Learn Astrology
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The Astro*Synthesis Collection in Applied Astrology

UNIT 2 – THE ENERGIES OF LIFE

Planetary Archetypes

The contemporary planetary pantheon consists of the traditional seven planets which include the two luminaries of the Sun and Moon. The other five planets known to the ancients of Mesopotamia and Greece were Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. However, towards the end of the 18th Century CE, another planet was discovered and named Uranus which changed the composition of the known solar system. And since then Neptune and Pluto along with a host of other minor and ‘dwarf’ planets have been discovered, including Chiron. It is these planets which we will study in detail and depth.

Planets are potent metaphors of our personal, social and collective experiences. Metaphorically planets symbolise the powerful urges, impulses, energies and instincts that underpin all of life, which motivate and influence every human being. Therefore each planetary archetype will be thoroughly examined with reference to their psychological and astrological qualities. As archetypes of human experience, planets were once conceived as divine; hence each has their unique mythology which we will study.

UNIT 3 – ASPECTS OF LIFE

The Twelve Houses and Aspects of the Horoscope

To contemplate and find meaning in the symbols of the sky from a particular place, astrologers use the angles of the horoscope to orientate themselves. Angles take shape when certain great circles intersect with the ecliptic, another imaginary line sketched on the canvas of the heavens by the Sun. The angles of the horoscope or the Ascendant, Descendant, MC, and IC are the reference points of our lives and orientate us to the world. These form the axes of the horoscope which we will study, along with the quadrants and hemispheres. The twelve houses will be introduced in reference to the process of human development and experience. We will begin to synthesise planets in signs and houses to give meaning to astrological statements.

Major aspects are the astrological threads connecting planets that weave archetypal patterns into the tapestry of our lives. Aspects are planetary dialogues which reveal sub-personalities in the horoscope. As the lifelines between planets, aspects will be thoroughly examined including major patterns and planetary pictures. Many examples of the complexity of planets in aspect will be examined.

UNIT 4 – CONSIDERING THE HOROSCOPE

Astrological Analysis

Since the four main astrological doctrines of signs, planets, houses and aspects have been covered in depth, we will turn our attention to new material on specialised topics in order to have an appreciation of the richness of the horoscope. These include the study of the lunar nodes, another axis in the horoscope which suggests an intriguing encounter with past patterns and destiny; the phenomenon of intercepted signs, which occur when using unequal house systems; understanding the occurrence and meaning of retrograde planets in the horoscope; the lunation cycle or the phase of the cycle you were born under. We will also study this cycle as a prototype of all astrological cycles. As well we will examine the angle of the vertex-anti/vertex and its unique relational imagery as well as studying some of the minor aspects of contemporary astrology.

As part of this unit we will be also cover some technical aspects to understand the astronomical basis behind astrological techniques, introduce the ephemeris and also begin to look at a chart as a whole by contemplating how we might analyse, delineate and consider the horoscope.

UNIT 5 – LIFE PARTNERS

Family Dynamics & Relationship Patterns

While developmental psychology emphasises the influence of the parents and family on an individual’s maturity, astrological doctrine suggests their imprint is already etched upon the soul at birth. Its perspective suggests that the images of the parents, the familial complexes and inheritances are innate, which suggests that the soul already has an essential template for its experience. Astrology allows us to reflect on familial fate and ways of being authentic with our ancestral inheritance.

UNIT 6 – CYCLES OF LIFE

Planetary Cycles and Transits

Planetary movements have always revealed and interpreted the changing dimension of time. Attempts to measure time using the planets have existed since antiquity; for instance the changing face of the Moon helped ancient man measure and record the passing of time. Each planet has its own unique timing whether that is the fast moving cycle of the Moon which takes 27.3 days to orbit the earth or the slower moving Uranus which takes a lifetime of 84 years to encircle the Sun. Astrology offers an imaginative and incomparable method of charting the life cycle and our unique personal timing and initiations.

We will study each of the planetary cycles and its correlation to the human life cycle. Stages of the life cycle such as childhood, adolescence, adulthood, mid-life, the 50’s etc. will also be explored in context of the planetary cycles. The impact of cycles and transits of all the planets, including Chiron, will be analysed thoroughly. We will look at the effect of each planet’s transit and cycle on the development of the individual using allegories and case examples.

UNIT 7 – LIFE SKILLS

Resources in the Horoscope

The horoscope reveals inherent skills and resources that are unique to each individual. As part of this unit we will examine vocation, which includes exploring the areas of resources, income and assets, skills, routines and work patterns as well as possibilities for a fulfilling profession. Astrology also has a long tradition associated with medicine; commonly known is the correspondences between parts of the body and zodiac signs. During this unit we will explore both physical and mental health along with ways to maintain well being and a healthy lifestyle. This will entail examination of a range of emotional states and learning the astrological correlations between planets, signs and the body.

Our personal horoscope also comments on the areas of creativity and spirituality which we will also address. The unit will end studying the four main asteroids which were discovered in the early 19th Century. These asteroids in astrology will be introduced as potent indicators of feminine resources; however, we will also address the asteroids in general.

UNIT 8 – TIMES OF LIFE

Future Trends and Progressing the Horoscope

In the final unit of the foundation course we will examine the astrological tradition of progressions, a symbolic way of evolving the horoscope. Progressions and directions will be introduced, specifically concentrating on secondary progressions, as this symbolic way of advancing the horoscope seems most akin to the soul’s inner development and journey. We will study the cycles of the progressed planets with emphasis of the Sun and Moon and their progressed lunation cycle. However we will also examine the progression of other planets, their change of direction, sign and house to help understand how they reveal significant life passages.

Other methods that will help us determine upcoming trends for an individual will be presented. Therefore the cyclic patterning and meaning of solar and lunar eclipses will be explored. The cycle of the lunar nodes and their transits through the horoscope will also be addressed. The unit ends with an overview of presenting a chart for delineation and consultation.

UNIT 9 – SYNASTRY

Astrological Dynamics and Relationships

Relationship is an archetypal experience of enormous significance and concern for us all. And astrology excels at helping us understand the patterns and programmes we carry into relationship. The sphere of astrology that focuses on helping us analyse and understand the dynamics of relationship is synastry. This unit considers the relationship dynamics and issues experienced on the journey towards intimacy. Synastry, relational analysis, the art of chart comparison, composite and other important relationship charts will be covered, along with skills required for working with couples seeking astrological counselling.

This module includes 8 CDs, one workbook, one reading booklet and the booklet Synastry: an Astrological Anatomy of Relationships.

UNIT 10 – FAMILY DEVELOPMENT

The Family Through Time

Ancestral patterns are inborn; therefore these images will also be embedded in our horoscopes and this unit concentrates on the transmission of these patterns through the family over time examining various areas of the familial experience. Using astrological and psychological theory we will explore the family life cycle, family and ancestral patterns carried through the generations. Areas to be covered include the family of origin, working with a genogram, family myths and patterns, early stages of childhood, adolescence, leaving home, marriage and the extended family, mid life and beyond as well as specific topics such as family secrets, birth order, family dysfunction etc.

This course helps draw the family portrait using astrological images and track the familial inheritance through horoscopes of family members. This module includes 8 CDs, one workbook, one reading booklet and the booklet Family Development: The Family System through Time.

UNIT 11 – CYCLES, PASSAGES AND RETURNS

Astrological Dynamics and the Patterns of Time

The nature of astrological time is cyclical. Embedded in each planetary cycle is the ancient notion of the eternal return and recurrence. This course addresses the nature of time in its linear and cyclical temperament as well as the nature of astrological timing and prediction. When astrological time is applied to the human experience life cycle passages and natural initiatory periods in the life cycle are evident.

In this module we will review the planetary cycles in depth and focus on the passages of the life cycle and the initiations that occur at important stages. The principle of return will be amplified and the technique of return charts will be introduced, especially the solar return chart and its cycles. Studying the solar return horoscopes over the course of a lifetime will be examined. We will appraise astrological methods for delineating specific periods of time, which will deepen our perspective on transits and progressions with alternate viewpoints and techniques. This module includes 8 CDs, one workbook, one reading booklet and two booklets Dynamic Solar Returns and Planetary Pairs: Symmetry of the Spheres.

UNIT 12 – COUNSELLING WITH THE HOROSCOPE

The Art of Communicating Astrological Imagery

Our first look at a horoscope presents us with an abundance of symbols, images, ideas, intuitions, feelings, opinions and narratives. How do we begin to understand these impressions and find a way to communicate them to the holder of the horoscope? How do we find words for a symbolic language? This module will contemplate astrology from a counselling perspective, reviewing counselling skills and techniques, ethics and how to effectively communicate with a client about their horoscope. We will bring our attention to the use of symbolism, imagery, metaphors and myths and reflect on the spectrum from literal to imaginative thinking. Case studies will be used to illustrate different issues that arise in the consulting process.

This module includes 8 CDs, one workbook, one reading booklet and the booklet Myth, Metaphor, Dream and Symbol: The Imaginative Language of Astrology.