As a practice, astrology has become incredibly popular over the years. Through the efforts of a number of qualified, diverse astrologers, many of us now have the opportunity to learn more about the science of astrology and use the stars to achieve self-knowledge and self-development.
If you are looking to increase your understanding of astrology, there are a number of popular astrologers that offer comprehensive astrological teachings. The important figures in astrology date back to the early days of astronomers and geographers. One of the most renowned early astrologers was Ptolemy who studied both the physical planetary bodies as well as their energetic effects upon mankind through his astrological treatise known as the Four Books. Throughout the years, numerous individuals have added to the astrological discourse with their research and interpretations.
General Astrology
In the realm of general astrology, there are a number of individuals that have contributed greatly to the understanding of astrology. The following are some of the most popular generalist astrologers of our time. This list is merely an ice breaker. There are many more individuals that have contributed greatly to the understanding of general astrology.
Linda Goodman-Goodman is well known for her iconic book Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs written in 1968 as well as Linda Goodman’s Love Signs written in 1978. Goodman’s books were quite popular for their descriptive, often a narrative style of astrological interpretation. In addition to being a popular astrologer, Goodman also hosted a popular radio show and was a speechwriter for civil rights leader Whitney Young.
Robert Hand-For Hand, astrology is a family affair. His father, William Hand, taught Robert how to cast charts. Robert would eventually go on to get a degree in astrology where he began his full-time practice in 1972. Some of Robert Hand’s works include Whole Sign Houses: The Oldest House System and Planets in Transit: Life Cycles for Living.
Joanna Martine Woolfolk-Woolfolk was a renowned astrologer known most for her best-selling astrology book, The Only Astrology Book You’ll Ever Need as well as Sexual Astrology. She also authored a popular monthly horoscope that was featured in several major magazine publications.
Speciality Astrology
In the realm of astrology, there are several interpretations that offer unique ways in which to use planetary energy for self-awareness and self-discovery. The following are the various forms of niche astrology with the applicable prominent figures.
Psychological Astrology
Psychological astrology combines the science of astrology with the field of psychology. This type of astrology provides a psyche-based assessment of the personality using astrological placements. Here are some leaders in psychological astrology.
Liz Greene-Liz Greene is the co-founder of the Center for Psychological Astrology with Howard Sasportas. She uses Jungian and depth psychology within her astrological interpretations. Greene is known for such books as Saturn: A New Look at an Old Devil and The Dark of the Soul: Psychopathology in the Horoscope.
Stephen Arroyo-Arroyo is known for his psycho-astrological interpretations that are geared at moving beyond the old fatalistic astrological interpretations to understanding and using astrology and psychology to assist individuals with self-understanding. Some of his works includeRelationships and Life Cycles: Modern Dimensions of Astrology and Person-to-person Astrology: Energy Factors in Love, Sex and Compatibility.
Evolutionary Astrology
Evolutionary Astrology uses the birth chart as a map to understand and unravel the evolution of the soul. Through this type of astrology, individuals are able to discover more about their previous incarnations, the purpose of their current incarnation, and the soul’s potential for evolution.
Jeffrey Wolf Green-Green is considered the founder of evolutionary astrology. He has written several popular books to include Structure of the Soul and Pluto: The Evolutionary Journey of the Soul Volume I and II. His focus on Pluto in particular is important in understanding why individuals incarnate and the lessons associated with being in a physical body. Greene also established and ran several schools of evolutionary psychology until 2008.
Steven Forrest-Forrest is one of the founders of the School of Evolutionary Astrology along with Jeffrey Wolf Green. Forrest describes evolutionary astrology as delving into the previous incarnations of the soul in order to understand where the soul is now and how the soul can evolve. Several books written by Forrest include The Inner Sky: How to Make Wiser Choices for a More Fulfilling Life and Yesterday’s Sky: Astrology and Reincarnation.
Nodal Astrology
Nodal astrology has become very popular as people seek to understand the direction of their soul purpose. This type of astrology is sometimes aligned with evolutionary astrology due to its focus on the soul’s journey.
Jan Spiller-Spiller is known for her extensive work and knowledge of the lunar nodes. Her book, Astrology For The Soul, explores the sign and house placement of the nodes, and their impact on the life progression and fulfillment of the life path.
Commonalities Among Professional Astrologers
There is a belief that Uranus/Aquarius/11th house energy is very prominent in the charts of those that are astrologers. This would make sense as Uranus is the ruler of astrology. Astrology is a unique “science” that has never really fit in. It doesn’t always have support from the scientific community because of its focus on energy exchanges between planets and points. Likewise, it is not always appreciated by the behavioral sciences either such as psychology and psychiatry because the focus is what some consider “spiritual” and/or metaphysical. Both of these exclusions by established scientific and behavioral practices are reminiscent of Uranus energy.
Whether you are a beginner in astrology or an experienced practitioner, it is important to seek out quality astrological knowledge. The above astrologers provide a thorough analysis of astrology through different perspectives which is important when considering how you will incorporate astrology in your path of self-discovery.
