Planets in Youth: Patterns of Early Development

Written by the world's greatest living astrologer, this book is actually my favorite basic astrology reference. It's a "cookbook" -- i.e., a crutch to use for beginning astrologers before they get this all permanently situated in their own brains. But for its purpose, it is absolutely divine. Hand is without equal in technical skill and, surprisingly, his interpretations are uncannily precise and on the mark, as if he were also psychic. He wrote these Planet Series books while Saturn was transitting his third house, no doubt giving him the discipline to achieve something so tedious yet important. I've always enjoyed learning in the simple, delightful way that children learn. This book is written to describe the effects of the signs, planets and houses in the birth charts of children, but I'll guarantee you, it fits every adult you've ever known as well. Perhaps we are all always Little Children trying to spell God, as Dion Fortune has said. I recommend this book, with a warm smile, to all my astrology students!

Rob Hand's now classic Planets in Youth provides insight into the charts of children and adults alike. This was the first book I consulted on astrology, and I still refer to it regularly when I'm having trouble finding the positive side of a difficult aspect. Hand's treatment of the birth chart should be a lesson to us all: that it is a map for personal growth, and even the difficult aspects can find a positive outlet. If I could have only one book on astrology, this would be it. Hand's clarity, accuracy, and inspired writing make this book a must have for all ages.

I have had Robert Hands' PLANETS IN YOUTH in my astrological library since it came out (1977)and I think it is a must for every parent. PLANETS IN YOUTH covers each planet, sign, the major aspects and houses in the horoscope in an exceedingly well organized format. Each chapter addresses one planet and a glyph representing the subject matter of each chapter occupies a shaded space on the edge of each page for easy reference. Unlike most basic astrology books, PLANETS IN YOUTH is dedicated to describing placements in a child's chart from a psychological perspective. Hand's writing is gentle and positive so that the text could be understood by a child (10 years old or above) and certainly by a sensitive lay adult. Yet the insights and accuracy he brings to the table are by no means unsophisticated. I am a mother who has practiced astrology as an avocation for 25 years, and I have referred to this book many times for its perspective. I have done charts for mothers who know nothing of astrology, and recommended this book as a companion. This is not a book that relies on generalizations, and the reader will have to either have a chart to refer to or have someone prepare an explanation of which planet and placements to look up in the book, which is what I do when I recommend the book. However, with that caveat, the book is a must for any parent who seeks insight into a child (and for any adult who seeks a psychological insight into his/herself).