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Astrology, Karma & Transformation: The Inner Dimensions of the Birth Chart
This insightful and original book focuses on the understanding and use of astrology as a tool for spiritual and psychological growth. In contrast to traditional prediction-oriented astrology, this new approach to the most ancient of all sciences is based upon the law of karma and the urge toward self-transformation. Especially emphasizing the transformative and karmic significance of Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, this book places all astrological techniques in a growth-oriented perspective. It is especially pertinent for those whose interest in astrology is based on a recognition of its spiritual significance and its value for enhancing self-knowledge. Included are chapters on such topics as: karma & relationships; progressions; transits; astrology in the Edgar Cayce readings; the meaning of the Ascendant & its ruler; and a positive approach to Saturn. In addition, the chapters on Pluto and on the aspects are the most complete in-depth treatments of these subjects now available in print.
255 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1978
245 people are currently reading
2786 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Arroyo
38 books138 followersFrom Wikipedia:
Stephen Arroyo (born October 6, 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri) is an American author and astrologer.[1]
Arroyo has written seven books on psychologically oriented astrology which outline his theory that the individual’s experience of the Solar System’s impacts on their personal energy field, both psychological and physical. His works recast astrological concepts in psychological terms, and reject what he perceives as the fatalism and negativity of old-fashioned astrology. His books have now been translated into 20 languages.
Stephen Arroyo (born October 6, 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri) is an American author and astrologer.[1]
Arroyo has written seven books on psychologically oriented astrology which outline his theory that the individual’s experience of the Solar System’s impacts on their personal energy field, both psychological and physical. His works recast astrological concepts in psychological terms, and reject what he perceives as the fatalism and negativity of old-fashioned astrology. His books have now been translated into 20 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 30, 2025
Understanding Karma
Karma is the universal law of cause and effect where each action generates a corresponding result
This basic idea of karma leads to further developments:
In fact, karma defines every human being in the same way as a digital print. All the events in your life are part of it, acting like flash beams in your enigmatic self. Learning about karma will provide you self-knowledge and change your attitude towards life…
I believe that’s the main scope of this book
———————-
Nós e os Astros
“The cosmos is within us. We are made of star stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself”
Carl Sagan
A Astrologia é uma linguagem cósmica que estabelece uma relação entre Humanos e Astros
É fascinante…
Karma is the universal law of cause and effect where each action generates a corresponding result
This basic idea of karma leads to further developments:
In fact, karma defines every human being in the same way as a digital print. All the events in your life are part of it, acting like flash beams in your enigmatic self. Learning about karma will provide you self-knowledge and change your attitude towards life…
I believe that’s the main scope of this book
———————-
Nós e os Astros
“The cosmos is within us. We are made of star stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself”
Carl Sagan
A Astrologia é uma linguagem cósmica que estabelece uma relação entre Humanos e Astros
É fascinante…
August 29, 2007
"AK&T" was the first
"real", non-pop astrology book I ever read, and to this day
it has maintained the pride of place in my astrological
bookshelf, along with a few worthy companions. It is evident
that this is Stephen Arroyo's labor of love, and the result
is a clear and comprehensive treatment of the astrological
factors in the birth chart that relate to karma and
self-transformation.
Mr. Arroyo tackles the difficult subject of karma head on
in the very first chapter. He helps us understand karma in its various forms through its connection with several key astrological factors, namely Saturn, the "karmic" or crises-related signs Virgo, Pisces and Scorpio, the "water" houses, i.e. the fourth, eighth, and twelfth, and the Moon.
We are all, each of us, caught up in our individual karmic
machines, giving some and taking some. In every lifetime
we have the opportunity to make a little progress in a
direction that will enable us to transcend this karmic
loop, But every little step in this direction requires
that we transform ourselves in powerful ways. Having set
the stage with a broad discussion of karma, the core
of the book deals with transformation, and how
different factors in the birth chart symbolize the
potentials for different kinds of transformations with
different implications.
