Product Description
In this trilogy's first novel, The Rhymer and theRavens:The Book of Fate, the Nordic-Celtic bard Tomas's encounterwith Moira, the Elf Queen, catalyzed his recognition of his truenature and his initiation into the Ars Magica--the magic arts. InThe Elves' Prophecy, Tomas the Rhymer learns to use his magecraft. Accompanied by his new raven-allies, he's going his own way andfinding his own teachers now, yet there's something that Moirahasn't told him... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Bohemian Ink Review
Forrest weaves a beautiful tapestry of characters in this continuation of Tomas the Rhymer's story. It is the year 878 AD, and Moira, Queen of the Welsh Elves, is pregnant with twins Tomas fathered. In Elfland, some speculate that Moira carries the children of a much disputed prophecy. Division over the prophecy spurs the leaders of the Nine Realms into a violent struggle for power. The Elf Lords Rhys and Finvara lead the resistance that would eliminate the unborn children and the children's claim to power in Elfland. Also-unknown to all others-the demi-god Loki watches and waits preparing plans of his own.

In addition to the wonderful cast of returning characters, 'The Elves Prophecy' presents an enigmatic Lord of the Air named Nissyen, and two deliciously hateful antagonists: Daniel the Priest and Isolde the dusky Queen of the Sidhe. Despite a slow start cluttered by description, Forrest builds 'The Elves Prophecy' to a raging climax that is sure to both surprise and please.

Pleasantly Surprised
After truly enjoying "The Rhymer and the Ravens" - I was a bit worried that the second book in the series was going to be a let down (they so often are).To my sincere pleasure - The Book of Being was excellent.The characters in these books get under your skin unlike any (regardless of genre) that I have read in quite a long time.I've just started on the "The Bridge" andI'm excited about the possibilities left for Tomas, Moira, and the Twins.These are genuinely good books that are as strong as any contemporary fantasy I've read (period) - and stronger (IMHO) due to excellent characters, enough genuine history and mythology, astrology, and homebrew to describe the authors personal love of the subjects.I hate that you have to special order these - they should be on the shelf at all book stores.

This book snuck into my dreams -- and my nightmares!
I loved the first book in this series so much -- "The Rhymer and the Ravens." I was almost scared to read the second one, thinking it couldn't possibly live up to the level of the first one. But it did! It's sort of slower in the middle, but that's ok because it just kept me turning pages anyway -- there's something going on here that's almost like an initiation into being a druid or a Norse shaman. The hero encounters real teachers and elemental Spirts and there's all this stuff about how to deal with them that seems almost like a manual of sorcery, except that it's also a great story, and kind of romantic and sexy, but also just as full of a real three-dimensional sense of the world a thousand years ago. I'm just itching to get to the third book in the trilogy. This one ends in a pretty satisfying way -- it's not like it leaves you hanging or anything. But there's still a sense that there's "more to come" and I can't wait. Jodie Forrest is doing so! mething sort of like what Tolkien did, except it's more adult and darker. It's actually entered my dreams, and once I had a nightmare about the character Isolde, who's the evil Fairy queen...it sinks into your bones that way.

Jodie has outdone herself again!!
Continuing with the travels of Thomas, the Rhymer, we travel to another place...another time...a land of magic and incredible possibilities!This book, along with her first in this series, "The Rhymer and The Ravens", has given me a new outlook on life and assisted me in finding a 'path' that is mine.The story gives one hope and belief in magic, faeiries, and "more" than we see in this physical plane of existance.If you just want to "get away" for a bit, its good for that too!I am telling everyone about these books and anxiously awaiting the third!!!Thank you, Jodie!! Never, Never stop writing!!!Becky Jackson (theia@worldnet.att.net ... Read more

Product Description
How do you face the world? Are you centred? Are you poised? How well do you handle blind dates and job interviews? Your astrological Ascendant, the sign rising in the east at your birth, is the face you wear in the world, your social self, your astrological 'clothing'. It's just as important in your birth chart as your Sun and Moon. How well do you really understand it? Join astrologer and novelist Jodie Forrest as she examines the Ascendant through the lenses of the arts, psychology, relationships, evolutionary astrology and metaphysics. Beginners or professional astrologers will deepen their knowledge of the rising sign. With exercises for further study, topics include: why the Ascendant may be the most overlooked and least understood member of the Primal Triad (Sun, Moon, and Ascendant); what exactly is the Ascendant?; several working metaphors for the Ascendant, and how to apply them when analysing charts; how the Ascendant interacts with the Sun and the Moon; the ruler of the natal Ascendant; aspects to the natal Ascendant; dynamic events involving the Ascendant (transits, progressions and arcs); and, rectification tips for the Ascendant.It includes an extensive Ascendant 'cookbook' for each rising sign. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Useful Insight!
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.

The Ascendant
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.

Precise and poetic
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.

The Ascendant
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

Incredible, Ground Breaking Astrologic Insights on the Ascendant
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 perspectiveabout the multi varied aspects of theAscendant.There is new material here, which ispresented in an intriguing, thought provoking format.

The Ascendantpresents 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 withfellow 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. ... Read more

Product Description
No "doomed relationship" clutter the pages of SKYMATES. In this completely new, positive, and radically expanded edition of their classic book on the astrology of relationships, Steven and Jodie Forrest emphasize freedom of choice, honest communication, and mutual psychological understanding as the keys to satifying, lasting intimacy. Jodie's Nordic-Celtic historical fantasy "Rhymer" trilogy, beginning with THE RHYMER AND THE RAVENS, has drawn a large audience. THE NATIONAL FANTASY FAN says of her work, "Fantasy that fires the blood; truly high fantasy at its best!" Sting calls Steven's work "as intelligent and cogent as it is poetic." Drawing on their twenty years of life together as well as countless hours with clients, the Forrests weave a coherent blend of astrology, modern psychology and reincarnation. Beginners as well as professional astrologers will particularly love the extensive and detailed "cookbook" sketches of specific configurations. Saturn in your House of Marriage? Your Sun squares your partner's Venus? Just look it up. The first edition of SKYMATES became a cult classic; this new one goes light years further. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Skymates
I enjoyed this book.It was easy to read.Easy to understand and I learned a lot.

A little thin, but useful
The book is filled with astro-psycho-babble, but there are also many perceptive insights.Just don't expect too much detail.For example, when discussing synastry aspects, the authors do not give individual descriptions of the effects of conjunctions, trines, squares and oppositions, but rather group them under the blanket headings of "flowing" or "challenging" aspects.Likewise, when discussing the effect of one partner's planets falling in another's houses, the authors do not discuss the unique impact of specific planets, but rather give a blanket interpretation for what it means for any of Partner A's planets to be in Partner B's 1st house, for example.So you see, there is not a lot to sink your teeth into here unless you are a beginner at synastry.This book is worthwhile for some of its insights, especially considering the dearth of good books about synastry, but it's better for beginners and starry-eyed astro-karma enthusiasts than for the medium or advanced practical astrologer.

The best astrology of relating book I've ever read!
This astonishing book is a whole lot more than just a reprint of the Forrests' earlier classic. They discuss the astrology of relationships in so much depth and with such detail, and with such positive, affirming attitudes, that I know I'll refer to this book over and over again. The "cookbook" stuff alone is worth the cover price--what it means if your Venus squares your mate's Sun and all that--but most of all it's the spirit behind this work that is so precious, that committed love can truly work in this day and age, and that it can be improved.

Finally, the synastry Bible!
I've always loved my copy of the Forrests' earlier version of Skymates, which has become kind of a collectors item since it went out of print years ago. I kept having to get it back from friends I'd loaned it to. I ordered the new one, not sure if it could be very different. But it's a major re-write with lots of new material. The best part for me are the huge "cookbook" sections where you can just look up what it means if your Venus conjuncts somebody else's Saturn and so forth. Their writing style is mostly simple and easy to understand, but their interpretations are the deepest and the most "real" I've ever seen anywhere. There's a long section about F Scott Fitgerald and Zelda Fitzgerald that actually made me cry, it was so beautiful. That part also shows how to put all the details and techniques the authors describe into a kind of "big picture," so you're left with more than a head full of unconnected ideas. They've got some past-life stuff in the book too - the soul-reasons behind certain issues a person might have in relationships. Everybody will have to make up their own mind about that, but it all rang really true for me. This is the synastry book I've been waiting for. I recommend it totally.

Romeo and Juliet Star-Crossed No More!
If Shakespeare's lovers had had this book, things might not have ended so badly...

"Skymates" doesn't tell you that if you're a Cancer, you should never marry a Scorpio. The Forrests respect our freedom to choose our mates; they use astrology -- with humor, intelligence, and compassion -- to help us make the best of the relationships we have.

