with the stars, and the Roman emperors used court astrologers to advise them on the timing of important decisions.

The hold of astrology thrived until Constantine converted to Christianity in 312 C.E. Thereafter, the Christian view of astrology as demonic magic ruled until the Crusades renewed interest in classical learning. Astrology took another blow during the scientific revolution of the 17th century but made a comeback in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By the 1930s, newspapers were running astrology columns, thus introducing the pseudoscience to mainstream America.

Unlike earlier times when astrology's focus was primarily predictive, for the past century the emphasis has been on achieving a greater knowledge of human character. A recent survey offered some reasons for astrology's allure: it's the feeling that one is partaking in an ancient practice, the comfort of the spiritual connection between man and the universe, and the promise of a means to self-understanding.

Peoples' desire to be in touch with the heavens may still seem nebulous, even ridiculous. Regardless of our culture's overriding skepticism, the popularity of astrology persists. Americans spend about $200 million a year on consultations, and two out of five of us read our horoscope on a daily basis. Future onslaughts from science and religion are not likely to change this. In brief, astrology is not going away, so your library should allocate some funds to materials on the subject.

The best way to decide how much to spend is to examine your patrons' reading habits: isolate popular subject areas, then buy a few astrology books that cross over into them. For example, if spirituality and self-help titles fly off the shelves, then take a chance on books that incorporate astrology into their philosophy. Likewise, if business books circulate well, buy an investment book that uses astrology as a framework (even J.P. Morgan kept a staff astrologer). Another option is to build a reference collection first. Set up a display and see how much interest it attracts.

The beauty of astrology books is that they are very affordable and have a long shelf life—that is, unless they tend to get stolen in your library along with books on the occult and Jim Morrison. Replacement, then, may be an issue, but the modest price tag should alleviate that. As for weeding, it should not pose much of a headache because astrology's fundamentals are firmly established. What usually goes in and out of vogue is the emphasis on certain signs (e.g., sun and moon).

As in any industry, there are names to trust. Founded in 1901 by Llewellyn George, Llewellyn remains one of the largest and most successful publishing and wholesaling organizations of occult materials. Inner Traditions has been producing titles on philosophy, holistic health, spiritual traditions, and astrology since 1975. Three of its imprints—Inner Traditions, Destiny Books, and Bear & Co.—offer some of the finest contemporary astrology books. On the higher, more professional end is ACS (Astro Communications Service) Publications. Linda Goodman, Susan Miller, and Linda Martine Woolfolk are some of astrology's best-known and best-selling authors. Gary Goldschneider (The Secret Language of Birthdays, The Secret Language of Relationships) is often grouped along with them, but he combines astrology with many other elements.

Books dominate the following bibliography and for good reason: astrology software is expensive, complicated, and often bug-ridden, and how-to instructions (for building charts, for example) do not tend to translate well over to videos/DVDs and audiobooks. For the library that is leery of collecting in astrology, print is the safest bet because it's relatively cheap.

Starred [* ] items are essential for most collections.

Reference

Crawford, Saffi & Geraldine Sullivan. The Power of Birthdays, Stars, & Numbers: The Complete Personology Reference Guide.
Ballantine. 1998. 831p. illus. ISBN 0-345-41819-0. pap. $24.95.

Seasoned astrologists Crawford and Sullivan intermingled the insights of astrology, numerology, and fixed stars to create this comprehensive and entertaining guide to birthday forecasts. Each day of the year is allotted an entry, which presents information on positive and negative personality traits, career fortes, and the best days for romance and friendship, among other things. Highly recommended for popular library collections.

*Lewis, James R. The Astrology Encyclopedia.
Visible Ink. 1994. 603p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8103-9460-X. pap. $24.95.

Included in this far-reaching, economical reference are some 800 entries on topics ranging from astrological history, words and terms, and famous practitioners to various historical traditions and branches, examples of chart casting, and chart interpretation. An astrologer for more than 25 years, Lewis provides sources in the main entries so the more serious student can explore further. An extensive index makes browsing easy. Noted by the American Library Association. (LJ 3/1/95)

Michelsen, Neil F. The American Ephemeris for the 20th Century: 1900 to 2000 at Midnight
5th ed. 1995. ISBN 0-935127-19-4. pap. $21.95.
Michelsen, Neil F. The American Ephemeris for the 21st Century: 2000 to 2050 at Midnight.
2d ed. 1997. ISBN 0-935127-59-3. pap. $18.95.
ea. vol: ACS Pubns. (American Ephemeris Century).

Designed as early as the fourth century B.C.E., an ephemeris is an almanac based on mathematical calculations that provides the daily positions of the heavenly bodies. Today, it is still essential to astronomers and navigators. These two volumes are indispensable to the professional astrologer and serious student, but they may be a bit much for the casual reader.

*Miller, Anistatia R. & Jared M. Brown. The Complete Astrological Handbook for the Twenty-First Century.
Schocken. 1999. 612p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-8052-1086-5. pap. $21.

This ambitious work traces the development of astrology and explains the connections among Chinese, Tibetan, Vedic, Arabian, Judaic, and Western astrologies. Miller, astrologer to the wealthy and member of the International Society for Astrological Research, and her writing partner, Brown, recount historical examples, from astrology’s use in early farming to its modern applications in creating personality profiles (they use Princess Diana as an example). Includes a companion web site on world astrology ( http://hometown.aol.com/Anistatia ). (LJ 10/1/99)

*Parker, Julia & Derek Parker. Parkers’ Astrology: The Definitive Guide to Using Astrology in Every Aspect of Your Life.
2d ed. DK. 2001. 508p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-7894-8014-X. $40.

This update of a best seller retains its calling card: friendly, step-by-step instructions to drawing up and reading a birth chart. The Parkers (K.I.S.S. Guide to Astrology) expanded sections on the theory of harmonics, the effect of the asteroid/comet Chiron on the horoscope, and the recently developed theory of Relocation Astrology, which helps one identify the best locations on earth to optimize life experiences. More than 1000 attractive illustrations round out this classic.

*Burk, Kevin. Astrology: Understanding the Birth Chart; A Comprehensive Guide to Classical Interpretation.
2001. Llewellyn. 351p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-56718-088-4. pap. $17.95.

This clear guide is based on a course that Burk, a San Diego–based astrologer and teacher, devised to prepare students for the Level I Astrological Certification exam for the National Council for Geocosmic Research. Readers are taken on a historical journey from classical astrology through the many branches of modern astrology so that they understand the principles underlying chart reading. For beginning to advanced astrologers.

Dwyer, Terry. How To Write an Astrological Synthesis: A Guide for Students.
95p. ISBN 0-8464-4947-1. pap. $14.95.
Hone, Margaret E. Applied Astrology: The Companion Book to The Modern Text-Book of Astrology.
119p. illus. ISBN 0-8464-4941-2. pap. $19.95.
Hone, Margaret E. The Modern Text-Book of Astrology.
320p. illus. index. ISBN 0-8464-4948-X. pap. $25.95.
ea. vol: rev. ed. Beekman Pubs. 1999.

If astrology has a bible, it is The Modern Text-Book of Astrology, originally published in 1950 and now in its 19th printing. Hone, a leading light of the English astrology scene in the early and mid-20th century, produced a straightforward lesson in astrology, from its basic concepts and the signs of the zodiac to methods of charting and interpretation and an overview of astrology’s history. Applied Astrology is a companion volume designed for the advanced student that pioneered the use of astroanalyses backed by case studies. How To Write an Astrological Synthesis is a continuation of Hone’s work that synthesizes more contemporary standards, including the use of computers. For academic and university libraries.

Tierney, Bil. All Around the Zodiac: Exploring Astrology’s Twelve Signs.
2001. Llewellyn. 460p. bibliog. ISBN 0-7387-0111-4. pap. $19.95.

Tierney is a full-time, professional astrologer, a respected lecturer, and the author of several books. Here, he bypasses some of the drier aspects of astrology for entertaining and informative looks at the signs of the zodiac. In three major sections, he fully describes each sign, the ways they interact with one another, and each sign’s influence on the different planets and house cusps of a birth chart.

*George, Llewellyn. The New A to Z Horoscope Maker and Delineator.
13th ed. Llewellyn. 1981. 592p. illus. index. ISBN 0-87542-264-0. pap. $17.95.

Any book that has been through 66 printings over the course of 90 years must be doing something right. Novice and advanced astrologers will find this perhaps the best single-volume compendium available today. Included are tables, illustrations, even an astrological dictionary. Since it was originally published in 1910, there is little of the fluff associated with some modern astrology books. The wealth of factual information, the ease of use, the scientific understanding of the solar system, and the reasonable price make this essential.

*Goodman, Linda. Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs.
Taplinger/Parkwest. 1968. 550p. ISBN 0-8008-4900-0. $29.95;
pap. rev. ed. Bantam. 1984. ISBN 0-553-27882-7. $7.99.

Goodman was an obscure writer/broadcaster in 1968 when she revolutionized the astrological world with the publication of her first book. An immediate New York Times best seller, it brought astrology to a new level of popularity with its personal and humorous divination advice. (LJ 1/1/69)

Lewi, Grant. Astrology for the Millions.
6th ed. Llewellyn. 1990. 408p. illus. ISBN 0-87542-438-4. pap. $14.95.

Along with Lewi’s previous Heaven Knows What (1935), the first astrology book to become a best seller, this work laid the groundwork for generations of astrologers. Instructions to cast a horoscope for any birth date from 1901 to 2050 are given, and the charts of historical figures such as the U.S. presidents and Adolph Hitler furnish recognizable examples.

Woolfolk, Joanna Martine. The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need.
rev. ed. Madison, dist. by National Bk. Network. 2001. 450p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 1-56833-231-9. pap. $16.95.

This update does not quite live up to its title, but it does pack in valuable information on sun, moon, and zodiacal signs; planets; and the most recent discoveries in astronomy. Good for beginning to intermediate astrologers. Woolfolk wrote Sexual Astrology, mentioned below, under the pseudonym Martine. (LJ 11/15/01)

Traditions

Dobin, Joel C. Kabbalistic Astrology: The Sacred Tradition of the Hebrew Sages.
Inner Traditions. 1999. 278p. illus. index. ISBN 0-89281-763-1. pap. $14.95.

Kabbala means "doctrines received from tradition" and traces its origin to early biblical times. Hebrew legend says that God created the universe to act as a mirror, so the positions of the heavenly bodies have a powerful effect on the world below. This book shows how the sacred Tree of Life links the influences of the constellations and planets to specific letters of the Hebrew alphabet in order to construct horoscopes. An ordained rabbi, Dobin delves into this neglected branch of astrology, showing its relationship with the Bible, Talmud, and Midrash.

Lau, Kwan. Secrets of Chinese Astrology: A Handbook for Self-Discovery.
Tengu Bks: Weatherhill. 1994. 207p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 0-8348-0306-2. pap. $9.95.

Chinese astrology was developed independently from Mesopotamian astrology—a rare thing in the field. Instead of the 12 sun signs of Western astrology, it uses 12 animal year signs combined with five colors to produce a 60-year cycle. Stars are grouped into different constellations, and the moon is given more importance. Lau, an architect and Buddhist priest, presents a calendrical conversion chart to allow the reader to find the animal year, the element in the 60-year cycle, and the lunar month for any date between January 31, 1900 and early February 2051. Astrological signs, as well as the character, emotions, and descriptions relating to each month of the calendar, are explored.

Vega, Phyllis. Celtic Astrology: How the Mystical Power of the Druid Tree Signs Can Transform Your Life.
New Page Bks: Career Pr. July 2002. c.256p. illus. ISBN 1-56414-592-1. pap. $13.99.

Vega, a professional astrologer, New Age counselor, and teacher, combines an analysis of the ancient Druid tree signs with the sun signs of the traditional zodiac. Since the zodiac of the Druids represents the psyche, the exercises, spells, and visualizations offered here are designed to help readers get in touch with their spirituality. No extensive previous knowledge of astrology is needed.

Zoller, Robert. The Arabic Parts in Astrology: A Lost Key to Prediction.
2d ed. Inner Traditions. 1989. 245p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-89281-250-8. pap. $16.95.

Mathematically derived points on the path that the sun travels during the course of the year, the Arabic Parts were used extensively in traditional astrology until the mid-17th century. They helped people make judgments when the skies were overcast. Zoller, a medievalist scholar and cofounder of the mid-Hudson Chapter of the National Council of Geocosmic Research, assumes some knowledge of the basics of astrology and an understanding of chart erection and horoscope interpretation.

Spirituality/Self-Help

Brady, Linda & Evan St. Lifer. Discovering Your Soul Mission: How To Use Karmic Astrology To Create the Life You Want.
Three Rivers: Crown. 1998. 266p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-609-80360-3. pap. $13.

An internationally recognized astrologer, Brady does not use a chart to predict her clients’ future or find them the perfect mate. Rather, she applies it to help them discover their "soul mission"—the challenging journey that leads to the fulfillment of one’s potential. Brady employs karmic astrology, which emphasizes the individual and one’s choices, rather than planet-centered astrology. Through meditation, journaling, and dream work, readers learn to take responsibility for their actions, discover hidden talents, and develop skills. (LJ 7/98)

*Casey, Caroline W. Making the Gods Work for You: The Astrological Language of the Psyche.
Three Rivers: Crown. 1999. 276p. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-609-80274-7. pap. $14.

This cleanly presents the author’s Visionary Activist Astrology, which contends that the planets act as archetypes of the human personality and that "astrology defines the task of being fully human as discerning the pattern of evolutionary intelligence." Casey, a scholar of esoteric traditions and mythologies, believes that the future is not fixed and that by using the knowledge of ourselves gained from astrology, we can positively influence outcomes. Less about natal charts, transits, or solar returns than about forming a better understanding of oneself.

Forrest, Steven. The Changing Sky.
2d ed. 1998. 308p. ISBN 0-935127-67-4.
*Forrest, Steven. The Inner Sky.
1989. 303p. ISBN 0-935127-04-6.
ea. vol: ACS Pubns. illus. pap. $14.95.

Forrest holds a degree in religion from the University of North Carolina but makes his living as an astrologer, writer, and operator of an astrological consulting practice. His experience is evident in these two sincerely written books. The Inner Sky is for beginners wishing to use astrology as a tool to help make choices that will lead to a more fulfilling life. The Changing Sky focuses on astrology’s predictive aspects by using the forces that move through the birth chart over a lifetime.

Miller, Susan. Planets and Possibilities: Explore the Worlds Beyond Your Sun Sign.
Warner. 2001. 428p. bibliog. ISBN 0-446-52434-4. $29.95; pap. ISBN 0-446-67806-6. $15.95.

Creator of www.astrologyzone.com and the astrology columnist for Self and McCall’s, Miller discusses the Greek and Roman myths connected to the 12 signs of the zodiac. In particular, she shows how to tap the value of one’s Sun sign (the sign of the zodiac that the Sun was in at the time of one’s birth), which rules ego and power. (LJ 2/1/01)

Spiller, Jan. New Moon Astrology: Using New Moon Power Days To Change and Revitalize Your Life.
Bantam. 2001. 312p. ISBN 0-553-38086-9. pap. $16.95.

Using the power of the new moon to improve one’s life and reach one’s potential is this book’s focus. Spiller, another star of the international astrology set, delineates the positive and negative aspects of the reader’s sign and provides techniques for improving strengths and eliminating weaknesses. Included are a table for each new moon until 2050 and sample wishes and affirmations for each sign to combat specific problem areas.

Specific Applications

Abadie, M.J. Child Astrology: A Guide to Nurturing Your Child’s Natural Gifts.
Destiny Bks: Inner Traditions. 1999. 257p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 0-89281-722-4. pap. $14.95.

Parents wondering how the stars affect their kids will find answers here. Psychotherapist and astrologer Abadie (Love Planets) shows how to interpret the positioning of the planets at the time of the child’s birth, presents information on parent-child relationships, and offers tips to maximize the influences that are likely to be positive in the child’s life.

Dreyer, Ronnie Gale. Healing Signs: The Astrological Guide to Wholeness and Well-Being.
Main St. Bks: Doubleday. 2000. 321p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-385-49815-2. pap. $12.95.

Dreyer, a renowned astrological consultant, contends that the planets greatly influence our physical and mental health and that by understanding this relationship we can enjoy an enhanced quality of life. Concerns related to individual signs are discussed, and specific paths of exercise, diet, and meditation are recommended. Comprehensive and approachable, this makes a good starting point for readers wishing to explore the relationship between their health and the stars.

Martine. Sexual Astrology: A Sign-by-Sign Guide to Your Sensual Stars.
Dell. 1979. 251p. ISBN 0-440-18020-1. pap. $6.99.

Written when "What’s your sign?" was echoing throughout discos across America, this book still produces a few laughs and a nod or two of recognition. Martine breaks down each sign into male and female and covers compatibility with other signs, first moves, erogenous zones, and the best ways to end a relationship. No complicated charts, tables, or great spiritual insights here—just some slightly naughty fun.

Townley, John. Dynamic Astrology: Using Planetary Cycles To Make Personal and Career Choices.
rev. ed. Destiny Bks: Inner Traditions. 1997. 182p. illus. ISBN 0-89281-568-X. pap. $12.95.

Just as astrology can be used to enrich the soul, it can be used to fatten the pocketbook and climb the company ladder. Drawing on scientific and mathematical theories that had not been previously applied to astrology, Townley, an astrologer, writer, and musician, hit a nerve with this novel take.

Weingarten, Henry. Investing by the Stars: Using Astrology in the Financial Markets.
Traders Pr. 2000. 233p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-934380-64-3. $29.95.

The lighter portfolios of recent years have many financiers considering alternatives to traditional investment methods. Weingarten, founder of the New York School of Astrology and managing director of the Astrologers Fund, uses his vast knowledge to make a good case for charting economical cycles and predicting major global events through serious celestial study. While Weingarten can point to some spectacular successes (e.g., the Japanese stock market crash in 1987 or the beginning of the Gulf War), he acknowledges that financial astrology is not without its risks, much the same as many other investment tools.

The Mountain Astrologer.
bi-m. $36. PO Box 970, Cedar Ridge, CA 95924; 800-287-4828;
http://www.mountainastrologer.com. ISSN 1079-1345.

A thoughtful periodical many heads above those found at supermarket checkout lines, this contains timely features, a forecast section, reviews, humor, and a directory of consultants and organizations.

Web Sites

Ancient Divination & Astrology on the Web
www.isidore-of-seville.com/astdiv/index.html

An annotated set of links to information on ancient astrology, this is an alternative to the modern astrologers who dominate the web.

Cosmic Patterns: Astrology Software and Services
www.AstroSoftware.com

A manufacturer of software that makes even the most complex astrological procedures accessibler. May be too pricey for libraries.

National Council for Geocosmic Research
www.geocosmic.org

Founded in 1971, this international organization sponsors a four-level certification program for those who want a thorough education in astrology. Also includes links to related sites, a directory of certified astrologers, and sample articles.

Kessinger Publishing
www.kessinger-publishing.com

An excellent resource for rare and out-of-print books on astrology and other esoteric works. One can search individual titles, complete with a brief description of the book, or receive a free catalog by e-mail.

SpiritWeb
www.spiritweb.org/Spirit/astrology.html

Here, surfers will find astrology basics, an interactive astrology chart, and information on Vedic and Western astrology.