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The Inner Sky: How to Make Wiser Choices for a More Fulfilling Life
This bestselling astrology classic was the WINNER OF THE 1985 PAI AWARD (Professional Astrologers Incorporated) "for outstanding activities in furthering the goals of Astrology." Published to almost immediate critical acclaim, The Inner Sky is beloved by both beginning and seasoned astrologers. The book introduces all the astrological basics--signs, planets, houses, aspects--and pulls them together in a step-by-step strategy for synthesis that anyone can learn. One of the most popular texts for beginning the study of astrology, the book has received praise by professional astrology teachers as well as celebrities such as Sting and Robert Downey Jr. Readers will learn an approach to astrology that is positive and affirming, and which celebrates human diversity, in the style of Evolutionary Astrology that Steven Forrest has become renown for the world over. The writing is both accessible and poetic, reaching the reader through clear imagery and storyline that is easily memorable and retainable. Differing from astrology texts that are simply descriptive, The Inner Sky takes the reader on a journey into the astrology of freedom and choice, where we discover the interplay of celestial influence and free will, and the magic that we all can find there.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1984
552 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 7, 2014
This is one of several books that I always recommend to people who tell me they are interested in learning Astrology because it is fun and easy to read, while also being filled with delightful and relevant information.
It bears noting that the original subtitle of The Inner Sky was "The Dynamic New Astrology for Everyone" and that was probably a more accurate description than the newer "How to Make Wiser Choices for a More Fulfilling Life" currently used in the book title. This is NOT a self-help pop psychology book, as the newer title would have you believe. While some readers may indeed gain knowledge that will allow them to 'make wiser choices for a more fulfilling life' (results may vary, depending on the individual reader), this book is actually just a well organized, clearly written introduction to the symbolic/archetypal language known as Astrology.
The first half of The Inner Sky describes in depth each of the various elements that make up this symbolic language - the zodiacal signs, planets, houses, and aspects used in astrology. Once the reader has acquired a basic understanding of these fundamental concepts, they can begin what will likely be the life-long practice of chart synthesize using as a 'starter kit' the excellent analysis guidelines offered by Forrest in the latter half of the book.
The Inner Sky is a perfect 'textbook' for those who want to learn the basic fundamentals of natal Astrology and chart interpretation and analysis, while also learning about they way they and others 'tick'. Highly recommended for newbie, beginner, and intermediate astrologers.
It bears noting that the original subtitle of The Inner Sky was "The Dynamic New Astrology for Everyone" and that was probably a more accurate description than the newer "How to Make Wiser Choices for a More Fulfilling Life" currently used in the book title. This is NOT a self-help pop psychology book, as the newer title would have you believe. While some readers may indeed gain knowledge that will allow them to 'make wiser choices for a more fulfilling life' (results may vary, depending on the individual reader), this book is actually just a well organized, clearly written introduction to the symbolic/archetypal language known as Astrology.
The first half of The Inner Sky describes in depth each of the various elements that make up this symbolic language - the zodiacal signs, planets, houses, and aspects used in astrology. Once the reader has acquired a basic understanding of these fundamental concepts, they can begin what will likely be the life-long practice of chart synthesize using as a 'starter kit' the excellent analysis guidelines offered by Forrest in the latter half of the book.
The Inner Sky is a perfect 'textbook' for those who want to learn the basic fundamentals of natal Astrology and chart interpretation and analysis, while also learning about they way they and others 'tick'. Highly recommended for newbie, beginner, and intermediate astrologers.
September 4, 2018
On the one hand, this is the most comprehensive and easy to understand beginner's astrology book I've read to date. Instead of the "give a man a fish" formula a lot of books employ by listing out different planet/sign combinations ("if you have Mercury in Gemini you're quick-witted and chatty," etc) Forrest teaches you how to fish--with the what/why/how of each planet/sign/house, you learn to piece it all together rather than relying on slap-dash pop astrology blurbs.
On the other hand, I could not overlook how much this book Othered anyone who is not white or American. The assumption with every astrological description is that the reader or the client fits that "default," and there are often questionable and offensive references to the Orient, "primitive tribes," use of the g*psy slur, etc. The first edition of this was published in the 80's, but you'd think with subsequent editions someone would look at the world we live in and edit with inclusivity in mind. (Then again, the book is strewn with so many distracting typos that it's clear no one's given it a close look in a while.) I hesitate to recommend it for these reasons, even though it's otherwise a solid beginner's astrology text.
On the other hand, I could not overlook how much this book Othered anyone who is not white or American. The assumption with every astrological description is that the reader or the client fits that "default," and there are often questionable and offensive references to the Orient, "primitive tribes," use of the g*psy slur, etc. The first edition of this was published in the 80's, but you'd think with subsequent editions someone would look at the world we live in and edit with inclusivity in mind. (Then again, the book is strewn with so many distracting typos that it's clear no one's given it a close look in a while.) I hesitate to recommend it for these reasons, even though it's otherwise a solid beginner's astrology text.
January 30, 2013
I recently picked up another Forrest book ("The Book Of Pluto") and remembered this one, which I read several years ago and have given copies to at least a couple of friends. I want to recommend this book strongly, not only to "beginners" but to anyone wanting to gain a very clear understanding of what the signs, houses and aspects are about. That is Forrest's main strength...using poignant imagery to make one understand very quickly what a particular symbol means (and astrology is a language of symbols.) I had been studying astrology off and on for quite a while when I came across this book, and Forrest managed to make coherent quite a few things that I'd previously only been able to connect in disjointed, "keyword" terms. I might also suggest this book to anyone who feels astrology is rubbish...but then, I'm not here to "convert" anyone. As my friend and mentor Quan Tracy Cherry says, "Belief is not required."
January 9, 2015
One of the best books concerning the core aspect of astrology - birthchart analysis and interpretation. The author introduces a modern take on astrological thought by discarding medieval principles and pravtices and adding a powerful evolutionary philosophy. The birthchart is no longer a portrait of an individual but a map of potentialities from which the individual is free to choose from...
Enlightening read. It has rekindled my interest for the Art.
Enlightening read. It has rekindled my interest for the Art.
June 3, 2008
Having now read probably a dozen astrology primers over the last year and a half, this is the one that has finally brought chart-reading to life for me. Forrest talks about all the signs and symbols and the whole chart itself in terms of evolutionary drive--a interpretive style similar to that of Stephen Arroyo, who characterizes himself as a humanistic astrologer. Unlike Arroyo, however, Forrest gives vivid illustrations of what both successful and counterproductive expressions these drives looks like. Forrest is a bit more fun to read, which probably helped me too! His sometimes melodramatic explications really drive home the points being made.
October 13, 2015
I need to own this.
I need to be able to go back and read all this wonderful, insightful wisdom over and over again. I need the keys this book is offering, ready at hand, to unlock the doors to the mysteries to my own and other peoples journeys and inner workings.
Steven writing is inspiring and fascinating and I just want more, more, more. He is a great guide to the mystery of astrology, explaining, showing and gently challenging and encouraging.
I will get my hands on a copy of this book and I will surely be coming back to both Steven and astrology. The journey has only just begun ;)
I need to be able to go back and read all this wonderful, insightful wisdom over and over again. I need the keys this book is offering, ready at hand, to unlock the doors to the mysteries to my own and other peoples journeys and inner workings.
Steven writing is inspiring and fascinating and I just want more, more, more. He is a great guide to the mystery of astrology, explaining, showing and gently challenging and encouraging.
I will get my hands on a copy of this book and I will surely be coming back to both Steven and astrology. The journey has only just begun ;)
July 3, 2015
I love Steven Forrest's writing. He's clear and concise and speaks to both the average reader and to the philosopher. It's not difficult to understand and yet you have to think about it. This book was helpful because I am learning to interpret a birth chart and he gives essential tips in being able to do that. This is my first experience with evolutionary astrology and it just might be the book I keep going back to again and again.
November 24, 2023
I started reading this book after discussing astrology with a friend. She had a pretty cool attitude about the subject where she seemed to take it seriously whilst saying she did not believe in it. That way of looking at astrology resonated with me. I had always been very sceptical of astrology and whenever someone brought up their horoscope or some planetary alignments I found it hard not to roll my eyes. I don’t like that. Astrology is taken seriously by a lot of people and it enriches their lives. I would rather be able to talk to people who believe in astrology on their wavelength and have a meaningful conversation than feel better than them.
Reading this book has helped with that. I have learned the basics of some new vocabulary and how to use it to construct sentences. It’s a different means to expressing a worldview. I find that having conversations with people who are into astrology, whilst having some knowledge on the subject leads to pretty in debt conversations way quicker than normal. People love talking about their birth chart and interpreting it and they also love it if you have a go at it. In talking about this you learn a lot about another person and I think that’s really nice. Conversations can get really excited and I find myself getting drawn up into the world of astrology myself. It’s very easy to start to believe in astrology, for at least a little while.
Of course the scientific opinion is against the veracity of astrology. Many experiments have been done which are said to have debunked astrology. It’s been shown that astrologers cannot seem to assign astrological signs based on people’s personality and the Barnum effect shows that people give high accuracy rating to descriptions of their personality that are supposedly made specifically for them but which are actually general and vague descriptions that can apply to a lot of people. Astrological predictions and personality descriptions can be described as very general or overtly vague, especially if people can do some cherry picking of the descriptions they like best.
There are other arguments against astrology as well, some of which are to be found in this book. One example is that millennia ago astronomer-priests saw that on the first day of winter the position of the sun was towards the constellation of Capricorn. The sun faced different constellations during the year and so the link of astrological signs to certain time periods were made. The things however is that due to a wobble in the earth’s axis the position of the sun has slowly changed and now the sun faces towards Sagittarius instead of Capricorn on the first day of winter. The constellations therefore don’t match the time periods anymore! How can those constellations therefore influence people? The answer: they can’t. Forrest writes that this is no problem and that the astrologer doesn’t refer to a group of stars when he says Aries, but to a certain phase in earths orbit. This seems like a plausible ad hoc solution to the problem, so let’s continue on.
When discussing the planets Forrest states that astrology was rocked 2 centuries ago when a new planet was discovered. 6 decades later Neptune was first observed and in 1930 Pluto was discovered. Astrological personality descriptions seemed to work just fine before these planets were added into the mix, so how could they be encapsulated into an already working system. The answer, Forrest writes, is by attributing invisible descriptions to the invisible planets. He writes that the earlier discovered planets relate to structures within personality and that the invisible planets only represent possibilities. Only through work can the influence become apparent. This may be a very general or overtly vague description as well, but it does sound like a nice solution.
Further problems come to be however if one thinks about planets that we have yet to discover. It’s very possible that there are undiscovered planets in our solar system. There are also planet sized moons in our solar system that are not accounted for in astrology. If planets are supposed to influence us, and moons as well, why not moons the size of planets? Forrest states that special world events have coincided with the discovery of new planets. The discovery of Uranus for instance occurred when the American Revolution had just occurred, The French Revolution was just about to happen and when the Age of Enlightenment was also beginning. He writes that new planets might be discovered when the world as a whole is ready for that and when world events mirror the effects that the new planet has on us. This is probably a bit to new agey for me so I’m afraid I do kind of get off the astrology train here.
There are however a lot of possible things to say about astrology and about this book specifically as well. I thought the book was very well written. It’s clear and well structured. I also like the general interpretation of astrology that Forest has. He is against daily horoscopes, stating that these are popular creations which do not relate to actual astrology. He also is against being too fixed in saying things like: He’s a Leo and therefore he is so and so. Instead of this he writes that signs, planets and houses help people to know what their path in life should be. It shows them what forces make themselves felt in their life and what influences they should therefore keep in mind to live the best possible life. A Leo is not necessarily and entertainer, but he might feel best when is.
I feel like I gained a nice basic ability to interpret birth charts. Forrest has given some nice handholds to help with that, starting with some nice descriptions of the signs, planets and houses and ending with how to put it all together and how to focus on the most important things. It is still a little overwhelming however. Because each sign, planet and house has many characteristics it seems impossible to me to do an accurate birth chart interpretation if you don’t know a person. This is because not every characteristic is relevant at all times. The astrologer therefore seems to be making educated guesses as to which ones are relevant and which ones are not. These educated guesses seem to me however to be fanciful guesses, but who knows. All the different characteristics of one sign might always be active if the sign is active in a chart, maybe I have just not learned how this works yet.
