Astronoesis: Philosophy's Empirical Context, Astrology's Transcendental Ground by Anthony J. Damiani (Larson) provides a comprehensive neoplatonic foundation for a philosophical astrology that is rarely attempted today. Damiani was a rare self taught hermetic philosopher sage whose great work his friends and collaborators completed after his death. Avery Solomon and other took pains to complete the presentation of Damiani’s thoughts. I first came across Damiani’s work in an appendix published in the Larson edition of MacKenna-Page translation of Plotinus. It was obvious that Damiani had a personally well-integrated grasp of the experiential underpinning of Plotinus’s philosophical system. In Astronoesis the symbolic systemization of astrology is reintegrated into a unified worldview, a contemplative topology of the origins and destiny of the soul.

Any astrologist who wants to find the archetypal creative core of a spiritual astrology will find much that is thought provoking. As a practical and creative reinvention, and thereby interpretation, of neoplatonic philosophy, Astronoesis stands on its own as a first-rate account of contemplative philosophy. Astrology becomes a reinvigorated royal road to wisdom and a source of theurgy and self-knowledge. The volume is meant to be studied and slowly savored. The diagrams and illustrations, generally the production values makes Astronoesis  a book to hold on to and revisit now and again like an old friend.

Mythic Astrology: Archetypal Powers in the Horoscope by Ariel Guttmann Kenneth Johnson (Llewellyn Publications) is a perfect antidote to overly simplistic, "cookie-cutter", astrology books. This is because it delves into the deep mythological symbolism behind the planets and signs. It is an excellent reference for fleshing-out a written horoscope with more than the basics. This isn't a book that is going to teach you how to cast a horoscope, however, it will help you to interpret a horoscope in terms of the deep archetypical patterns and currents for which the stars and planets are merely visible markers. In ancient times human beings looked to the sky for signs of war, peace death, birth, love, loss, planting, harvesting ... the movement of the planet; and the turning of the constellations marked seasons and events, and revealed the will of the gods. Mythology and astrology have been linked for millennia—even planets and asteroids discovered in the twentieth century retain the tradition of deriving their names from the Graeco-Roman myths

Mythic Astrology encourages you to embark upon a journey of self-discover) based on understanding the mythic archetypes represented in your astrological birth chart. All the planets, signs, gods, and goddesses are within you and represent a part of your eternal, archetypal self. Your birth chart acts as a mirror of your soul, making visible what might otherwise remain unknown.

Discover your own personal mythology through exercises and worksheets included in the text. Explore your connection to these astrological archetypes through dreamwork and meditation. Learn the original ancient stories of the gods and how they changed over time and across cultures.

Mythic Astrology also includes the mythology and influence of the major asteroids and Gaia (Earth). Written in lively, accessible language, this book is a valuable resource for any student of astrology. Deepen your connection to the divinity within through understanding the signs from above. Indeed, this book goes beyond providing mere historical details and trivia, it is a starting place for deep meditation on the underlying meaning in a chart.

Astrology, Aleister and Aeon by Charles Kipp (New Falcon Publications) During a career spanning over 30 years, Charles Kipp has developed a comprehensive approach to astrological interpretation that is presented here for the first time. Kipp asks, and answers, the hard questions. Among them: Why is astrology both so appealing and so maligned? Orthodox religion proclaims it to be heretical and demonic. Philosophers consider it to be superstitious and uncritical. Scientists object to it as unverifiable. While such objections should not be disregarded, the mental attitudes from which they emanate ought to be evaluated within the context of the larger debate to which they contribute. Using the controversial figure of “The Wickedest Man In The World”—Aleister Crowley—as a focal point, this book provides a tremendous contribution both to the body of available data and to the manner in which such data may be evaluated.

Planets and Possibilities: Explore the Worlds Beyond Your Sun Sign by Susan Miller (Warner Books) Astrology is almost as old as mankind, and has helped countless people throughout the ages. And although knowing astrological basics can tell you a lot, a more in-depth look into this ancient art can reveal so much more. In Planets and Possibilities: Explore the Worlds Beyond Your Sun Sign, certified astrologer Susan Miller, creator of the popular Web site Astrology Zone, shows you how astrology can help you envision new possibilities for your future, ones you may never have considered. You'll learn about the myths the Greeks and Romans attached to the twelve zodiac signs to explain their characteristics. As you read these stories, Susan Miller shows you how their interpretations can help you fully understand your sign-and perhaps see yourself in a whole new way! She also shows you how every Sun sign has a guardian planet that strongly influences the personality of each person born under that sign. For example, Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of prosperity and good fortune, and contributes to the happy-go-lucky Sagittarian approach to life. What will your ruling planet say?

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

A Time For Magick: Planetary Hours For Rituals and Spells by Maria Kay Simms (Llewellyn Worldwide) Astrology is the Queen of Timing! One of the great benefits you can gain through astrological knowledge is the ability to choose the appropriate time for your purposes.

A Time For Magick shows you how to work toward your magickal, spiritual, or mundane goals in harmony with the movements of the planets. Here you will learn easy techniques for planning ahead with astrology. You'll gain a new understanding of the themes of the Sun, Moon, and all eight planets of basic astrology: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. More significantly, you'll learn to conjure planetary energies within yourself, and to use those energies creatively and advantageously in your life.

In this book, you'll discover:
• Rituals with spellworkings for the Sun, Moon, and each of the planets
• Guided meditations for each of the planets
• Perpetual planetary hour tables and how to use them
• Interpretations for your planetary hour of birth
• How to read and use an astrological calendar

Who were you in a past life? Find out with the Edgar Cayce Past Life Report!