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The Book of Pluto
Pluto, the planet of mystery and intensity, is frequently associated with sex, death and transformation. Steven Forrest tackles these difficult topics, as well as evil, catastrophe and obsession, while interpreting Pluto by sign, house and aspect. Pluto placements are interpreted not only for the birth chart, but also in moving placements what's happening now. Pluto's inspiration and saving grace can help us recover from the incredible pain it can indicate.
424 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 6, 2013
Forrest is definitely one of the best writers on astrology out there for my money...as I said about "The Inner Sky", he has a knack for using vignettes and analogies to get to the real crux of each sign, house, transit etc. with a very economical use of words. He also has a great sense of humor.
I didn't really read all the "cookbook" sections. I'm currently going through transiting Pluto square natal Pluto (send good vibes please!) so when I saw this at a sort of weekly flea market in Kansas City for $2.50, I grabbed it with the quickness. If I were a practicing astrologer, I know this would be one of those books I would be constantly referencing when I had clients dealing with difficult Plutonian natal aspects or Plutonian transits.
Also, mine is the first printing from 1995 w/a much, erm, groovier cover. I know you're jealous.
I didn't really read all the "cookbook" sections. I'm currently going through transiting Pluto square natal Pluto (send good vibes please!) so when I saw this at a sort of weekly flea market in Kansas City for $2.50, I grabbed it with the quickness. If I were a practicing astrologer, I know this would be one of those books I would be constantly referencing when I had clients dealing with difficult Plutonian natal aspects or Plutonian transits.
Also, mine is the first printing from 1995 w/a much, erm, groovier cover. I know you're jealous.
January 12, 2020
Steven Forrest is one of the most able and insightful of the current crop of astrological writers. Anyone interested in the subject will also find Forrest's books very readable. He analyses slow-moving Pluto in a generation, and then individualizes its unconscious influence on each person, leaving a sense that you can better understand the people around you.
April 13, 2019
As would anyway be expected of any work by this author, this is an exceptionally thorough look at Pluto, the dreaded and often times lonesome planet and god of the underworld. I very much enjoyed the structure of this book, exploring different facets of Pluto, which he calls Navigational Erros, Descent into Hell, and Inner Fire, amongst others. He uses clear, simple, smart and to the point analogies which help us to understand the role that Pluto may take in our lives, its purpose, and how it also helps us find our own purpose.
There is also the traditional cycle through the signs and houses, and here again a very in-depth look at what it means to have Pluto in every different position, with an additional, fleshy chapter on aspects, with emphasis on houses, which are obviously the most diverse in a lifetime with such a slow planet. This is followed by excellent cues on how to read and deal with Plutonian triggers, such as transits and progressions.
There is also a classical overview of several celebrity charts with, as ever, in-depth analysis of Pluto and what it meant in those different lives.
The closing chapter has a surprising, innovative and experimental outlook on the Solar System: a suggestion on how to re-evaluate entirely how we see this system, as we all know that Pluto is definitely not the last astral body wandering around our solar system, and how we should possibly take this into consideration.
For anyone with an inkling of interest in our skies above, this is simply a MUST READ.
There is also the traditional cycle through the signs and houses, and here again a very in-depth look at what it means to have Pluto in every different position, with an additional, fleshy chapter on aspects, with emphasis on houses, which are obviously the most diverse in a lifetime with such a slow planet. This is followed by excellent cues on how to read and deal with Plutonian triggers, such as transits and progressions.
There is also a classical overview of several celebrity charts with, as ever, in-depth analysis of Pluto and what it meant in those different lives.
The closing chapter has a surprising, innovative and experimental outlook on the Solar System: a suggestion on how to re-evaluate entirely how we see this system, as we all know that Pluto is definitely not the last astral body wandering around our solar system, and how we should possibly take this into consideration.
For anyone with an inkling of interest in our skies above, this is simply a MUST READ.
January 4, 2022
I thought this was a good astrological review of Pluto but I think Donna Cunningham's book on Pluto is slighter better.
Read
April 26, 2020Es un gran libro para entender la "psicología" de ese planeta, de los acontecimientos que adoptan su coloración, y de la manera de atravesar por tiempos difíciles conectados con heridas del pasado.
June 10, 2020
I remember being in a cafe reading this book, and having problems to comeback home after reading my actual transit Pluto squaring my Mars explanation... well... so confrontative. And that was all about, the dark stuff, the buried stuff, the non speakable stuff.
Steven Forrest was my first teacher in astrology, my first teacher as a solitary human being in this world, like that old wise elder who helps you in the dark deadly Plutonian journey ahead.
I still remember his words " what you really want, but what you really want, in the core, in your guts", "are you gonna finally leave everything to follow your deep desires", "are you gonna stand up against everyone and everything and win your war", "it is about art, but not that easy art" of course those are not his exact words, only his ideas, that resonates each week in my mind.
Steven Forrest was my first teacher in astrology, my first teacher as a solitary human being in this world, like that old wise elder who helps you in the dark deadly Plutonian journey ahead.
I still remember his words " what you really want, but what you really want, in the core, in your guts", "are you gonna finally leave everything to follow your deep desires", "are you gonna stand up against everyone and everything and win your war", "it is about art, but not that easy art" of course those are not his exact words, only his ideas, that resonates each week in my mind.
June 30, 2025
A life changing book that put words to my current Pluto square Pluto transit. Not only did it help me get through this phase but gave me clear guidance and wisdom to grow and transform to my highest authenticity. Thank you Steven Forrest for all your books!
November 17, 2017
SUCH A GOOD BOOK!!!! I learned so much, and the section on the remodeling of the solar system (with the thousands of new asteroids + the demotion of pluto) blew my mind.
November 19, 2019
Another amazing read
Steven is such an engaging author you just don't want to put the book down. I can't wait to read his series on the elements.
Steven is such an engaging author you just don't want to put the book down. I can't wait to read his series on the elements.
March 26, 2023
Awesome read
June 10, 2013
"Pluto is the part of human awareness that connects with the darkest, most tragic, most desolate perceptions a person can endure... Pluto also represents what gives meaning to our lives. It holds for us the transcendent urge to do something beyond eating, earning, lusting and aging."
From Steven Forrest, The Book of Pluto
Steven Forrest's 'The Book of Pluto' invites us to take a piercing look at planet Pluto and its effects on our psyches. Written in Steven's articulate yet down home style, this book is for the novice as well as the experienced astrologer. The book carries the same resonance as a kitchen hearth visit with a childhood friend. You can have some laughs as well as tears while excavating and exploring some long buried emotional issues. The book examines your Pluto placement, asks you to ponder your wound, then offers excellent suggestions for healing.
There are intricate delineations of Pluto in sign and house, as well as transits, progressions and aspects to other planets. Insightful and thought-provoking this is a must read for anyone who yearns for self-knowledge and their purpose in this world.
From Steven Forrest, The Book of Pluto
Steven Forrest's 'The Book of Pluto' invites us to take a piercing look at planet Pluto and its effects on our psyches. Written in Steven's articulate yet down home style, this book is for the novice as well as the experienced astrologer. The book carries the same resonance as a kitchen hearth visit with a childhood friend. You can have some laughs as well as tears while excavating and exploring some long buried emotional issues. The book examines your Pluto placement, asks you to ponder your wound, then offers excellent suggestions for healing.
There are intricate delineations of Pluto in sign and house, as well as transits, progressions and aspects to other planets. Insightful and thought-provoking this is a must read for anyone who yearns for self-knowledge and their purpose in this world.
April 7, 2022
First off, I actually read the 2012 version, but aside form a forward, I don't believe there's any difference.
I need to start by saying I'm such a fan of Steven Forrest. His system just makes sense to me and I love that he has series of books for the non-beginner astrologer (I'm far from a pro but have been studying for over a decade). Even though I could have gotten something out of this book years ago, it's a deep dive into Pluto and all that that entails - I'm not sure if I would have appreciated it as much when I was still looking for cookbook interpretations. I actually picked it up now when I realized I was in the middle of a Pluto/Pluto trine and needed some insight into it I wasn't finding elsewhere. Plus, it rounded out my Steven Forrest library.
If you want a solid resource for interpreting Pluto in any birth chart, you should have a copy of this book. I'm only bummed he never wrote one for Uranus, even though it's well covered in some of his other books - Uranus deserves its own tome.
I rated this book 4.5 stars.
I need to start by saying I'm such a fan of Steven Forrest. His system just makes sense to me and I love that he has series of books for the non-beginner astrologer (I'm far from a pro but have been studying for over a decade). Even though I could have gotten something out of this book years ago, it's a deep dive into Pluto and all that that entails - I'm not sure if I would have appreciated it as much when I was still looking for cookbook interpretations. I actually picked it up now when I realized I was in the middle of a Pluto/Pluto trine and needed some insight into it I wasn't finding elsewhere. Plus, it rounded out my Steven Forrest library.
If you want a solid resource for interpreting Pluto in any birth chart, you should have a copy of this book. I'm only bummed he never wrote one for Uranus, even though it's well covered in some of his other books - Uranus deserves its own tome.
I rated this book 4.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews