Astrological Signs: The Pulse of Life

by Dane Rudhyar

An intelligent metaphysical statement of the human experience expressed through the poetry of the zodiac. Free from the annoying fatalistic tone of some astrological writing, Rudhyar's book is all-inclusive, connecting the 12 astrological symbols to seasonal rhythms in a way that is both plausible from a scientific mindset and respectful of religious traditions.

Genres: Astrology, Spirituality

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 12, 1974

About the author

French-American astrologer, one of the most noted and respected astrologers of the 20th century.

He was called a modern renaissance man for his ability to express himself in many fields; music, painting, poetry, philosophy and metaphysics.

He wrote for national magazines since the '30s and was the author of many books.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

While on its face this book is only an exploration of the signs of the zodiac without reference to houses and many other factors in the reading of a chart, Rudhyar has invested it with a great deal more. The profundity of his discussions and explanations, the weaving in of esoteric wisdom... frequently I had to put the book down in awe and once I even wrote in the margin, "Has anyone ever put this better?"
Recommended for anyone deeply interested in astrology.

[Johanna Hilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book rather randomly at a bookstore (nearby the public library) in Prague in September 2017. It is the first book on astrology I have ever bought, and my attitude when I began reading it was somewhat skeptical.

The book goes through all the signs of the Zodiaz starting from Aries, and ending in Pisces, and describes the elementary forces behind each sign. This book really changed my view on astrology, because for the first time I began to see signs of the zodiac as manifesting forces rather than as descriptions limited to one's personality. Dane Rudhyar is one of the most knowledgeable astrologers of the 20th century and predecessor for many progressive forms of astrological thought such as archetypal astrology and psychological astrology.

Quick, and a fun read. Was sad to finish it, and looking forward to reading more from Dana Rudhyar.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intelligent metaphysical statement of the human experience expressed through the poetry of the zodiac. Free from the annoying fatalistic tone of some astrological writing, Rudhyar's book is all-inclusive, connecting the 12 astrological symbols to seasonal rhythms in a way that is both plausible from a scientific mindset and respectful of religious traditions.

[Margarida Barbosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply one of my all-time favorites. A life changing read. I never read any book more than once, but with this one I always come back and read it over and over. It’s pure enlightenment, and one of the Astrology fundamentals.

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marc Lerner recommends these Dane Rudhyar books:

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)

[Emmish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jesus this was a slog. Like reading self harm towards the end starting around Libra when it got impersonal. I like the idea of polarities, day force and night force, and how life is the cyclical interplay of polarities. So good questions are- what is waxing/waning? What stage am I at in the cycle? What is alive/natural in this season rn?

Shows me some of the yang signs I admired are just insecure and overcompensating.

I gotta stop forcing myself to read books I hate!!! So dense and so fucking draining!!!!!!

I really wanted to finish this before school to feel accomplished and also bc nervous about school and reading is comfy. And bc I am excited to read my next 2 books. But which to do first??? Ah!!!!

[Gunn Whirrled · Rating 5 out of 5]

the VERY best astrological book,,
centering NOT on planets,
but day and night (representing the conscious and (collective)Unconscious..
which makes sense, as at night, we sleep.
The other factor, the seasons.
The pulse and rhythm of our earths' annual trip around her parent star-
as it affects the shifting emphasis on night or day.

This makes a kind of "infrasense"..
Stuff that is so obvious we overlook it.

a wonderful book i gave away and am eager to reacquire, and reread.

the BEST book on the subject, that even the most hardened skeptic will find nourishing