Customer Reviews

The Ascendant

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've been a professional astrologer for more than a dozen years, and Jodie Forrest's multi-faceted, multi-dimensional book on the ascendant is the best one I've ever read on the subject. In less than 240 pages, she eloquently covers ground that most books on the subject don't even attempt. She deftly weaves several different conceptions--the ascendant as style, as persona, as vehicle, and as filter (to name just a few)--that taken together create a rich and multi-faceted understanding of an aspect of astrology that often gets only one-dimensional treatment. But the true brilliance of Forrest's presentation is the way she places intellectual, conceptual approaches ("left brain," if you will) along side imagistic, metaphoric, and experiential ones ("right brain"). You'll find something here that speaks to you whether you like your astrology in the language of the heart or in the language of the head. Forrest covers one other aspect of this topic that rarely gets addressed: the connection between the ascendant (in all 12 signs) and the BODY. Finally, she suggests that the ascendant is not a static concept, but a part of us that can, and must, be developed over time. This is part of a refreshingly larger perspective from which Forrest speaks--that of "Evolutionary Astrology," which moves beyond the old passive, fatalistic assertions of conventional astrology, and instead calls on us to employ our consciousness, our imagination, and our creativity in RESPONDING to the questions and developmental tasks put forth by our charts!

The Ascendant by Jodie Forrest is a ground breaking book with a fresh and innovative viewpoint, unlike many of the earlier textbooks that has been written on this important astrological aspect.

As an avid reader and astrology fan, I have been reading about astrology since the 70's, including the exciting writing of the Forrest duo, Jodie and Steven. Jodie is one of the revered Forrest duo that has been writing and speaking for many years in the international astrological field.

Ms. Forrest gives background information and details on the ascendant that I have never considered before, as well as presenting the ascendant material in an original, unique manner that was fascinating.

I particularly enjoyed the cookbook section featuring Ms. Forrest's sharply intelligent perspective about the multi varied aspects of the Ascendant. There is new material here, which is presented in an intriguing, thought provoking format.

The Ascendant presents a bold and unique perspective - exactly what I would expect from well known and renowned Ms. Forrest.

It is exciting to see Ms. Forrest step out and continue solo writing in addition to the impeccable writing she continues with fellow astrologer and husband Steven Forrest.

For those interested in a bright new thought provoking perspective, this is a great read for beginners and experienced astrology enthusiasts alike.

This book fills a niche that is so often overlooked in astrological books, the rising sign or ascendant. Books on general astrology cover the subject, of course, but while there are many books dealing with aspects, transits, houses and planets, the ascendant has always gotten short shrift, considering how important it is in one's astrological profile.

Forrest's writing is both informative and passionate, showing comfort and familiarity with the subject matter. Like her partner Stephen Forrest, her views are based on what they have called Evolutionary Astrology, which treats one's horoscope as a "map" of the possibilities of one's life. This approach may not sit well with those who have a more traditional, antiquated view of how astrology works and what it's good for. But if you don't mind having your assumptions intelligently challenged, this book is an excellent addition to the art.

It doesn't matter if you're a beginning student of astrology or a long-time devotee. If you want to understand the ascendant, this book is for you. In this comprehensive, multi-layered work, Ms. Forrest examines the Ascendant through many different lenses. Each chapter's knowledge builds on what came before giving the reader a sequential road map to follow. This highly detailed road map includes end of chapter exercises to further deepen the reader's experience and knowledge.

I found the book both informative and enjoyable. It's an easy read--pure and simple, yet deeply profound. In this book, Jodie Forrest demonstrates her expertise not only as an astrologer but also as a writer. This expertise shines through as she breaks down the ascendant and all of its attributes into bite-sized pieces that are easily digestible.

It's a great read! I highly recommend it.

The Ascendant is a book that we astrologers and students of astrology have long been waiting for. The Ascendant, while a very important personal point in our charts, has not received very much press. Astrologer, author, lecturer, Jodie Forrest, has given us a most complete and insightful look at the Ascendant in the chart.
She takes the reader into an indepth exploration to reveal through her wonderful insights, references, imagery all the material that each sign endgenders. She covers all the bases and permutations of expression for each ascendant in sign and its ruling planet. It's a most practical and usable guide for that rather mysterious and glossed over point in the chart. She's done it justice and the book is a must for your bookshelf.

Carol Lavoie, Certified counseling astrologer, Ncgr Level IV

Jodie has written a gem of a book that gets right to the point. Her analogy of the ascendant being the 'vehicle' that can focus the energy of the entire chart and help one navigate through life is very clear. She gives a complete 'cookbook' which includes the ruling planet of the Ascendant so that anyone can find themselves easily, but also goes in depth to help professional astrologers and beginners alike. She gives practical information as well as has some fun with creative images to help you in your own process.

Jodie writes in a very accessible way--intelligent but grounded. I have been a professional astrologer for 15 years and I find myself pulling this off the shelf frequently.

I must recognize that I had great expectations about "The Ascendant", mainly based on the amazon.com buyers reviews. Unfortunately, it did not take me long to realize that the book does not add anything new to the already existing literature about the ascendant and that, in fact, is just a collection of recipes hugely inspired by the author's husband, Steve Forrest. Some parts of the book, like the description of the type of car you fancy driving according to your rising sun, seem to be taken out of the astrology section of a cheap gossip magazine, and are so embarrassing to read that it makes impossible to take them seriously. Apart from that, the layout of the book has been obviously designed in order to increase the number of pages, since otherwise would not have had enough volume to disguise what it is: nothing but an ordinary pamphlet undeserving of any praise (not to mention to be bought).

A really great elaboration on the ascendant, complete with a lot of new outside-the-box analogies. An easy, well-written and enjoyable read.

Thank you Jodie for clear and concise insight on the ascendant. I particularly found the information on the placement of the ascendant's ruler helpful.

I enjoyed Jodie Forrest's book very much because it provided many indightful observations regarding our ascendant signs based on her many years of working with clients. I highly recommend it to anyone who would like to learn more about this very important aspect of our personalities.