Astrology, Karma & Transformation: The Inner Dimensions of the Birth Chart
Essential Reading for Anyone Interested in Psychological & “Personal Growth” Astrology. While this isn’t the first astrology book I read, nor the one that first sparked my interest, it absolutely blew the doors off what I understood astrology to be. That was over ten years ago, and I’ve been a dedicated student ever since. For anyone interested in psychological astrology, or in astrology as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth, this is a must-read. Arroyo focuses on the themes and archetypes associated with the outer planets, whose cycles on the individual level also represent deep subconscious and psychological processes. If that sounds like a strange concept, don’t fret. Arroyo makes the significance of these planets, and the nuance of astrology itself, remarkably understandable and accessible. Armed with the knowledge and wisdom of this book, the reader develops a powerful framework for making sense of some of the most tectonic moments of their life, and will be blown away by how productive and validating it can be to understand them through the language of the outer planet transits that so often accompany them. With this perspective, even the most “scary” or “challenging” outer transits can be embraced and productively worked with by the growth-minded person — not as things happening to you or things to fear, but as rites of passage and developmental inflection points, urging transformation or nudging you past life experiences you’re ready to evolve beyond. Practically speaking, Arroyo gives you a much clearer understanding of the outer planets, both as placed in your natal chart and in transit. Note: this book may require a beginner-to-intermediate grasp of basic astrological language (knowing that aspects exist, and that there are planets beyond “the big three,” etc.).
Mount to Coast Running Shoes (C1)
My current go to shoe company for high volume running. The C1 is their road shoe and I have two pairs of those. (Pictured above). I also have a pair of their trail/road hybrid, which is also fantastic. They’re still a fairly new company, but I absolutely love the ride and the feel of their early models. I’ve done New Balances, Altra’s, lots and lots of Hokas—these are my absolute favorites. (Current volume: ~30-50 miles a week for the last couple months as I re-build my endurance base for an eventual 100 miler in early 2027).
Seven Stars (Cambridge, MA, USA)
My Favorite Bookstore. Full stop. I lived in Boston for ~7 years before moving a couple years ago. The best thing about returning is getting a chance to go to the literal best bookstore I’ve ever found. I’ve never seen an Astro inventory anywhere else that comes close. Not just Astro, either. Philosophy, psychology, religion (of every kind), esoterism, science, good fiction, mythology, rare & out of print, critical theory, eastern thought. I usually walk out with at least 3 every time I visit: Tip: Huge collection, especially for books commonly labeled as “new age.” While they don’t have much of an online store, if you call or email, they can ship anything they have in stock. Gotta support local spots like this! Info: 731 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA (617) 547-1317 sevenstars2@verizon.net
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke
A Must-Read for the Reflective, Creative, Old Souls For the artist, the romantic, the creative, the soulful, the lover, the highly sensitive — this book is a timeless masterpiece of wisdom, comfort, validation, and inspiration. It’s especially poignant for those on their “coming of age” path, and I return to Rilke here time and time again. It doesn’t matter if you’re a writer or a poet — if you’re a reflective person on the jagged and uncertain path of knowing thyself, this book is like a warm hug. Like a friend who understands you and puts words to feelings you’ve felt deeply but could never quite name. It’s a thin book and a “short” read, but it’s one you’ll come back to over and over, whenever you need it. One of the classic passages: “Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books written in a foreign language. Do not now look for the answers. They cannot now be given to you because you could not live them. It is a question of experiencing everything. At present you need to live the question. Perhaps you will gradually, without even noticing it, find yourself experiencing the answer, some distant day.”
