Horoscope Symbols

by Robert Hand

Horoscope Symbols takes you beyond your present conception of astrology into a deep understanding of the role of personal choice and to the true source of human experience. Every age must re-examine the astrological tradition in the light of its own experience. In Horoscope Symbols, Robert Hand, one of the foremost astrologers of his generation, recreates astrology for our time. In this book, Hand takes the reader deep into the heart of each of the planets (and other points), angular relationships (aspects and midpoints), zodiacal positions (signs), and mundane positions (angles and houses). Whether you're a beginning student or a practicing professional, Horoscope Symbols takes you beyond your present conception of astrology into a whole new realm of understanding. Horoscope Symbols takes the beginner beyond cookbook interpretations to genuine insight, beyond superficial keywords to the fundamental principles that underlie astrology, beyond overemphasis on signs to the primacy of planets and angles. Although Hand assumes little prior knowledge of astrology, the more you know, the more you will get out of this book. Hand takes the expert beyond the fatalism of tradition to a deep understanding of the role of personal choice in the life of the individual, beyond fortune telling to the true source of human experience.

Genres: Astrology, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Esoterica

540 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1981

About the author

Robert Sterling Hand (born December 5, 1942) is an American astrologer, author, translator, and lecturer, who received the Regulus Award for his life's work at the "United Astrology Conference" in Denver in 2008

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly invaluable resource for students of astrology. Robert Hand knows his stuff and is able to articulate the "basics" of astrology (for lack of a better term) in a way that is both thorough enough for a more advanced student but also friendly enough for a beginner. I will continue to refer to this book in some way for the rest of my astrological studies (read: lifetime). Highly recommended for those interested in the topic!

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not qualified enough yet to judge about the more intricate aspects of the complex field presented in Hands introcutory classic to Astrology but am shure that this is a prime example for a serious and respectable approach to an esoteric topic. In his detailed presentation and explanation surpassing trivialities like "your daily horoscope sun sign emphasis" he actually has written a book which gives the beginner a usable but still complex system at hand which makes curious for further investigation. Especially usefull regarding this is his frequent discussion of different viewpoints and his generally non judgmental tone grounded in experience.

[Andreea Rogozan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best resources for studying the meaning of planets, signs, aspects, and houses I have come across so far. Robert Hand encourages the reader to think beyond the generally accepted conventions while at the same emphasizing the uniqueness of the human experience. Admittedly, there are some technical passages that I found hard to follow, but I am confident I will reach out for this book time and time again, as I navigate through the intricacies of astrology.

[Gisela Gibbon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone with a serious interest in astrology, the kind that goes way beyond the nonsense you read in the paper has to admit that Robert Hand was one of the masters. Fantastic book that might just change your mind, as it did mine, about what astrology really should be about.

[Maryellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

textbook-like style ~ covers more than most

[Jon Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of astrology. Particular emphasis on aspects, midpoints, and houses.

Hadn’t read anything (in a book) about midpoints, and appreciate Hand’s inclusion. Turns out my natal Mars is within one degree of my Sun/Moon midpoint, which i look forward to understanding more in time.

i also appreciated his descriptions of the ecliptic and declinations. did they often go over my head? yes. will i try to understand these concepts in more detail later? also yes. the book avoids being patronizing, which is impressive given the breadth of the topics he covers.

this book pre-dates the Whole Sign House movement, which i know Hand was involved with. cool to read his stance on the houses at the time he wrote this several decades ago. was surprised he preferred the Koch system at the time of writing. Darby Costello is the only astrologer I’m (currently) familiar with who uses Koch cusps, and I want to see how it compares to the other quadrant systems. i was surprised he didn’t list out the technical differences between different house systems, but i’m sure he would have viewed that as beyond the scope of the book.

he spends a lot of time breaking down how the themes of each house are conceptually connected, and the range of meanings each house signifies. appreciated the thoroughness, and will likely refer to those chapters when i need a refresher.

cool that he consistently references the work of Michael Gauqlin. i knew of Gauqlin’s work beforehand, but wasn’t expecting Hand to mention him, let alone incorporate his research into an introductory book. very cool.

overall, a helpful resource that i’d recommend. would have been helpful for me to have read even earlier, but - true to the review on the back cover - the material is helpful for beginners and advanced astrologers alike.

[Jad Hopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great, no-nonsense, no woo-woo introduction to astrology. Very clear technical breakdown of what signs, planets, and aspects mean and how to read charts from one of the most respected and knowledgeable veterans of the astrological world. If someone is looking to learn astrology, tell them to skip TikTok and just go through this book first.

[Isabella Byrd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Personally I only liked the first half of the book because I became too confused during the second half when he started showing charts and graphs. I'll probably revisit the book when I am more familiar with the technical aspects of astrology.

[Pinar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bu kitap elimde oldukça süründü, araya başka kitaplar girdi. Kitabın bazı belli bölümlerinden çok hoşlandım, bazı bölümlerini oldukça sıkıcı buldum. Özetle toplamda tavsiye edebileceğim bir kitap.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for aspiring astrologers!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A resource you’ll absolutely want for your astrology library. I’m excited to dive into his other books as well!

[Teri Pastorino]

added this a long time ago - more of a reference book
have read most of it now

[alec · Rating 5 out of 5]

my holy bible

[Greg Olear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The essential astrology handbook. This truly IS the only astrology book you'll ever need.

[Paul Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archetypal meanings of Planets, Signs, Houses, and Aspects in astrology.

Essential study for all interested in astrology...

[Kathy Kaylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't found much use for this book.

[Stargazer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for beginners

[Maria Riegger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splendid and enlightening tome on the basics of astrology. It made a ton of sense based on my own experience.