I look forward to learning more about astrology. Learning more about what has been said about it in the philosophy of science, learning more about the signs, planets and houses and especially learning more by doing some more interpretations and talking to more people about this. I have achieved what I set out to do before reading this book. Even though I am still sceptical of astrology and do secretly enjoy giving evidence against it, I am now much more unlikely to roll my eyes when someone starts talking astrology and am far more likely to instead start discussing it with them and probably learn a great deal about them and myself in the process.
Reading this book has helped with that. I have learned the basics of some new vocabulary and how to use it to construct sentences. It’s a different means to expressing a worldview. I find that having conversations with people who are into astrology, whilst having some knowledge on the subject leads to pretty in debt conversations way quicker than normal. People love talking about their birth chart and interpreting it and they also love it if you have a go at it. In talking about this you learn a lot about another person and I think that’s really nice. Conversations can get really excited and I find myself getting drawn up into the world of astrology myself. It’s very easy to start to believe in astrology, for at least a little while.
Of course the scientific opinion is against the veracity of astrology. Many experiments have been done which are said to have debunked astrology. It’s been shown that astrologers cannot seem to assign astrological signs based on people’s personality and the Barnum effect shows that people give high accuracy rating to descriptions of their personality that are supposedly made specifically for them but which are actually general and vague descriptions that can apply to a lot of people. Astrological predictions and personality descriptions can be described as very general or overtly vague, especially if people can do some cherry picking of the descriptions they like best.
There are other arguments against astrology as well, some of which are to be found in this book. One example is that millennia ago astronomer-priests saw that on the first day of winter the position of the sun was towards the constellation of Capricorn. The sun faced different constellations during the year and so the link of astrological signs to certain time periods were made. The things however is that due to a wobble in the earth’s axis the position of the sun has slowly changed and now the sun faces towards Sagittarius instead of Capricorn on the first day of winter. The constellations therefore don’t match the time periods anymore! How can those constellations therefore influence people? The answer: they can’t. Forrest writes that this is no problem and that the astrologer doesn’t refer to a group of stars when he says Aries, but to a certain phase in earths orbit. This seems like a plausible ad hoc solution to the problem, so let’s continue on.
When discussing the planets Forrest states that astrology was rocked 2 centuries ago when a new planet was discovered. 6 decades later Neptune was first observed and in 1930 Pluto was discovered. Astrological personality descriptions seemed to work just fine before these planets were added into the mix, so how could they be encapsulated into an already working system. The answer, Forrest writes, is by attributing invisible descriptions to the invisible planets. He writes that the earlier discovered planets relate to structures within personality and that the invisible planets only represent possibilities. Only through work can the influence become apparent. This may be a very general or overtly vague description as well, but it does sound like a nice solution.
Further problems come to be however if one thinks about planets that we have yet to discover. It’s very possible that there are undiscovered planets in our solar system. There are also planet sized moons in our solar system that are not accounted for in astrology. If planets are supposed to influence us, and moons as well, why not moons the size of planets? Forrest states that special world events have coincided with the discovery of new planets. The discovery of Uranus for instance occurred when the American Revolution had just occurred, The French Revolution was just about to happen and when the Age of Enlightenment was also beginning. He writes that new planets might be discovered when the world as a whole is ready for that and when world events mirror the effects that the new planet has on us. This is probably a bit to new agey for me so I’m afraid I do kind of get off the astrology train here.
There are however a lot of possible things to say about astrology and about this book specifically as well. I thought the book was very well written. It’s clear and well structured. I also like the general interpretation of astrology that Forest has. He is against daily horoscopes, stating that these are popular creations which do not relate to actual astrology. He also is against being too fixed in saying things like: He’s a Leo and therefore he is so and so. Instead of this he writes that signs, planets and houses help people to know what their path in life should be. It shows them what forces make themselves felt in their life and what influences they should therefore keep in mind to live the best possible life. A Leo is not necessarily and entertainer, but he might feel best when is.
