A new paradigm in Western astrology, Evolutionary Astrology goes beyond predictions to reveal our past-life influences and guide us toward living in alignment with our truest selves.
For over three decades, while studying Western astrology and analyzing my own birth chart, I often wondered why I felt so centered and satisfied with the knowledge I was imbibing. Only recently, while reading evolutionary astrologer Steven Forrest’s blog, I understood why.
Forrest recalls how an obstinate publisher rejected his first astrology book in the early 1980s, calling it “too statistical,” adding: “The thrust of modern astrological publishing is egocentric, and we expect it will remain that way.”
That struck me as an aha moment, because it is absolutely true. We love astrology because it’s all about us. It speaks to our deepest curiosity: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I headed?
Why Astrology Feels Personal and Why We Love it
Astrological columns fascinate us because they center me:
- The traits of my sun sign.
- What Jupiter brings when it enters my sign.
- How Saturn’s return might challenge me.
- What my North Node says about my life purpose.
And if you step into Evolutionary Astrology, you discover deeper dimensions: how Lilith and Chiron point toward past traumas, how the South Node hints at previous lifetimes, and how Pluto with the North Node reveals the evolution of the soul itself.
Unlike psychic readings or seances, astrology feels grounded. It reminds us that life isn’t just cosmic—it’s also about navigating family, relationships, money, career, creativity, and mortality. A skilled astrologer helps map these influences, guiding us as planetary transits weave their impact into our birth charts.
The Rise of New Astrology Movements
Since the 1970s and 80s, Western astrology has branched into new paradigms, each offering tools for self-understanding:
- Psychological Astrology, pioneered by Stephen Arroyo, focuses on the psyche, balancing strengths and challenges.
- Social Justice Astrology, championed by Nicholas Chani, addresses issues of marginalization, identity, and collective healing.
- Evolutionary Astrology, led by Steven Forrest and Jeffrey Wolf Green, focuses on karma, reincarnation, and the soul’s growth.
Of these, Evolutionary Astrology speaks most directly to those on a spiritual path. It situates astrology within the framework of karma and past lives, tracing the soul’s journey across incarnations.
What Is Evolutionary Astrology?
At its core, Evolutionary Astrology teaches that:
- The soul chooses its incarnation timing and chart.
- Past lives influence present circumstances.
- Free will exists alongside karmic patterns.
- Soul growth is the primary purpose of incarnation.
- Pluto represents the soul’s evolutionary journey.
It views Earth as a training ground—a place where we take birth to learn essential lessons for our soul’s evolution.
What if your birth chart held the key not just to your personality, but to your soul’s journey across lifetimes? Evolutionary Astrology invites us to explore karma, past lives, and the deeper purpose of our incarnation. More than prediction, it’s a path to healing and spiritual growth.
My Journey with Evolutionary Astrology
My own entry into this school of astrology came when a spiritual mentor recommended Steven Forrest’s work. I began with his classic, The Inner Sky, which grounded me in the fundamentals: planets, houses, and signs. Later, I read Yesterday’s Sky, which offered techniques to understand past-life influences through the birth chart.
Through this lens, I began to see how unresolved karmic patterns manifest in the present, and how consciously engaging with them can bring about healing, release, and freedom.
The Pluto Method: Heart of Evolutionary Astrology
Steven Forrest and Jeffrey Wolf Green developed the Pluto Method, a cornerstone of Evolutionary Astrology. It examines:
- Pluto’s sign, house, and aspects.
- The ruling planet of Pluto’s sign.
- Past-life dynamics shown by the South Node.
- Soul direction through the North Node.
- Planetary squares to the nodal axis.
This method reveals where the soul has been, what it needs to integrate, and where it is heading. It is a profound tool for understanding persistent life themes and the evolutionary lessons they convey.
Healing Through Past-Life Insights
Evolutionary astrologers emphasize that past-life awareness catalyzes healing. By studying Pluto and the lunar nodes, we gain insight into the unresolved stories that continue to shape our present choices.
When we acknowledge these influences, we free ourselves from repetitive cycles. We can embrace our gifts, release fears, and step into a more expansive version of ourselves.
Teachers and Resources in Evolutionary Astrology
Steven Forrest, with his 17 published books and global teaching, remains a leading voice in this field (forrestastrology.com). Other important figures include:
- Mark Jones – adding psychological depth to the practice (markjonesastrology.com).
- Deva Green – leading The Jeffrey Green School of Evolutionary Astrology.
For beginners seeking to explore Western astrology, resources like Astrodienst, Astro-Seek, Café Astrology, Astrolabe, and Astrology.com offer free birth chart calculators.
For deeper study, recommended books include:
- The Inner Sky – Steven Forrest
- Yesterday’s Sky – Steven Forrest
- Astrology for the Soul – Jan Spiller
- Astrology: A Cosmic Science – Isabel Hickey
- Astrology for Yourself – Demetra George & Douglas Bloch
- Parker’s Astrology – Julia and Derek Parker
Astrology and Spirituality: Two Paths, One Quest
Spirituality and astrology often converge. Spiritual seekers turn to astrology for guidance, while astrologers inevitably brush against spiritual questions.
- Astrology speaks to the personal self—the ME.
- Spirituality speaks to our place in the greater whole.
When woven together, they help us see not just who we are, but why we are here. And if you believe in karma and reincarnation, Evolutionary Astrology offers a unique way to understand your soul’s unfolding journey.
Continue to read an exclusive interview with Steven Forrest, one of the founders of the evolutionary school of astrology.
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