One of the only books devoted to the deeper meaning of the twelve houses in astrology. Rudhyar explains their meaning as "fields of experience". 20th anniversary publication.
This is a classic in the field of psychological astrology.
Rudhyar's writing is illuminating. His association of the houses with the stages of psychological development of man during his lifetime, is both, logical and intuitive.
I really appreciate his explanation of the Horizon and the Meridian (the 1st/7th axis and the 4th/10th axis). The Water houses in general tend to be elusive, the 4th especially so, but Rudhyar's insight helped clarify a lot of misconceptions. Mundane meanings might work at a concrete level, but as an a student of astrology it is important to understand the deeper meaning behind the external manifestations of experience which are generally associated with each house.
His writing style might seem a little heavy for young readers, but it's not archaic or anything. Pretty straightforward if you have the patience to stay focused.
1 Astrological Signs 2 The Astrology of Personality 3 The Astrological Houses 4 The Lunation Cycle 5 Astrological Mandalas 6 An Astrological Study of Psychological Complexes (Advanced) 7 Triptych (Advanced)
i got so tired of all astrology takes made in social media so i truly appreciate this read for more profound attempt to understand basics of reading a natal chart. there were moments when it was just a mix of different cultures without a concret. but mostly it refreshed my approach to certain archetypes that may be not that popular in the Internet. I've never connected the dots between astrology and Jungian personality types on my own but here it is.
Illuminating though difficult to grasp more often than not. I bought this book in a used bookstore in Portland, Maine ; they don’t make ‘em like this anymore.
One of the worst books ever written. After an excruciating first chapter, I started the second about the houses. Finished the section on the First House and got nothing of value so I stopped reading. I expected to get some factual information about the houses but got nothing except a pseudo intellectual mix of bad philosophy, dumb theology, cheap history and meaningless metaphysics. Not even a history of astrological houses here. There are some facts but they're needles in a haystack of deluded ideas. Nothing of value here, just an incompetent thinker writing his worthless thoughts. Astrology doesn't need skeptics when idiots like the author of this book exist.
In true Mercury in Pisces style, Dane Rudhyar's writing style is very mystical and abstract. He is not a quick, tangible read. However, if you can diffuse yourself into the landscapes he creates, he offers a chronological perspective on the houses unlike any other. Rather than providing a simple chart saying "1H is identity, next!", he takes you through the life cycle of development and how each house relates to a each stage of development on this earth. His approach has lent an intuitive sophistication to my personal approach to astrology.