Mr. Arroyo contends that all of astrology deals with
transformations, giving every planetary symbol its
due. However, it is universally (or at least
astro-universally) recognized that Saturn, Uranus,
Neptune, and Pluto are the prime significators
of transformation. And in grappling with the actions
of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto is where this book
truly comes alive. Mr. Arroyo expends great effort
to not deliver a "cookbook" of recipes. Instead, he
draws frameworks and broad principles by abstracting
common themes. If you like lots of examples, you
may not like Mr. Arroyo's style. What he gives are
concepts; you can apply them yourself to a thousand
examples once you grasped the essence. This is
his most important and distinctive contribution
as a writer and illustrator of astrological
development.
A good part of the book is devoted to the timing of
cycles that bring transformative potential. The two
major transformation-marking cycles are progressions
(principally of he Sun and Moon) and the transits
of the "outer five planets", namely Jupiter, Saturn,
Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. The fact that Jupiter
is included in this list may be puzzling to many who
equate transformation with pain in the sense of
"no pain, no gain". For Jupiter is the "great benefic",
and his actions are seen as positive. But there is
also transformation in expansion of the heart and
mind, going forth to conquer new territories with
hope and optimism, finding one's way in life by
being open to possibilities, and so on.
Strangely, the last three chapters seem to have
been thrown in simply for good measure, a potpourri
of musings on miscellaneous topics and practical advice
to astrological counselors that have no clear
connection with the rest of the book. I did find
these chapters interesting in their own right, but
was puzzled at their inclusion. They just don't
jell with the rest of the book.
That said, "Astrology, Karma, and Transformation" offers
great depth of content. Mr. Arroyo constructs a cohesive
and structured picture of karma and personal transformation
- why we need to transform, where we need to transform,
what are the indicators we see when its "that" time, and
indeed, when are these times most likely to confront us in
our life's journey. I regard this book as a milestone in
astrological literature, a must read and a must have.
"real", non-pop astrology book I ever read, and to this day
it has maintained the pride of place in my astrological
bookshelf, along with a few worthy companions. It is evident
that this is Stephen Arroyo's labor of love, and the result
is a clear and comprehensive treatment of the astrological
factors in the birth chart that relate to karma and
self-transformation.
Mr. Arroyo tackles the difficult subject of karma head on
in the very first chapter. He helps us understand karma in its various forms through its connection with several key astrological factors, namely Saturn, the "karmic" or crises-related signs Virgo, Pisces and Scorpio, the "water" houses, i.e. the fourth, eighth, and twelfth, and the Moon.
We are all, each of us, caught up in our individual karmic
machines, giving some and taking some. In every lifetime
we have the opportunity to make a little progress in a
direction that will enable us to transcend this karmic
loop, But every little step in this direction requires
that we transform ourselves in powerful ways. Having set
the stage with a broad discussion of karma, the core
of the book deals with transformation, and how
different factors in the birth chart symbolize the
potentials for different kinds of transformations with
different implications.
Mr. Arroyo contends that all of astrology deals with
transformations, giving every planetary symbol its
due. However, it is universally (or at least
astro-universally) recognized that Saturn, Uranus,
Neptune, and Pluto are the prime significators
of transformation. And in grappling with the actions
of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto is where this book
truly comes alive. Mr. Arroyo expends great effort
to not deliver a "cookbook" of recipes. Instead, he
draws frameworks and broad principles by abstracting
common themes. If you like lots of examples, you
may not like Mr. Arroyo's style. What he gives are
concepts; you can apply them yourself to a thousand
examples once you grasped the essence. This is
his most important and distinctive contribution
as a writer and illustrator of astrological
development.
A good part of the book is devoted to the timing of
cycles that bring transformative potential. The two
major transformation-marking cycles are progressions
(principally of he Sun and Moon) and the transits
of the "outer five planets", namely Jupiter, Saturn,
Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. The fact that Jupiter
is included in this list may be puzzling to many who
equate transformation with pain in the sense of
"no pain, no gain". For Jupiter is the "great benefic",
and his actions are seen as positive. But there is
also transformation in expansion of the heart and
mind, going forth to conquer new territories with
hope and optimism, finding one's way in life by
being open to possibilities, and so on.
Strangely, the last three chapters seem to have
been thrown in simply for good measure, a potpourri
of musings on miscellaneous topics and practical advice
to astrological counselors that have no clear
connection with the rest of the book. I did find
these chapters interesting in their own right, but
was puzzled at their inclusion. They just don't
jell with the rest of the book.
That said, "Astrology, Karma, and Transformation" offers
great depth of content. Mr. Arroyo constructs a cohesive
and structured picture of karma and personal transformation
- why we need to transform, where we need to transform,
what are the indicators we see when its "that" time, and
indeed, when are these times most likely to confront us in
our life's journey. I regard this book as a milestone in
astrological literature, a must read and a must have.
October 29, 2008
So insightful and blissfully informative, Stephen Arroyo is a "friend in my head." His writing is thorough and satisfyingly explanatory. Arroyo's understanding of the complexities of human nature and profundity of astrological knowledge is most impressive. Anyone interested in astrology must read this knowledge-filled book.
Currently reading
December 10, 2010Just started reading this book ... and ... it is incredible. Explosive insights into the birth chart based on its karmic/transformative points. Seriously good stuff for the practitioner/counselor and laymen.
December 27, 2013
Arroyo is a master, clearly and throughly presenting his understanding of saturn in all the different aspects. Still, in my opinion, the book is not necessarily user friendly. Searching for information between case studies, I found sometimes slightly less than irritating. I appreciate the information but I would have appreciated less case study and more straight info. On the other hand, this is the second time I have read the book, so it was compelling enough to have me re-read it.
January 26, 2014
Love this book. The author is sophisticated in his description of the psychological, spiritual, and energetic complexities of Saturn and the planets beyond. Highly recommend - not the typical astrological categorical trite stuff.
September 20, 2017
Probably one of the best books out there in terms of applying psychology to astrological practices. I am constantly skimming through chapters or reading passages over and over because of how valuable the information within these pages are. Arroyo is amazing!
November 14, 2007
Deep meanings of planets in natal astrology and how to think about transits and other dynamic factors in astrology from a process oriented point of view.
April 16, 2012
Should be required reading for all humans.
September 25, 2012
One of the best books on astrology ever written.
September 26, 2012
my favorite book on astrology yet .
July 14, 2013
This is one of the best books I've read on Astrology. All his books are well written and insightful.
January 5, 2014
A must read* one of the most precious astrology books I've read so far.
really inspiring and enpowering. To all astrology lovers- read it
really inspiring and enpowering. To all astrology lovers- read it
July 25, 2021
I learned so much about astrology, and psychology with this book! It's a great insight to be able to see/realize/ get extra perspective on why you are the way you are. Astrology really does help interpret our blueprint we are given at birth. So much more to learn always, but definitely has me intrigued to decipher myself at deeper levels than ever before. It's not a two day read at all. It has to be read, and comprehended a little at a time. Definitely worthwhile.
April 25, 2023
Saturn, often called the “Lord of Karma,” is said by many astrologers to represent the major karmic problem in any individual’s life. The planet Saturn has come to be called the “Lord of Karma” not because it is the only element in the chart which symbolizes an aspect of personal karma, but because the position and aspects of Saturn reveal where we meet our most specific and concentrated tests, as well as where we often experience pain and frustration.
The greater the obstacles in the physical body, the more opportunity for a soul to payoff karmic debts and achieve more rapid spiritual growth. The hurdles are stepping-stones if successfully surmounted, and the soul who in flesh body cheerfully meets and overcomes physical handicaps is growing more rapidly than another who seems by earthly standards to have everything to live for. The reward is not in the physical form but in spiritual development, and the more hurdles that are overcome in a physical lifetime, the less often that soul will thereafter need to return to physical form to round off the rough spots in his character.
The sign Scorpio can be specifically related to karma because it is during this phase of development that one must honestly face his or her true desires and come to realize the power inherent in them. This is why so many people with a strong Scorpio emphasis have such a strong attraction to mysteries, the occult, “forbidden” areas of experience, and revelations about afterlife. These people are in touch with the most powerfully negative aspects of their being, and their well-known suspicion and lack of trust in others comes from the fact that, since they know how untrustworthy their own emotions and how ruthless their own motivations can be, they naturally assume that other people are similarly motivated. Scorpio is the sign of death and rebirth, and anyone with a major emphasis on Scorpio in the natal chart is torn between clinging to old, compulsive desires purely out of habit and the deeper desire of the innermost self to be reborn.
