Summer, for me, is a time to read books for enjoyment, as well as for learning. Usually we are busy with family, with vacations, and with soaking up all the good things summer has to offer. It's a time to relax your studious habits and develop a broader view of astrology.

This summer you have a number of choices of books to keep you interested. You can add to what you already know about yourself and about astrology with some very readable, accessible books.

Visions of the Virgin Mary is a wonderful investigative look at the patterns that have occurred again and again when the Virgin has been sighted. Read about the daily lives of the children and adults involved, and get a deeper sense of the signs and planets most closely associated with the Virgin Mary. You discover new meaning in the cycles of these visions that span over 150 years. In addition, you deepen your faith in the possibility of miracles in your life.

Venus provides another vivid picture of the feminine in action in your astrological chart. The dance of Venus through your chart is revealed through insightful observations and meticulous research. People once worshiped Venus and erected temples to her. You will renew your inner harmony through reading about her cycles and symbols. This book brings together ideas that fill out your understanding of the metaphysical power of Venus, earth's twin planet.

For me, MythAstrology is the icing on the cake! This book is a great read, even if you are not immersed in astrology. The author said that writing the book was a spiritual experience, and I believe it. The book presents one deity for each planet in each sign of the zodiac. This text draws on the pantheons of Egyptian, Yoruban, Celtic, Hindu, Nordic, Japanese, and Sumerian cultures. Each description includes a bit of the story of each deity. I learned that Osein, an Orisha, described my Jupiter in Virgo very well! Discover your personal myths that enliven your birth chart, and learn about entire mythologies in the bargain!

Healing Mother-Daughter Relationships with Astrology takes a different look at the feminine in astrology and reveals the emotional roots of the mother-daughter relationship through a structured approach to the analysis of a birth chart. You will find a wealth of information about the four feminine asteroids (with Ceres now promoted to the status of dwarf planet) and also Chiron, the healer. The book includes a list of healing possibilities for each part of the chart, so you are likely to resolve some of your issues with your mother as you read—I certainly did.

For the more advanced astrologer, your exploration of wholeness will not be complete without a read of Astrology of Intimacy, Sexuality & Relationship. True intimacy includes the ability to express feelings and show vulnerability, without fear of criticism, rejection, or abandonment. Discover how you first began to understand intimacy in your life, and learn how to help yourself and others to overcome the past to develop intimacy now.

Have fun with your summer astrological reading, and add at least one of these titles to your library for future reference as well.