book review: Soul Path Way

soul_path_way

Traditional organized religions have long opposed the practice of astrology, since it takes the path of spiritual development away from the priests’ control and places it squarely on the individual. Yet, collectively, astrologers have no unifying or defined spiritual path, and some people who call themselves astrologers can readily be described as charlatans or ignorant fools. Fortunately, the astrological community has a branch known as “evolutionary astrology,” a loose-knit group led largely by Steven Forrest and his students.

Kay Taylor is an “evolutionary astrologer,” and her first book, Soul Path Way, combines a few basic techniques of this system with some tangible tools to discover the soul’s purpose. Ms. Taylor is one of Steven Forrest’s students and represents the next generation of this school. The principle goal of this spiritual guide is to help readers discover their true nature in order to live a more authentic life. The astrology is mixed with a Four Pillar approach that integrates the body, mind, emotions, and spiritual awareness.

About one-third of Soul Path Way is related to astrology, and the rest is about as close as astrology gets to what might be called a religion. To be sure, the author does not intend to replace traditional religion. The counsel here is a collection of New Age metaphysics, self-help techniques, and psychological perspectives that advance you on your unique life map. As for religion, she writes, “the rigidity and hypocrisy of religious institutions throughout our history have left many individuals wary of spirituality. If that’s you, remember that there’s a huge difference between religion and spirituality.”

Subtitled The Dance of Astrology, Intuition & Spiritual Awakening, Ms. Taylor’s guide is introduced by her astrologer teacher, Steven Forrest. In the Forward, he writes about how the seed of evolutionary astrology fell on “the fertile ground of her own wisdom,” and that’s what readers will discover in the Four Pillars approach she takes in the last two-thirds of this book. Much of this section is about self-healing through the right attitude, working through spiritual barriers, taking care of the body and the space around you, and developing your psychic gifts. Many practical tips are offered to make the counselling advice your own.

The astrology section helps readers find the right path. Most people are on the wrong path due to social, family, and other pressures. The author writes: “It’s perfectly possible to manifest the wrong goal, based on desires that aren’t truly in alignment with your soul’s purpose.” She then describes the “twelve life foundations,” which are astrology’s twelve houses. Chapter Four is the central part of her astrological teaching, and it is based on the locations of the South and North Lunar Node. She gives a comprehensive reference section on the karmic story of the Lunar Nodes through the twelve signs. Sections on Saturn and Pluto complete the astrological information.

In Soul Path Way, readers will discover how evolutionary astrology and many of the offered self-help techniques are part of one larger system that as yet has no name. These days, “New Age” is filled with negative connotations, and we can’t really hand that epitaph on this worldview. And getting astrologers to agree on an interpretive system is like trying to herd cats. But here, a branch of astrology with numerous adherents and the Four Pillars techniques (including meditation, yoga, journaling, guided healing journeys, etc.) all come under one roof. If you’re looking for a more fulfilling, authentic life path, Soul Path Way may be right for you.

Traditional organized religions have long opposed the practice of astrology, since it takes the path of spiritual development away from the priests’ control and places it squarely on the individual. Yet, collectively, astrologers have no unifying or defined spiritual path, and some people who call themselves astrologers can readily be described as charlatans or ignorant fools. Fortunately, the astrological community has a branch known as “evolutionary astrology,” a loose-knit group led largely by Steven Forrest and his students.

Kay Taylor is an “evolutionary astrologer,” and her first book, Soul Path Way, combines a few basic techniques of this system with some tangible tools to discover the soul’s purpose. Ms. Taylor is one of Steven Forrest’s students and represents the next generation of this school. The principle goal of this spiritual guide is to help readers discover their true nature in order to live a more authentic life. The astrology is mixed with a Four Pillar approach that integrates the body, mind, emotions, and spiritual awareness.

About one-third of Soul Path Way is related to astrology, and the rest is about as close as astrology gets to what might be called a religion. To be sure, the author does not intend to replace traditional religion. The counsel here is a collection of New Age metaphysics, self-help techniques, and psychological perspectives that advance you on your unique life map. As for religion, she writes, “the rigidity and hypocrisy of religious institutions throughout our history have left many individuals wary of spirituality. If that’s you, remember that there’s a huge difference between religion and spirituality.”

Subtitled The Dance of Astrology, Intuition & Spiritual Awakening, Ms. Taylor’s guide is introduced by her astrologer teacher, Steven Forrest. In the Forward, he writes about how the seed of evolutionary astrology fell on “the fertile ground of her own wisdom,” and that’s what readers will discover in the Four Pillars approach she takes in the last two-thirds of this book. Much of this section is about self-healing through the right attitude, working through spiritual barriers, taking care of the body and the space around you, and developing your psychic gifts. Many practical tips are offered to make the counselling advice your own.

The astrology section helps readers find the right path. Most people are on the wrong path due to social, family, and other pressures. The author writes: “It’s perfectly possible to manifest the wrong goal, based on desires that aren’t truly in alignment with your soul’s purpose.” She then describes the “twelve life foundations,” which are astrology’s twelve houses. Chapter Four is the central part of her astrological teaching, and it is based on the locations of the South and North Lunar Node. She gives a comprehensive reference section on the karmic story of the Lunar Nodes through the twelve signs. Sections on Saturn and Pluto complete the astrological information.

In Soul Path Way, readers will discover how evolutionary astrology and many of the offered self-help techniques are part of one larger system that as yet has no name. These days, “New Age” is filled with negative connotations, and we can’t really hand that epitaph on this worldview. And getting astrologers to agree on an interpretive system is like trying to herd cats. But here, a branch of astrology with numerous adherents and the Four Pillars techniques (including meditation, yoga, journaling, guided healing journeys, etc.) all come under one roof. If you’re looking for a more fulfilling, authentic life path, Soul Path Way may be right for you.

Get your copy of
Soul Path Way

Get your copy of

Soul Path Way