I feel like I gained a nice basic ability to interpret birth charts. Forrest has given some nice handholds to help with that, starting with some nice descriptions of the signs, planets and houses and ending with how to put it all together and how to focus on the most important things. It is still a little overwhelming however. Because each sign, planet and house has many characteristics it seems impossible to me to do an accurate birth chart interpretation if you don’t know a person. This is because not every characteristic is relevant at all times. The astrologer therefore seems to be making educated guesses as to which ones are relevant and which ones are not. These educated guesses seem to me however to be fanciful guesses, but who knows. All the different characteristics of one sign might always be active if the sign is active in a chart, maybe I have just not learned how this works yet.
I look forward to learning more about astrology. Learning more about what has been said about it in the philosophy of science, learning more about the signs, planets and houses and especially learning more by doing some more interpretations and talking to more people about this. I have achieved what I set out to do before reading this book. Even though I am still sceptical of astrology and do secretly enjoy giving evidence against it, I am now much more unlikely to roll my eyes when someone starts talking astrology and am far more likely to instead start discussing it with them and probably learn a great deal about them and myself in the process.
October 3, 2021
Here I am with what seems to be a minority opinion on this book - I did not particularly like it and here is why.
If you love long winded poetic descriptions of the most minute of details - you will love this book.
I personally want my study books to be concise and to the point. This was certainly not the book for that.
If you took out the copious amounts of "flower language" the book would be about half the size.
And to be fair, this half-size book had some good points and pointers, I just found it incredibly hard to untangle the useful information from the fluff and would struggle to use it for any meaningful reference.
The author may know his stuff and I appreciate his slightly unique approach to presenting the subject and see why others may love it, but it reminded me too much of a high school essay with a minimum word count where you have to blag half of it with fancy words.
Just not my cup of tea - I will be sticking to more concise and to the point books in the future if I can help it.
If you love long winded poetic descriptions of the most minute of details - you will love this book.
I personally want my study books to be concise and to the point. This was certainly not the book for that.
If you took out the copious amounts of "flower language" the book would be about half the size.
And to be fair, this half-size book had some good points and pointers, I just found it incredibly hard to untangle the useful information from the fluff and would struggle to use it for any meaningful reference.
The author may know his stuff and I appreciate his slightly unique approach to presenting the subject and see why others may love it, but it reminded me too much of a high school essay with a minimum word count where you have to blag half of it with fancy words.
Just not my cup of tea - I will be sticking to more concise and to the point books in the future if I can help it.
July 10, 2017
This is one of the best books on the basics of astrology ever. Steven is a master of language. He is a consummate storyteller of the signs, planets and houses. He puts together this story in a way that we can see ourselves in relation to these symbols. He encourages us to engage in our personal journeys and take advantage of the wonderful art and science of astrology as both a path to deeper self knowledge and a life planning tool.
I have recommended and given away this book more times than I can count. Now I highly recommend it to you if you are curious about the inner workings of your psyche and soul.
I have recommended and given away this book more times than I can count. Now I highly recommend it to you if you are curious about the inner workings of your psyche and soul.
January 23, 2016
At first I was disappointed with this book and put it away after reading the first few chapters. Nothing new, I thought. I'd signed up for an astrology apprenticeship and had already read dozens of astrology books, but this was required reading. I'm so glad it was! Although the first few chapters are a fundamental overview on planets and houses, even an experienced astrologer could benefit from Forrest's final chapters on chart interpretation. This book really gave me practical tools I could use and I can highly recommend it.
September 9, 2022
Took me forever to read this book, the writing can be quite 'flowery' at times.
The second half of the book was invaluable to me, the way he described planetry rulerships, the grouping of the Asc, Sun and Moon into a triad, the main Aspects and how to put it all together...it just clicked.
When you think this book was first written in the 1980's, it was really ahead of its time.
Steven Forrest is to Astrology what Alan Titchmarsh is to gardening.
The second half of the book was invaluable to me, the way he described planetry rulerships, the grouping of the Asc, Sun and Moon into a triad, the main Aspects and how to put it all together...it just clicked.
When you think this book was first written in the 1980's, it was really ahead of its time.
Steven Forrest is to Astrology what Alan Titchmarsh is to gardening.
December 14, 2009
Steven Forrest presents a logical format in diciphering the birth chart. Then as one becomes familiar with that model, he encourages you to lift off and read the birth chart from an intuitive place. Well done.
December 23, 2008
The first astrology book anyone should read. Evolution-minded, realistic, and parsed beautifully.
January 1, 2021
I probably will abandon reading this thing. Full of nonesense. I get the feeling he thinks he is so good when he rambles around writing 10 paragraphs analogy for every minor point he wants to make....I just read couple of descriptions of the signs in this book and they were beyond stupid and wrong. I flung the door open to the heart broken Gengiz Khan??!! I personally skin him alive (like he did to my ancestors) and feed his organs and limbs to dogs and cats. I'll do that to the American baby killers too if they ever dare to invade my country! (Not personally this time, but I won't disapprove if a dog food company uses their corpses to make dogfood)...stupid Astrologers thinking Cancer is all about being nice and motherly (and even more stupid and naive of them is to think being motherly is about being nice, even to Gengiz Khan or the American baby killers! A mother bear who surgically removes your face with one stroke if you get close to her cubs is also acting very motherly! Superficial modern Western Astrologers who normally simply copy paste the same garbage from one another often miss that side and go with their stereotypes of Cancer is the mother, mother is a woman, women are nice, women are vulnerable, blah blah blah...bullshit!!
Once upon a time, before Gengiz Khan destroyed Iran upon the request of cavemen in Europe, Astrologers were among the most intelligent people of the world. Now every semi-intelligent person has become an astrologer and has even written books on it!!
Once upon a time, before Gengiz Khan destroyed Iran upon the request of cavemen in Europe, Astrologers were among the most intelligent people of the world. Now every semi-intelligent person has become an astrologer and has even written books on it!!
August 20, 2018
A friend of mine (who I think of as a life/soul coach) who is a wonderful astrologer recommended this book to me when I asked her, where can I learn a basic understanding of what you do (Evolutionary Astrology). If you're going to pick up a book and try to understand the complex language that is astrology, this is the book. It breaks it down, step by step, to where you can understand it (or at least halfway understand it), in simple language. I have never thought that astrology made any sense and I never put faith into those little daily horoscopes. Astrology is much, much more than that. Actually, just scratch that out completely.
After reading this book, I definitely have a better understanding of the zodiac signs, and the birth chart doesn't look quite as much like Welsh to me. I'm not saying that I have a good understanding of astrology now, or that I can pick apart my birth chart easily, because I'm not there.
So what is Evolutionary Astrology? It's the map of YOU. The map tells you why you're here, where you need to go, and how to get there. (Reincarnation and astrology are hand in hand together). After reading this, I can see the similarities of my readings (past life) and I can definitely see the connection with that and my zodiac. So...I'm getting a print made of my birth chart, so I can try to understand it a little more, a piece at a time.
After reading this book, I definitely have a better understanding of the zodiac signs, and the birth chart doesn't look quite as much like Welsh to me. I'm not saying that I have a good understanding of astrology now, or that I can pick apart my birth chart easily, because I'm not there.
So what is Evolutionary Astrology? It's the map of YOU. The map tells you why you're here, where you need to go, and how to get there. (Reincarnation and astrology are hand in hand together). After reading this, I can see the similarities of my readings (past life) and I can definitely see the connection with that and my zodiac. So...I'm getting a print made of my birth chart, so I can try to understand it a little more, a piece at a time.
January 23, 2022
Ideally I’d give this a 3.5, not because the book is bad, it is actually quite knowledgeable. Which, precisely may be the issue. As someone who does not know much about astrology, this was a bit overwhelming and hard to read. I think this would have been better (again for newcomers like myself) if it had been split into 3 different books: beginner, intermediate, and expert. I loved how the planets and houses were explained, but everything after that only further confused me. He also towards the end says to familiarize yourself with the sun, moon, and ascendant first before moving onto anything else and then I felt like everything else I read was pointless because I wasn’t familiar with it yet. The book is well written and explains things in a mostly simple way, but again it may have been too much information at once. I also towards the end felt like it was meant more for someone who wants to read birth charts and go deeper into it, vs myself who just wanted a more generic understanding of it all. It helped to check the costar app during some of it to understand a few things, would recommend doing that as well.
June 23, 2017
This is an absolutely fantastic resource for anyone looking to grasp the knots and bolts of astrology. Astrology is a vast field of study, and I'm impressed by how Steven Forrest manages to break all the main elements down, and explain them in layman terms.
I found myself giggling a lot while making my way through this book. Steven certainly adds a nice dose of humour and informality to the topic. I also appreciate his candor, and the way he challenges his reader to dive into the vast alluring landscape of astrology, but not to get lost in the world of maps and symbols. We are here to experience life.
Astrology does not seek to explain the meaning of life. That remains a mystery. Astrology can offer help and direction, but it cannot help us overcome our fears. We are here to experience life and give it our best go. If we experience tension in our life - good! What does that hint to? What type of growth and expansion is waiting to happen once you identify the underlying currents creating your experience?
I highly recommend this book.
I found myself giggling a lot while making my way through this book. Steven certainly adds a nice dose of humour and informality to the topic. I also appreciate his candor, and the way he challenges his reader to dive into the vast alluring landscape of astrology, but not to get lost in the world of maps and symbols. We are here to experience life.
Astrology does not seek to explain the meaning of life. That remains a mystery. Astrology can offer help and direction, but it cannot help us overcome our fears. We are here to experience life and give it our best go. If we experience tension in our life - good! What does that hint to? What type of growth and expansion is waiting to happen once you identify the underlying currents creating your experience?
I highly recommend this book.
September 1, 2018
This is my second time through the Inner Sky. I think it's one of the best introductory Astrology books, especially if you come to Astrology with an Evolutionary lens rather than a classical or predictive one. Particularly because I agree with him that Astrology is a language and the best way to become adept at reading charts and understanding it is to learn this language. My main criticism is that sometimes Forrest makes dramatic points at the expense of the content (his writing style veers toward "here's a zinger! And another! And another!"). When this lands, it lands like zingers do. When it doesn't, it's a little too hokey. Relatedly, it seems like his intention was to turn every sign's evolutionary quest into a high stakes proposition. When this doesn't resonate, it's like a friend who makes a bigger deal of your drama than you ever would, where you're like, "um...I guess?" But that's small potatoes compared to the gems in this book. The other main issue I'd highlight is that as the years go by, the act of picking one celebrity to do an extensive chart analysis on seems a bit unfortunate because new generations will be less and less familiar with him. I'm not naming the celebrity because part of the point of the book is for it to be teased and then revealed. But I think younger people, either now or in ten years, will be like, "who?"
September 9, 2021
Such a great beginner book! I already was familiar with astrology, but reading this i discovered many things i didn't even know existed.
It covers all the basics and helps you understand how things work, and how to interpret a birth chart.
It's a nice and easy read, even though it is PACKED with information. But don't get overwhelmed!
Take it in little by little, and be patient with yourself, because something as complicated as astrology always takes a bit of practice and experience.
Anyway, this is a must for everyone whos interested in learning about this matter, and it is totally worth the buy.
Amazing book💫
It covers all the basics and helps you understand how things work, and how to interpret a birth chart.
It's a nice and easy read, even though it is PACKED with information. But don't get overwhelmed!
Take it in little by little, and be patient with yourself, because something as complicated as astrology always takes a bit of practice and experience.
Anyway, this is a must for everyone whos interested in learning about this matter, and it is totally worth the buy.
Amazing book💫
May 31, 2024
If anyone curious about astrology could only read one book, this would be the one I'd recommend.
Although I'm an astrology skeptic, I do think it's a brilliant lens to examine ourselves. Instead of making statements about who we are, I like studying it as an exploration of the psyche. It's one of the most fleshed-out maps of the inner world ever made, and this book walks you through it step by step, familiarizing you with all the different facets that make you who you are.
5/5 stars. Steven Forrest knows how to bring these archetypes to life, showing you how to experience them as dynamic energies rather than stale, generic theories.
Although I'm an astrology skeptic, I do think it's a brilliant lens to examine ourselves. Instead of making statements about who we are, I like studying it as an exploration of the psyche. It's one of the most fleshed-out maps of the inner world ever made, and this book walks you through it step by step, familiarizing you with all the different facets that make you who you are.
5/5 stars. Steven Forrest knows how to bring these archetypes to life, showing you how to experience them as dynamic energies rather than stale, generic theories.
February 7, 2019
This book is absolutely invaluable. It is the book I always recommend when people ask for a good intro text. It is the only intro book I know that truly respects free will and explores the different ways people respond to the signs.
My only caveat is that this book is best treated as a reference. If you're just starting out, get a copy of your birth chart and use his sections on the planets, houses, and signs to put together a picture of your inner sky. Then follow your interest through the rest of the book.
My only caveat is that this book is best treated as a reference. If you're just starting out, get a copy of your birth chart and use his sections on the planets, houses, and signs to put together a picture of your inner sky. Then follow your interest through the rest of the book.
November 12, 2019
Finally a way to really understand astrology!
I couldn’t put this book down. I’ve been studying on and off for decades, and not very seriously at that. Forrest’s book brings a perspective that resonates with a personal growth perspective that non judgmental and prescriptive. I especially enjoyed the practicality of using one birth chart to show how to read, and not revealing who the person was until the end. When the name was revealed the teachings set forth crystallized immediately. A must have.
I couldn’t put this book down. I’ve been studying on and off for decades, and not very seriously at that. Forrest’s book brings a perspective that resonates with a personal growth perspective that non judgmental and prescriptive. I especially enjoyed the practicality of using one birth chart to show how to read, and not revealing who the person was until the end. When the name was revealed the teachings set forth crystallized immediately. A must have.
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February 8, 2024Having decided to just lean into the woo-woo, already, I've been teaching myself evolutionary astrology for a few months, and this book has illuminated so many stubbornly dark corners for me. While Steven isn't the most technically proficient writer, he has a knack for clarifying metaphors, and with subject matter like this, that's all that really matters. If you're interested in approaching astrology as a form of psychological self-discovery and life-building, The Inner Sky is a good place to start.
May 13, 2019
just get it, you wont be disappointed. full of great information, one you can keep referencing back to, and yet steven forrest’s voice throughout it makes it so much more than just a reference book. i learned a ton, i’m very much a beginner, but i know i’ll keep referencing back to it for years to come. seems like the type of book that you could learn something new every time you go back to it, no matter what sort of level you’re on. great insights and tidbits.
December 23, 2020
This is a stellar introduction to astrology generally, as well as a fantastic guide on how to step-by-step read a birth chart. This will introduce you to the signs, planets, and houses. He also attempts to reconcile the magical elements of astrology with scientific realism in his approach. I think it's an admirable attempt that's not quite excellently executed. But if you're willing to suspend disbelief to simply engage with the ideas, then I'd recommend this book.
February 4, 2021
I took an astrology course years ago and this is the one book the astrologer recommended for beginners and I very much understand why now that I’ve completed it. This is an exceptionally well-written and thorough guide that’s perfect for anyone wanting to learn and really understand the fundamentals of astrology. I can already see myself going back to this book over and over again to reference material and strengthen my practice.
January 19, 2021
Excellent, essential book for reading natal charts from an evolutionary astrology perspective. Since it was written in the 80s, the references are dated but don't take away from the content.
CW: abusive celebrity
The anonymous chart you read throughout the book is .
CW: abusive celebrity
The anonymous chart you read throughout the book is .
January 7, 2023
very nice introduction to astrology, it helped me gain confidence in learning each zodiac archetype, planets and their energies and reading birth charts as a whole with houses as directional guides. gonna keep this on my shelf forever for reference, highly recommend. easy read with good humour to break the seriousness. i loved it
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July 10, 2018Unfinished for now. Good explanation about the link between astronomy and astrology, one of the best I've seen. Got through the basics and liked it very much but not so much after that. I'm not sure evolutionary astrology is my thing.
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