Early in the book, Chapter Two offers a quick overview of the building blocks of astrolgy: signs, planets and houses -- this way, one doesn't have to be a certified professional astrologer to use "Skymates."

The Forrests then cover in-depth the houses that make up the Arc of Intimacy and detail the significance of having planets in those houses.

After that, they move into the synastry portion of the book, touching briefly but not boringly on the mathematics of calculating aspects, then what the various major aspects mean: conjunctions, oppositions, trines and squares. Configurations are covered in a sizeable "cookbook" section where couples can look up their charts: Your Mars is square your partner's Mars -- what does that mean? Look it up and find out!

They put it all together using famous artistic pairings: Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who, and Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.

Anyone interested in improving his or her own relationships should pick up a copy of this book. ... Read more

Product Description
What would you do if you suddenly became bothinfinitely psychic and unable to tell even the smallest lie?Andif you were also exiled from your homeland, destitute, andunhappily in love with a darkly seductive Elf who'd forced you toundertake an impossible quest?Such is the Fate of Tomas theRhymer, the reluctant poet-hero of this historical fantasy, whereinthe Celtic and Norse realms of Elves, gods and spirits convergewith Viking Age Europe's real events and shifting world-views--andevoke some haunting parallels with our own era's rapid changes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

OUTSTANDING TRILOGY
I just finished the final book to the trilogy and I have to say what a great adventure for the mind and soul ! I am so glad I read them..........it almost felt like my spirit smiled-

Just get it
If you have any doubts, or are waffling about this purchase - just buy the book and read it.You will not regret it.

Neil Gaiman is a wannabe, this is the real deal.

Thought and Memory
Jodie Forrest's historical fantasy 'The Rhymer and the Ravens' is a story every bit as rich and unpredictable as the real world. Tomas the Rhymer is half-Welsh, half-Norse-a man with no true home or people. When Tomas accepts the gift of prophecy from a mysterious woman, he discovers that his new ability is twined with the curse of honesty. Tomas cannot lie. He soon finds himself trapped in a world of competing gods, none of whom he can adequately serve. To reclaim his fate from those who would manipulate him, Tomas is forced to join the god of deception. As twisted machinations unfold about Tomas, the worlds of gods and humans are irrevocably changed.

A wonderful retelling of Thomas the Rhymer
Forrest does a wonderful job of retelling a tried and true story without just repeating what's been done before or (sometimes worse) adding story elements of her own that spoil the spirit of the original tale. In this version, Tomas is a Norse bard (or skald) travelling to Britain as a reluctant part of a viking raiding party. This begins the delightful blending of mythologies that makes the story so unique. Not only does he travel to Elfland to meet the Faery Queen (and receive her "gift" of only being able to tell the truth), he also travels to the fabled Asgard, world of the gods of the Norse pantheon--most notably Loki, who is portrayed with a malice and madness that are faithful to the archetype of the trickster.

Tomas is a real and believable hero, as well as a real and believable person, and the denizens of Faery are eerie and otherwordly. Altogether, an excellent first novel. I look forward to reading the sequel.

A timeless story of great surprises: Life, love & adventure!
I would not have even listed "historical fantasy"asa genre I enjoyed before reading this book.But once I began reading "The Rhymer and the Ravens", it went everywhere with me. Any chance I got,I hoped to get a page or two in, even if it was while waiting for the lightto change!This rich story of a hero, Tomas the Rhymer, on a difficultquest while searching for the meaning of life, love, and service to othersis full of finely drawn charcters.I found myself truly caring for and"knowing" characters such as the wise old woman Aud, thebeautiful Elf queen Moira,the magical Pooka Aubrey,and the story'shero.This book has been loved by each person to whom I have given it as agift, several of whom had seen the TV special "Merlin" and foundthemselves wanting more such adventure.Each has had the same reaction:"I can't put it down!"The only reason I could stand to finishit at all was because I knew there was a sequel! ... Read more

Product Description
Nordic-Celtic historical fantasy set in late ninth-century Europe, the conclusion to the trilogy that began with THE RHYMER AND THE RAVENS and continued with THE ELVES' PROPHECY. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

.............Am I in Midgard anymore ?
I was so disappointed to find she has not written any more- The trilogy was full of everything you could possibly want in any story- The twins made the bridge and I just wanted to keep climbing it........... who knows if I'd still be in Midgard~

Bohemian Ink Review
The Bridge, Forrest�s third and final installation in the story of Tomas the Rhymer, presents a game of intrigue, a game that will determine who controls the pivot-world Midgard (earth). Elfland sickens as it continues to drift from Midgard. The elves grow weaker. On earth, Loki assumes the name and identity of Lucifer. While Loki seeks to sever all ties between Midgard and the other eight realms, Tomas and his allies strive to create a permanent link between the worlds. Owein and Fraine�the twins of the Elves Prophecy�use their unique capabilities to create a bridge that ties Midgard to the other eight realms. This bridge becomes the focal point of conflict. Unable to destroy the bridge, Loki turns to manipulation. The game boils down to a single choice for those who oppose Loki: love or duty? Both bonds cannot be preserved.

A bittersweet novel about choices and perspective, The Bridge brings the story of Tomas to a satisfying end.

Too distracted to work
For the past week I've been so mesmerized by Jodie Forrest's magical world that I've scarcely been able to concentrate on my work.I love her vivid imagery.I love her rich characters, who seem to be real people, and somuch more.I loved the interplay between Tomas and Moira, between Tomasand his twin children, and between the twins themselves.Theirrelationships were complex and compelling, filled with love and trust andmistrust and rebellion and misunderstanding.This is a book that makes youthink about your place in the natural world, in the spiritual world, inyour family, among your friends, and in the span of your life.

"The Bridge" is imaginative, intelligent -- and magical.
"The Bridge: The Book of Necessity" is a remarkable, even magical read that satisfies on every level. It surpasses the two excellent earlier volumes of the trilogy, which were also immensely appealing to thisjournalist whose "fun" reading typically consists of morerealistic material. If more fantasy writers had Jodie Forrest's command oflanguage, vivid imagination and ability to develop characters and plots,fantasy would probably become my favorite genre. In addition to its ampleentertainment value, Forrest's book feeds the mind. Never"preachy,"it gracefully weaves into the narrative issues of theenvironment, spirituality, the masculine and feminine and more. It's athoroughly enjoyable and rewarding read that goes beyond entertainment toenchantment.

Jodie Forrest kept me up all night reading again!
Well, Jodie Forrest did it again-she kept me awake all night reading. "The Bridge" is even better than the first two books in this series! There's an evil Loki and a bad elf queen who are lots of fun tohate and a good elf queen where you're never really sure if she's good ornot and it's all set in history in a way that's easy to believe in spite ofthe magic. The main character from the first two books, Tomas the Rhymer,seems older and smarter now, but you don't see him as much as before. Theaction has sort of shifted to the children he and the elf queen had, butthose characters are really cool as well. They're not sure if they arehuman or elves and so you see a lot about their different points of view,and a lot about the way Christianity collided with the old religions. It'snot a "Christian" book though, reallly pagan instead! Mostly it'sjust a really good story. It says its a trilogy so I guess this is the lastone. I wonder if Jodie Forrest's audience will make her write more likethey did with Stephen Donaldson and the "Thomas Covenant theUnbeliever" books. I hope so. If you like fantasy that seems real,you'll love these! -Brad Snipes ... Read more

Product Description
What's a composite chart?  It's a chart of the relationship itself, derived from the charts of the couple. It shows what the relationship needs in order to grow, learn and thrive, just as an individual person's chart shows what that person needs.

Our own Seven Paws Press is publishing volume II of the new, revised expanded edition of this synastry  classic, with lots of evolutionary and "cookbook" material. "Cookbook" material means you can look up the meaning of your composite Venus in Pisces or composite Mars in the 10th house, etc. Skymates II is devoted entirely to the composite chart; there's so much information it deserved its own book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Consistent with the Forrests' usual high quality
The interpretations of the various chart points are spot-on and enlightening; however, I would like to mention that my wife and I, who happened to know the exact time and place of our first meeting (within a few minutes), found the chart constructed for the "birth" of our relationship to be particularly effective.We are less convinced about the "composite" chart constructed from natal position "averaging".If you don't know the time when you both first became aware of each other, you can try the composite chart and see how well it works for you.

Almost5 stars!
Very good, as all the books of Steven Forrest. He is excellent. Only 4 stars because I would like to read more about de Transposition Houses (example: My Sun in your 4th house, etc.)

