Forrest, Stephen (1949-)

Stephen Forrest is an astrologer best known for his work on the somewhat abstract symbology of astrology and the application of the different symbols to an individual's personal life. His exposition of astrological symbols was spelled out in a series of articles and three books, The Changing Sky (1984), The Inner Sky (1986), and Skymates (1989). The latter study focused on male-female relationships.

Forrest was born in Mount Vernon, New York, on January 6, 1949. He attended the University of North Carolina, from which he earned a B.A. in religious studies (1971). He began his career as a professional astrologer soon after his graduation and became known for his interest in the inner life of the individual and the use of astrology for enhancing the exploration of the psyche. He became a popular lecturer throughout North America and his articles began to appear in astrological periodicals. The thrust of his work supported the trend within the astrological community to integrate psychological and astrological insights.

Forrest countered his concern for the inner life with an added emphasis on technical precision in the production of astrological charts, a problem now largely solved with the development of numerous computer programs. He composed "The Sky Within" report written for Matrix Software (a major producer of astrological programs for computers) and has continued to work for Matrix.

In 1985, Professional Astrologers Incorporated gave Forrest its annual Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Art and Science of Astrology. In the mid-1990s Forrest turned his attention to the continual challenge to the viability of astrology from the contemporary scholarly establishment and made the intellectual defense of contemporary astrology the subject of his fourth book, The Night Speaks. He currently serves as the chairperson of the board of advisors of the Kepler College of Astrological Arts and Sciences, a projected four-year college whose curriculum will be based upon astrological premises.

Sources:

Forrest, Stephen. The Changing Sky. San Diego: Astro Computer Services, 1984, 1989.

——. The Inner Sky. San Diego: Astro Computing Services, 1986, 1989.

——. The Night Speaks. San Diego: A C S Publications, 1992.

——, and Jodie Forrest. Skymates. San Diego: Astro Computer Services, 1989, 1992.