The greater the obstacles in the physical body, the more opportunity for a soul to payoff karmic debts and achieve more rapid spiritual growth. The hurdles are stepping-stones if successfully surmounted, and the soul who in flesh body cheerfully meets and overcomes physical handicaps is growing more rapidly than another who seems by earthly standards to have everything to live for. The reward is not in the physical form but in spiritual development, and the more hurdles that are overcome in a physical lifetime, the less often that soul will thereafter need to return to physical form to round off the rough spots in his character.
The sign Scorpio can be specifically related to karma because it is during this phase of development that one must honestly face his or her true desires and come to realize the power inherent in them. This is why so many people with a strong Scorpio emphasis have such a strong attraction to mysteries, the occult, “forbidden” areas of experience, and revelations about afterlife. These people are in touch with the most powerfully negative aspects of their being, and their well-known suspicion and lack of trust in others comes from the fact that, since they know how untrustworthy their own emotions and how ruthless their own motivations can be, they naturally assume that other people are similarly motivated. Scorpio is the sign of death and rebirth, and anyone with a major emphasis on Scorpio in the natal chart is torn between clinging to old, compulsive desires purely out of habit and the deeper desire of the innermost self to be reborn.
January 25, 2020
An interesting book on the importance of the outer planets and their relation to karma. Arroyo excels at explaining abstract concepts such as karma in a way that’s understandable to everyone, though it did take me some time to get used to his rather formal writing style. I found the chapters on Saturn transits and aspects to the outer planets particularly insightful. There are few astrology books that put this much emphasis on the outer planets and are able to explain their energies in a refreshing way, and I appreciate Arroyo’s insights very much. However, Arroyo is an avid user of the Astrological Alphabet - an oversimplified concept of the astrological houses in attempt to make astrology more accessible - and this affects his credibility. I also didn’t think the chapter on Edgar Cayce’s readings added much. All in all though, this is a must-have if you want to learn more about the outer planets and are open to a more spiritual outlook on astrology.
February 23, 2021
A rich, informative, and transformative read. This was my second in-depth astrology book after reading Isabel Hickey's "Astrology: A Cosmic Science," and Arroyo writes in such beautiful and accessible language. He lays out a breadth of topics related to deep soul-attachment (karma) and the evolution of the soul in terms of various astrological concepts (trans-Saturnian aspects, transits, synastry, house placements, and more).
I appreciate Arroyo's use of real-life examples from his counseling experience to really hit the points home. He also draws upon a wealth of various fundamental texts in psychology and other esoteric studies, which is referenced in the back as a wonderful reading list. I have two more of his books in my abebooks shopping cart right now, and I look forward to soaking in more of his practical wisdom!
I appreciate Arroyo's use of real-life examples from his counseling experience to really hit the points home. He also draws upon a wealth of various fundamental texts in psychology and other esoteric studies, which is referenced in the back as a wonderful reading list. I have two more of his books in my abebooks shopping cart right now, and I look forward to soaking in more of his practical wisdom!
December 4, 2014
THE best book ever on the outer planets in all regards: The basic themes they represent in the birth chart, in aspect to inner planets, transits, progressions. He even has a chapter on fire houses and signs and for someone with both of these prominent in my chart (and a grand trine in both with Sun, Moon and Pluto), I understood why I had a such deep pull toward astrology, transformation the deeper spiritual meaning of life.
The title of the book I would think draws only those seriously interested in the deeper dimensions of astrology. This is not for pop astrology students.
December 18, 2023
I began my studies of western astrology in 1970, while still in high school. The mid to late 70s saw the beginning of a blossoming of a new generation of astrologers, and this book by Stephen Arroyo was one of my favorites during the late 70s-80s. It held pride of place next to my Liz Greene books. I still feel after all these years that it is one of the better intermediate books on chart delineation, and I recommend it to all aspiring astrology students.