Nice reference
If you are interested in evolutionary astrology and are not yet advanced enough, not in the mood or simply don't like the style of J. W. Greene "Pluto vol. 2", this is a good way to go.
Unlike the above mentioned work, Skymates has a good reference section and is written mostly as a cookbook.
It will appeal to those that have not yet mastered the subtleties of "Pluto's house and sign projecting through South node house and sign through South node ruler's house and sign..."
Don't get me wrong - I'm one of 'those'.

another winner by steven & jodie forrest!
i recieved this book last night and spent about 5 hours with it -- its one of those. beautiful. i'd recommend it to everyone. the cookbook material is top notch. insightful enough for advanced astrologers to learn from, yet easy to use for a beginner. (however some basic astrological familiarity is required... if you aren't familiar yet with all the signs, planets, and houses than start with steven forrest's The Inner Sky!! it is so good - you'll LOVE it.) i particularly liked the section on the moon's nodes, which details evolutionary intent based on house and sign. i have not seen a whole chapter on the nodes in any other composite book. i can tell i'll be getting allot of use out of this book... thanks steven and jodie!
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent
As a professional astrologer with over 15 years of experience, I was sad to learn today that this book is out of print. It's an excellent overview of the techniques used to compare the horoscopes of two people and I found it insightful, uplifting, and entertaining. It's a book I have often recommended to students.

poor
This book is one of the worst I've read about synastry. It's very psychological oriented but misses the devine spark in the interpretations. The book is almost too superficial to learn something from. You'd betterrely on the books by Ronald Davison, Lois Haines Sargent, the Magi Societyand others. ... Read more

Product Description
Astrology, sacred psychology and reincarnation come together seamlessly in the hands of two of the world's premier metaphysical astrologers. Jeffrey Green's work "mirrors the eternal realities of the soul," according to the leading Danish astrology magazine STJERNERNE. Sting calls Steven Forrest's work "as intelligent and cogent as it is poetic." Based on the transcripts of a series of workshops that Green and Forrest gave together, this book pushes the ancient symbols of astrology to new heights of insight, lucidly and compellingly showing us how the soul's long history is reflected in the birthchart. Beneath the seeming randomness of life, there is a clear and meaningful order. MEASURING THE NIGHT provides the Rosetta Stone for unraveling it. The lecture format is warm, personal and informal, with lots of audience interaction. Forrest and Green team up to analyze the chart of a workshop participant volunteer, just as they would that of a client who had come for a reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

The Best
This is the best book I have ever read on Astrology.How refreshing!I had stopped reading or really being interested in Astrology, until my daughter recommended this book to me.It is a good thing to know that old forms are being explored for new content.With this approach, Astrology can be a really powerful tool which will aid many to a deeper understanding of self in relation to this life.Hooray!!

food for thought
This book kept my interest from start to finish.Steven Forrest is one of my favorite authors and this book was no exception.It is provocative and thoughtful.This book is made up of transcripts from a conference.You really feel like the authors are right there talking to you.

Measuring the Night
This is chock full of profound astrological insights delivered through the vehicle of the virtual seminar. The reader actually feels like they were among the privileged few who attended these landmark sessions.

Steven Forrest is a masterful speaker and author. He is also a champion of the cause of evolutionary astrology- one of the best tools any seeker on a spiritual path can access to discover their soul's intent.Measuring the Night forwards this effective technique through the collaboration of these two innovative astrologers.

Five Stars Aren't Enough
These two books, Measuring the Night Vols. 1 and 2, are some of the best that astrology has to offer. They're great for beginners as well as experienced astrologers. Forrest's and Green's personalities and ideas shine through, and what ground-breaking ideas they are! Here are two people saying that WE are in charge of our destinies, that WE can make the choices thatdefine our lives. Simple, but not simplistic: easy to read, hard to do.

A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT!
I remember being very excited when I heard that Steven Forrest and Jeff Green were teaming up to write an astrology book together--well, at least, to put together a two-volume collection of their seminar transcripts!What a let-down!With the exception of a few tid-bits of interesting information, most of the material contained within volume one of this book is worthless--at least to me.And it's a shame, because Steven Forrest is such a great astrological author.As for Jeff Green, although his Pluto book is pretty impressive, I've never really LIKED him as an author--too pompous, and way to wordy!Why Steven Forrest ever decided to team-up with this guy I'll never know!Save your money, folks, and pass this book by.Oh, by the way:stay away from volume 2, because it's even WORSE! ... Read more