Top 6 Astrology Books for Beginners

In this video I present my picks for the top 6 beginner astrology books, for people who are new to the subject and want to learn the basics. You can find links to each of the books below.
For the written version of this list see this article:
theastrologyschool.com/2018/04...
Here is the list of books in order:
6. The Secret Language of Astrology by Roy Gillett
amzn.to/2v1RHev
5. The American Ephemeris (Trans-Century Edition)
amzn.to/2h6C4Nn
For the free Astrodienst ephemeris see:
www.astro.com/swisseph/swepha_...
4. Parker's Astrology (New Edition) by Julia & Derek Parker
amzn.to/2v1Zjhk
3. Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas
amzn.to/2h6HSWY
2. On the Heavenly Spheres by Helena Avelar & Luis Ribeiro
amzn.to/2v2dhzA
1. The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology by April Elliott Kent
amzn.to/2h6K1lr
~
My book: Hellenistic Astrology by Chris Brennan
www.hellenisticastrology.com/b...
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My online astrology courses: courses.theastrologyschool.com
Podcast: theastrologypodcast.com
Twitter: / chrisbrennan7
#AstrologyBooks #LearningAstrology #astrology

[@TheAstrologyPodcast]

For a written version of this list of books see this article: theastrologyschool.com/2018/04/05/the-6-best-astrology-books-for-beginners/

[@Einsteinsmum]

Thanks!

[@NN-nj8jr]

I would like to compliment you by saying that you are very well spoken, with a pleasant speed in speech.

[@jayd515]

second that notion

[@kadevar]

I agree!! So clear and well spoken that I've often felt that he is speaking in my native language and suddenlly realize he is not 😂

[@esteres.choice]

This is THE BEST recommendation video on youtube! Thank you so so much!

[@crystaltigress]

I would like to add that The Essential Guide for Practical Astrology by April Elliott Kent is free to read for Kindle Unlimited subscribers, and it is indeed a great start for a beginner such as myself. She also has another book, Astrological Transits, which is a wonderful companion book. Enjoyed this review, and will be taking it to heart as I continue my studies. Thank you, Chris, for all you do for this community!

[@Onechaoticlibrarian]

Thank you for such a good and information heavy video. I loved the way you prestened the books and that you talked about and around the subjects of them and their writers. One of the best book recomendation videos I’ve seeen on KZbin. - from a librarian.

[@KristiDaniels]

Just received 4 of your top picks, plus your book! Can't wait to dive in. Thank you for the recommendations and the comprehensive review on each.

[@casuallytarot3057]

Thank you for this! I've always been interested in Astrology and just recently thinking of learning about it more seriously/casually. Love your style of presentation. Very clear, informative and well-articulate!

[@kelliem2506]

Thank you so much for these book recommendations! I am thankful to have recently found you and your channel and have learned so much! I only have one astrology book so far that I purchased a few years ago which happens to be "The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need" LOL. I almost forgot that I had it, as I hadn't read it but now have fallen in love with astrology and beginning study and wondering if I should just start with these. Thank you for putting out such informative, interesting and educational videos!!

[@sophiegirl752]

I appreciate you and your effort in creating this information and channel! I’m learning so much by watching your videos. Thank you!

[@robinjohnston7986]

You are amazing. Your teaching is so clear, to the point, and yet you add important information that is so helpful. I have learned so much from you. I am excited with all you have to say, teach, and wanting to know more. Thank-you so much!

[@Namri]

Thank you so much! It's overwhelming how many astrology books there are out there and I really appreciate your concise reviews on your top 6 books. Hellenistic Astrology has been recommended to me as well by friends but being an absolute beginner I need an "Intro" book so to speak. And thank you for the review on your own book too with that recommendation on picking up a primer. I'm excited to pick it up along with April's book for my starter books.

[@trishholmes8229]

So helpful for new learners to the trade. Thank you.

[@posumagic]

So glad I've found you and your channel, thank you for making it and sharing your knowledge and information 🙏💖😄👌🏻

[@girlwitcamaro1119]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for this. I was so drawn to this first book and it’s in my Amazon cart. 😏

[@donnathompson9045]

thank you for taking the time to share this information. I found this very informative. I also find your podcasts great learning experience.

[@sugarypompom2900]

Such a great list! Thanks for the suggestions.

[@SteveDrinkardbiz]

Great video and just what I needed at this point.

[@Missunlimitedabundace]

Hi Chris so glad i found you ive always been fascinated with this topic but since covid actually having time to read into more i would like to invest more time into it . Thank you for sharing tips for beginners may look into a online course too stay safe mate x

[@aerinlynn1665]

Thanks for this! Awesome info...

[@yvette1364]

This is great, thank you for sharing.

[@natashagreen9353]

Awesome video!! Thank u so much for all this information!! I am currently reading Secrets from a stargazers notebook by Debbi Kempton-Smith and so far I really like it as a beginner. My next book purchases will definitely be coming from this list! Question - what advice would u give to a newbie astrologer? What do u wish someone would have told u when u were just getting into this field? Thank u so much for your time!

[@iwayannarendraleopravda7299]

I was listening to the way you talk and the tone of voice, the steady and heavy, lucid and restrained flavour but deep and focusedly detailed. I wondered what correspondence is there with your Natal chart? Found it in two clicks. Then I saw Mercury conjunct Saturn, in Scorpio, making square to the Moon in Aquarius. The heavy and steady mood that reflects in the steadiness of your voice, and keeping the words precise and factual. And the Scorpio depth and piercing to the facts as style. This Saturn square Moon, in Aquarius, seems to work like a natural Botox! Pardon my comparison. Mars in Capricorn. The thorough and gradual activity, in this case observed in the steady progress through the topic at hand. Really intriguing person! I wish you well and thank you for your suggestions in your video, flawless! Hopefully I would one day be able to delve in your book too! Be well!

[@alexcampbell7847]

Thank you for these recommendations!

[@arianaz6723]

I really enjoyed your video, thanks for your informative videos.

[@nealm2562]

Very well done! Thanks.

[@hunterdogg5684]

Incredible very clear presentation 👍

[@nemi3642]

That's Great! Thanks!!

[@poemsbycharleslawson2585]

Thank you for the information

[@MoonTTV]

Awesome! Thanks again....

[@dearlightbeings]

Thank u so much!!!

[@guloguloguy]

WOW!!! Thank you, Chris!!! These books will be very helpful, I'm sure! I'll order them, ASAP! Have you ever read the book "Psychic Literacy" (by Ingo Swam, and Paul Schmidt)?...It mentions some stunning accounts of Astrological predictions that had occurred!...

[@spiritualgoddess4370]

THANK YOU SO, SO, SO MUCH!!!!

[@dionysus6049]

Hi Chris, First, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your Hellenistic Astrology text! I thought you struck a great balance between theory and practice. I'm a mathematician by trade, so I especially appreciated your detailed notes and scholarly approach in general. Also, great job on reviving your channel. Your videos are very well done, and I appreciate the range of topics you discuss. Videos like this one are very accessible and informative. I'm writing because I thought I saw several Loeb Classical Library books in the background of some of your videos. If so, what is in your Loeb collection? As an astrologer, I assume you have Ptolemy and Manilius, but I'm curious what else you have? (I just picked up Plato's Timaeus and Plotinus' Enneads; my excursion into Hellenistic astrology and my interest in Hermeticism has naturally lead me into middle and neoplatonism.) Regards, Kyle

[@TheAstrologyPodcast]

Thanks, glad to hear that you are enjoying the new videos I've been putting out on my channel, as well as my book! In terms of Loeb volumes, some other ones that I could recommend are the works of Cicero, especially the ones that contain the works On Fate and On Divination. The Loeb edition of Marcus Aurelius is nice so that you can follow the Greek text. Sextus Empiricus' little tract Against the Astrologers is a good critique of astrology where he mentions a lot of technical details. Other than that, Pliny, Diogenes Laertius, Seneca, and Plutarch are some of the other authors I have. Some of that was researching citations and references to different astrologers when I was writing my book. One of my dreams is to have the entire Loeb library, although for now I've been enjoying the digital library that they launched a year or two ago, since it is searchable.

[@markjmassage]

Hey! Relatively new to the channel, and a loyal listener/viewer. It has been very helpful in my studies. Thank you. This is my first time seeing you sit further from the camera! Plus the lighting is softer - must say, whether you were or not, the vibe seems more relaxed. It’s nice, and no need to change. But, fan feedback. :)

[@TheAstrologyPodcast]

I went through a whole process last year of experimenting with different lighting and camera placements, and this was one of the later ones when I had really started to get it down, after some pretty rough attempts with earlier videos in May and June. More recently I've been sitting in front of my desk with the camera behind it, but there isn't as much room so that camera is a bit closer, and I'm still trying to tweak the lighting a bit. May have to think about going back to a set up like this at some point though.

[@TheAstrologyPodcast]

Also the downside when I'm more relaxed is that the videos end up being like 30 minutes long. Haha...

[@mydivinepurpose911]

Just ordered your book!

[@v.2080]

Also, do you recommend any book series that covers Beginner-Intermediate-Advamced studies?

[@caseyhassall9491]

Hey! Thanks for this video it's been extremely helpful. I am curious as to the book "the american ephemeris" does this still apply for me living in Australia? Thanks kindly and appreciate all the knowedlge you share on this channel. I am loving learning and looking really forward to getting into this more thoroughly :)

[@criticsable]

Thank you so much

[@smr144]

So, what's a good book specifically for aspects??

[@HangingWithNasyaCarter]

Do you offer birth chart readings? I’m new to this and was hoping to get a better understanding of my birth chart?

[@ileanamendez7583]

Thanks, wonderful list. You can never read to much. 💫

[@exjwfromwyoming1275]

Thank you.

[@fairyprincess512]

Thank you!

[@jackcusumano]

Cool, I don't have most of these! My first astrology book was Mythic Astrology by Arielle Guttman, which was very helpful regarding planets, signs & houses, but doesn't really address Aspects. After that I started Cosmos & Psyche (which I'm still reading). What's your opinion of Crowley's General Principles of Astrology book? I picked up a copy after seeing some excerpts that were really spot on regarding placements, but it's a pretty dense book. Haven't tackled it yet.

[@TheAstrologyPodcast]

I actually just picked up Crowley's book finally not too long ago, but I haven't read through enough of it to have an opinion yet.

[@diorsknj]

does anyone have any good in depth books? i already know all the basics but i want more higher development

[@thybowllingman2752]

Thanks bro, litt intro

[@TK-ps9yb]

about the H. Avelar/Ribeiro's blue book: On the Heavenly Spheres, do you know the original title of that book? Thank you

[@alexandrabianchini6150]

Thanks for your books indication, I speak portuguese, and I was looking for a good book about traditional astrology. I also speak Spanish and I am buying books in english and Spanish.

[@debra7752]

Is April's book the whole house system that you talk about in one of your videos?

[@CerberustheGamer]

This may be a stupid question, but would The American Ephemeris be useful for the Southern Hemisphere (I live in Australia) or would you recommend something different?

[@n1official96]

where can I get a calendar like that? :)

[@madelinem6862]

Hi there! I'd really love to hear your thoughts on higher learning for Astrology (not just beginners). I hear tons of blogs and courses and book recommendations going around. I have no doubt the usefulness of texts, of which I'm an avid consumer. But feel like I can read a million books and blogs, though still miss big connections; and perhaps a little guidance can help. I feel constantly distracted by little rabbit holes in Astrology materials out there, and would like something succinct yet complete, before diving in a hundred different directions. I know you offer some specialized courses and that you went to Kepler College. I've seen a few other schools out there too. What would your recommendations be for those seeking the most comprehensive guided study? Which schools are good or reputable, how about accreditation (is ISAR the top tier in accrediting an Astrology school? Pros and cons of sticking with accredited versus non-accredited), what to look for in a school or course, how you feel such a program may benefit those wishing to go pro..? I'd love to hear your ideas and generally more input from other Astrologers in the community. This isn't exactly something offered by high school guidance counselors. Your story of going straight to Astrology school was really inspiring to me and I wish I'd have known it was an option back then. I've never heard anyone truly talk about the options and benefits out there with regard to a deeper study. Thanks! *Signed, a mid-30s Sagittarius, just now deciding what I want to be when I grow up.*

[@Namri]

Hi fellow mid-30s Sagittarius!

[@smithkuenne9132]

Don't grow up.

[@komaltarani1440]

Can you please suggest a good book for learning progressions..

[@taralynne8478]

Love your videos! Ive noticed there are many publication dates for Parker's Astrology, what's the year I should look for?

[@TheAstrologyPodcast]

Whatever the most recent one is that you can find, although all of them are good.

[@MikeyBAMMS]

thank you

[@theadhdlawyer7772]

Hello Chris. Thank you so much for your extremely thorough tutorials on Astrology. I am so happy and grateful that I discovered your KZbin Channel/Podcast. Regarding your book recommendations, there is a brand new version of Parker's Astrology (September 1, 2020). Do you recommend this version, the older version, both? Thank you for sharing your immense and comprehensive knowledge of Astrology.

[@TheAstrologyPodcast]

I haven't gotten a copy yet, although I assume the new edition of Parker's is decent. I found a new book titled Astrology by Carole Taylor that is my new favorite intro book though. Check my channel for a shirt video on it a couple months ago.

[@theadhdlawyer7772]

@@TheAstrologyPodcast Thank you for responding. I will check out your KZbin video on the book Astrology by Carole Taylor. I just received the 9/2020 version of Parker's Astrology! It reminds me of a law school textbook lol

[@addybee6809]

Thank you for this video! And all your videos! As a new student, the recommendations here and the in-depth info in all your videos are incredible. I happen to have the Secret Language and the Carole Taylor book already, and can attest to how great they are. I just ordered Parker’s - as a lawyer, I look forward to the law school textbook vibe. I’m excited to build my library! Thank you again ✨

[@captainnolan5062]

What do you think of the books by Robert Pelletier?

[@LindaLarkin]

I just placed my order on Amazon for all the books you recommended plus Demetra George's Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice: A Manual of Traditional Techniques, Volume I: Assessing Planetary Condition. I'm hoping traditional astrology can help shed some light and answer my question "who am I and what is my purpose in life?"

[@robbieplumb8400]

Linda Larkin I would recommend looking into Evolutionary Astrology in regards to your desire to understand who you are and your purpose. Steven Forrest and his book Inner Sky is my personal favorite book on beginner astrology and his philosophy of Astrology is in alignment with what you are seeking!

[@robbieplumb8400]

Traditional Astrology can seem fatalistic whereas Evolutionary Astrology focuses on free will and interacting creatively with your birth chart. It shows the pathway to living your best life in regards to the energies present in your chart!

[@whitneylee33]

Will you do a vid on intermediate/advanced astrology book recommendations? 🙏 Btw, loved your book! Thank you so much for creating such a through, objective and succinct overview of the history of astrology. Truly fascinating! Cant get enough.

[@marcosrissi]

Thanks

[@sheezankawoosa8093]

Thanks man loads of love from kashmir india

[@cebolamaria]

Thank you for your recommendations! I am very confused about if it's worth spending on astrology books with a modern background. As those books are expensive to import, I wonder if they contain information I would have to unlearn later (e.g. 8th house is about sex, which is criticized by every astrologer with traditional background).

[@TheAstrologyPodcast]

That is unfortunately one of the tricky things about most of the intro books being modern, is that there are some things like that that you may have to unlearn later. That's why at this point I usually recommend starting with both a primer on modern astrology like Carole Taylor's book Astrology: Using the Wisdom of the Stars in Your Everyday Life, and then also read my book on Hellenistic Astrology at the same time, that way you can sort of draw from both right from the start, and then branch out from there afterward.

[@cebolamaria]

@@TheAstrologyPodcast Thank you very much! I will do that! I'm eager to read your book! :)

[@ladyconan]

Hello Chris, my question is probably stupid... but here it is : I’m French, should I buy a French ephemeris? I guess it’s international but I’m having small doubts and I’d rather be sure before buying such a big book... thank you very much :) Cheers from France!

[@TheAstrologyPodcast]

Léa Solex They are not usually country specific, so it shouldn't matter. I'm not sure why that one is called the American ephemeris, but since it is mainly numbers and the times are set for GMT they are essentially the same around the world.

[@littlegreendots]

WOW - have you checked the prices on the Parkers book? I see there is a new edition coming out later this year but I'm finding prices over $100!

[@TheAstrologyPodcast]

I have a new favorite intro to astrology book that kind of replaces Parker's at this point. It is Astrology: Using the Wisdom of the Stars in Your Everyday Life, by Carole Taylor. Hoping to do a video on it at some point before too long.

[@mubarickabdul-wahab3204]

Would you recommend Astrology for Dummies, please?

[@PrettyHippiePlaneJane]

I’m assuming with the emphemeris... you can possibly cast a whole birth chart if a person doesn’t know their exact birth time 🤔

[@dorcaswinter8296]

KATCH22ish I was wondering the same thing?

[@tincanp38f]

Is there a simple app for ios that tells what planet is in each house in real time?

[@TheAstrologyPodcast]

The free birth chart calculator on astro.com is probably the best you are going to find in terms of that.

[@FreemanPresson]

Astro Gold is very good. Chris recommended it to me in the first place. It's $25, IIRC.

[@user-ky8ym7le9m]

Is the final book (Hellenistic astrology) a traditional astrology book or modern or a mix of both?

[@TheAstrologyPodcast]

It is traditional, though many of the principles can easily be blended with modern.

[@user-ky8ym7le9m]

@@TheAstrologyPodcast thanks, I’m a beginner in astrology and was seeking/mostly interested in learning traditional astrology so that’s good to know

[@blgarcia6878]

What do you say Western astrology is more accurate than Vedict astrology??

[@priyankachellappan5029]

Does western astrology apply for an Indian?

[@petitenora8301]

i'm pretty sure your mercury is in virgo or capricorn.. great vid btw!

[@denisev9392]

i don't believe that's possible; he's a scorpio sun so mercury will be in libra, scorpio or sag

[@dirkverelst9954]

American Ephemeris... does that mean it's of limited use in Europe?

[@josieramirez9483]

Please write the books and authors as well

[@ElizabethHatshepsut]

Parker's Astrology was the first Astrology book I bought and it put me off completely, as I didn't understand it at all. Yasmin Boland's Astrology Made Easy is a good starting point, as her explanations are alot clearer and suited for those without an understanding of astrology. Once you have a basic understanding of astrology then Parker's Astrology will start to make sense. But I wouldn't recommend it as a starting point.

[@cheongmyongs]

'The Hellenistic Astrology: The Study of fate and fortune.' 운명학의 영어표현을 알게되다. 감사합니다.

[@v.2080]

Would love a recommendation on the history of astrology as it relates to the Masons and the inauguration of buildings, etc. I read a wonderful book in 2000 entitled The Secret Architecture of Our Nation's Capital by David Ovason. It's packed with esoteric information.

[@ericpham4011]

does we vilolate the universal order if we learn astrology?

[@koyari777]

eric pham no

[@Yogis406]

I’ve wondered this ever since I started studying!

[@lajeteefan]

I would also recommend the book, "Astrology: A Cosmic Science" by Isabel Hickey. Although it is text heavy, I've found it is accessible enough for beginners. So, it's useful for both beginners as well as those bridging their way into more advanced astrological studies.

[@debbielinda8891]

Found the book suggestions lol

[@gameguy73]

I'm surprised you don't have Isabel Hickey's Astrology: A cosmic science on this list. It's still my favorite book. The only criticism I have for the book, is Isabel only briefly touches on chart synthesis.

[@-_v-_p_-1]

If u want to learn only western astrology not astrology

[@danab172]

I was just watching a clip where Neil DeGrass Tyson was basically saying astrology is bull shit. Makes me wonder if i should bother learning about it now.

[@ramanibharatam6549]

I think you western astrologers really have to nuance your presentation of the topic of "Astrology". For example, when you discuss your reccomendation that is about traditional astrology, you comment how most modern astrology is very different from these techniques and that traditional astrology is only recently being redisovered. However, as you well know, Indian traditions have been using these ancient teachings for a very long time and they have never gone out of vogue. Also last time I checked it is perhaps the most widely practiced form of astrology around the world, yet few in the western mainstream have any clue it exists thanks to presentations like this. Our techniques are neither modern, nor "traditional" per se, they are just astrology as has been practiced by those who have not gone off and tried to make up their own systems. It would have been a good point to comment about how older forms of astrology have been best preserved in Indian traditions and the west is just trying to figure it all out again without any living traditions or teachers to speak of - yet you just troll along like half the world does not exist. Yet when we talk of our astrology we have to call it "Vedic" of "Indian" astrology, when it should really be the modern and western schools of astrology that should be more careful in defining what they are doing and what they are presenting since your heritage is on such shaky ground with the ties to the past. I understand you think Indian astrology came on a boat from greece, but please read texts like Bharatiya Jyotisha Shastra for less western influenced views and actual historical mathematical proofs that will suggest otherwise. It is a little dated, but some of the best Sanskrit scholarship came out of that era when there was still western interest in such subjects funding and feuling much of the research in thier advances on reducating our population to uproot our traditional knowledge. Sadly, it seems the colonialism is still strong as you can give a whole video on introductory books to astrology and completely gloss over these distinctions, as if the western world is astrology itself. It shows a lot. I know you think you are fair and likely feel these comments a bit of an afront, but that shows how steeped in your inherited worldview you are in. It is like police men shooting black people and wondering why everyone is so upset. Same thing happens in much of academia and other presentations as well. Bias dies hard. You are not exempt. Not one bit. Please use your privelage a little more wisely and with some sensitivty when bringing people into this topic. It takes some work and effort, but you can do it.

[@jtdemers75]

I take your point seriously. Would you be able to recommend an introduction book to Vedic astrology to someone like me who is a rank beginner? Thank you in advance.