September 16, 2015
韓良露的《生命歷程全占星》強調木土天海冥5顆慢速外行星Transits時對個人生命歷程的悠長影響力，Arroyo的這本書則更深入地，回歸到本命盤，站在人本立場闡述土星及3顆外行星如何發揮深不可測的業力，影響個人摸索靈性成長的道路。其作品文詞優雅，深富人性關懷，（儘管我排斥書中關於前世輪迴的業力說法）是一部不可多得的占星學經典。
這本書在台出版一年有餘，我和本書的邂逅非常偶然，當時我深受本命盤金冥衝的挫折，和朋友進行了為時三日的長談，我們邊逛書店邊聊冥王星的暴烈本質如何在我內心產生難以克制的情緒力量，討論該在生命裡壓抑或釋放這股衝動，「轉化」是對話裡的關鍵字，所以我很順手地從架上拿起這本書，沒想到Arroyo早在字裡行間為我們三日來的討論寫下完整的註解。
這本書在台出版一年有餘，我和本書的邂逅非常偶然，當時我深受本命盤金冥衝的挫折，和朋友進行了為時三日的長談，我們邊逛書店邊聊冥王星的暴烈本質如何在我內心產生難以克制的情緒力量，討論該在生命裡壓抑或釋放這股衝動，「轉化」是對話裡的關鍵字，所以我很順手地從架上拿起這本書，沒想到Arroyo早在字裡行間為我們三日來的討論寫下完整的註解。
August 18, 2020
Really good book if you want to learn about astrology without feeling overwhelmed by so much information. This books is well explained and understandable, it gives you a foundation to stand on and keep learning from there.
February 5, 2021
The best part about this book (for me) is the constructive view on Saturn. Traditionally feared, Saturn takes on a more motivational vibe in this book. The author describes it as a source of great potential confidence when developed.
March 26, 2023
This book is simply amazing. It took me forever to finish because I would highlight and sticky every page. This will be a must-read recommendation for me to anyone interested in astrology or wishing to ponder spiritual mechanisms.
May 15, 2017
Full of astrological/psychological insight. Though I reject the reincarnation dogma (and this book is obviously full of it) it's still a good reference tool for any serious student of astrology.
February 21, 2019
This book has a different take on asstrology than most, it is not so much concerned with prediction, but with the soul's longing for spiritual growth and transformation. A very good read.
Currently reading
August 2, 2007VERY informative. Deep and more spiritual than your average astrology book.
February 6, 2024
Intuizioni particolarmente interessanti, mi è piaciuta l'idea di parlare di karma e reincarnazione in relazione all'astrologia. L'autore si sofferma in particolare a parlare dei pianeti Urano, Nettuno e Plutone e delle loro energie.
Alcuni dettagli sono stati un po' troppo tecnici (progressioni e transiti) e forse dovrò riprenderli quando avrò una conoscenza più approfondita.
Non è un libro per principianti, anche se la lettura è interessante a prescindere dal livello di conoscenza e di curiosità in materia.
Alcuni dettagli sono stati un po' troppo tecnici (progressioni e transiti) e forse dovrò riprenderli quando avrò una conoscenza più approfondita.
Non è un libro per principianti, anche se la lettura è interessante a prescindere dal livello di conoscenza e di curiosità in materia.
April 5, 2020
Well written and very comprehensive overview of topics I hadn’t heard much about in terms of focusing on the outer planets as well as covering progressions. Highly recommend to anyone interested in astrology. I went over the 10% limit of highlights for my notes in the kindle app, so there’s a lot of good information here to take in for later memorization and application.
April 29, 2020
An amazing book on the Karmic reality of Astrology. Goes indepth with generational planets and their effect on personal planets in the birthchart. I've read this book many times over, and the revelations provided by Arroyo's fantastic knowledge and effortless writing have me finding new and exciting ways of looking at astrology.
June 2, 2018
Brilliant book! I happened to read it exactly when I needed to.. gave me a new perspective on the meaning of the outer 5 planets and the need for and importance of personal transformation.. definitely recommended for all those studying astrology..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews