Graduates & Success Stories
Karla Miranović ~ Certificate ~ Autumn 2023
My interest in astrology began in my high school years, once I realized the complexity and depth of this fascinating subject, coming to understand that there is so much more to astrology than the Sun signs that the general public tends to identify astrology with.
In those early years, I developed my knowledge through reading astrology books, magazines, as well as researching the available online sources, blogs and astrology-related YouTube channels.
Throughout my formal education, in school and university, my approach to learning has always been very serious and thorough. Some years after my interest in astrology started developing, I realized that I would like to apply that same approach to my astrological studies as well, which is why I started researching options for getting a formal astrological education.
The Faculty of Astrological Studies (FAS) immediately stood out to me, for several important reasons. Its longstanding tradition, good reputation, excellent tutors, and a clear, well-structured curriculum, all led me to choose FAS.
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What I especially appreciate about the Faculty is the possibility to study its programme from anywhere in the world. As someone who comes from Montenegro, I benefit from the possibility to study online. I have had very positive experiences with both “distance learning via e-mail” as well as live “online classes” that the faculty offers. While the first significantly contributed to the development of my skills in written astrological analysis, the second brought me the exciting opportunity of dynamic interaction with tutors and fellow students, which in itself constitutes an important learning experience, in addition to the studied material.
I am beyond happy to have completed my Certificate Exam. It represents a substantial piece of work and a very important milestone in my astrological journey.
Completing the exam requires effort and disciple, but also allows a special opportunity to engage with astrology creatively and, for many of us, produce our first in-depth natal chart report.
Being among the younger recipients of the Certificate adds another layer of significance to this achievement. In many ways, the development of my astrological knowledge coincides with the period of active personal development and growth, making this process all the more special.
Having had a very positive experience of the Faculty thus far, it is my goal to continue with my studies. I am currently studying the seventh of the nine modules and look forward to all that is to come, meeting new tutors and fellow students, deepening my knowledge of this wonderful subject and dedicatedly working towards the Faculty Diploma.
Wendy Blume ~ D.F.Astrol.S. ~ Autumn 2023
Astrology has been a constant in my life since the 1980s when I first eyed off my chart, courtesy of my dad’s astrologer secretary. I poured over it, trying to better understand my teenage self. I started into formal study in 2006, but two kids and a career in publishing waylaid me until the Faculty’s course leapt out as a viable and thorough distance learning option that I could fit between work and family.
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I’ve loved immersing myself in this course. Over six years I’ve had many eureka moments along with more despairing times when I felt overwhelmed by all that I didn’t know. But the structured course and tutor feedback kept me going. I realise now that you never learn it all and that’s part of the joy – each year of working in astrology builds more personal and professional wisdom.
The course is rigorous and the final exam is a huge amount of work that I initially baulked at. But I decided to commit and I’m so glad I did – the satisfaction of having succeeded is immense. The diploma training has equipped me to be an effective, professional astrologer, which I now do full-time – consulting with clients on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia.
Alison Boulton ~ D.F.Astrol.S. ~ Autumn 2023
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At that point, I left London and decided not to continue by correspondence. I kept reading, however, devouring Liz Greene’s books and attending the occasional CPA seminar in Regents Park.
Fast forward many years and Covid caused the FAS classes to go online – just as Uranus was transiting my tenth house Moon. Time to reconnect with the Faculty. I excitedly picked up where I left off and in 2022 took the intermediate exam finally completing the Diploma in 2023, three Jupiter cycles after I passed the Certificate. Needless to say, I’m absolutely delighted and I’m busy building my consultancy practice.
Mark Brafield ~ Certificate ~ Autumn 2023
As a child I always had a curiosity about astrology, which, like many of my generation, was only confirmed when I came across a copy of Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs. I became fascinated by the uncanny accuracy of her character studies when I read my friends’ Sun signs, expressed in her unique and exuberant style. Her book still earns its place on my shelf beside my ephemeris and a battery of books that take themselves far more seriously.
I thought no more deeply about it, although it meant that I was open-minded when a bohemian girlfriend of mine bought me a professional reading of my horoscope for my thirtieth birthday. I went along with no more than a relaxed curiosity, but for the next two hours I was literally dumbfounded when the astrologer told me things about me that no-one else knew, then things about me that I did not know myself, and finally things about me that no-one else could possibly have known.
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That experience stayed with me, although I had no plans to take it further until a few years ago when I was able to leave a demanding full-time career as a solicitor to work part-time. Amongst other things this enabled me to devote more time to my second career as a professional musician, but having always enjoyed studying I was also looking for, perhaps, a Masters or some other qualification to expand my horizons.
A casual internet search one day threw up a number of astrological courses and bells started to ring. The idea of studying astrology gained traction in my mind, although there were a number of considerations I needed to address. One of these was whether astrology was incompatible with a religious faith which has always been important to me. I was reflecting on this one day as I happened to be walking around York Minster and found myself standing in front of an astrological clock. There was my answer; for me, the two are entirely compatible aspects of a unified cosmology and I took that as a clear sign that the path was now open to me. Astrology also drew together other strands which have been woven through my life; a degree in mediaeval literature, an immersion in Jungian thought; and that love of music.
Having looked at a number of courses I chose the Faculty because of its academic rigour, and this was certainly reflected in the Certificate Exam. It is an intensive test which is not to be taken lightly. I took the examination directly after completing the third module, and on balance I am glad I did so. With the benefit of reflection I can see that if I had taken the examination later in my studies I would probably have produced a more mature and nuanced reading of the chart, but the exam forced me to thoroughly revise everything we had learned in the first three modules, and that in itself was an excellent platform from which to continue. I particularly appreciated drawing the chart by hand. Some might consider this an outdated skill but I felt myself powerfully drawn into the world of the symbols and the magical ritual of the chart. I was, naturally, delighted to pass, and the feedback of the examiners was, as always with the Faculty, encouraging and supportive whilst offering rich food for thought as I continue and deepen in my understanding of this entrancing world.
Sue Brayne ~ D.F.Astrol.S ~ Autumn 2023
My journey into studying astrology and the occult started in the mid-eighties after I was involved in a life-threatening accident. I am still astonished that I didn’t die. Obviously, the Universe had other plans for me because the experience catapulted me onto a profound healing journey, which started with going to Taos, New Mexico, for a week-long Warrior’s Wisdom workshop with Stuart Wilde (at the time, Stuart was one of the world leaders of the New Age Movement). The workshop was designed specifically to confront fear, involving toe-curling tests such as firewalking, high ropes challenges, and a vision quest. It was, quite simply, life changing.
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When I returned from my travels, I moved to Dorset to work at a spiritual centre, where I was fortunate to meet and learn from some of the world’s leading spiritual teachers. They helped me to strengthen my healing journey, and I met and spent time with several highly respected astrologers who inspired me to learn more about myself through astrology.
Life changed again when I decided to do an MA in the Rhetoric and Rituals of Death. This meant embracing the rigours of academic study and becoming neuropsychiatrist Dr Peter Fenwick’s honorary researcher into one of the first studies of end-of-life experiences. In turn the study encouraged me to train and work as a psychotherapist, specialising in trauma, death, and grief. Even though I parked my fascination for the occult during this time, it never left me. My bookshelf swelled with astrological and magical texts, and I would often attend astrology workshops with Aquarius Severn in Cheltenham.
Life continued to flow and ebb until Covid hit. And, I had a pressing realisation that I wanted to consolidate all my knowledge about astrology. I found the Faculty of Astrological Studies online, and, as they say, the rest is history. At first, I thought attaining the certificate was enough. But I now firmly believe that when astrology calls you, there’s no escape. So, four years later of intense learning, and at the grand age of seventy, I am the proud holder of the Diploma with a busy practise specialising in esoteric astrology. Not just that, I have the good fortune to interview master astrologers for the Astrological Journal on a regular basis. When I reflect on this, I realise that training as an astrologer in my latter years has pulled all the threads of my life together, which, for me, is truly magical.
I would say to anyone wanting to learn astrology, ‘Go For It!’ It’s damned hard work, and the learning curve is endless, but astrology takes you deep into yourself and will open doors you never knew existed. The Faculty of Astrology Studies is a great place to start this journey because it will give you an excellent grounding. The exams are tough – there’s no doubt about that – but it’s a great feeling of accomplishment when you pass, and the tutors couldn’t be more caring or supportive.
Rositsa Ivanova ~ Certificate ~ Spring 2023
My first encounter with an astrologer was during a Uranus transit over my 12th house Cancer Sun and, as happens with most people visiting an astrologer for the first time, it was a jaw-dropping experience. There wasn’t any particular reason for that visit. As a person who’s been constantly looking for symbols and omens, I wanted a validation that I was on the right path and had processed all significant events in my life in the most meaningful way. But what I heard from that astrologer was just unbelievable. How could she have possibly known that I had this inborn sense of rhythm and dancing was my way of both self-expression and self-transcendence.
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A few years later, I studied psychology at that time, and I can’t remember how exactly, but I came across the FAS webpage and saw an announcement about a Summer School in Oxford. I felt such a strong urge to attend that event, without having the slightest idea where I was going, and I took part in it 3 years in a row before I enrolled as a Faculty’s student. I can hardly find the right words to describe my first experience of participating in the Summer School in Oxford – the unique blending of the most amazing tutors, presenting mind-boggling topics in front of most engaged audience at such loaded with knowledge and ancient wisdom venue – everything was so fascinating and unreal that when I heard Carole Taylor reciting at the Gala dinner my most favorite poem, Wild geese by Mary Oliver, I knew I belonged to that space. Later, already a Faculty’s student in online classes, I was privileged to be taught by other wonderful Faculty tutors like Rosemary and Toby at Foundation course, and Deborah, Frances and Cat at Diploma I course. All of them very skilfully and patiently have guided us in our attempts to articulate chart peculiarities in an archetypal language and have helped us understand Faculty’s strict rules on chart interpretation in terms of using definite and overly specific expressions. I’ve now completed six modules and I plan to continue my education and enroll on the Advanced Exam one day. I know it won’t be easy, as I already know how difficult the Certificate Exam was, but there is so much more to learn along the way that it’s worth it.
Alison Finlay, D.F.Astrol.S. ~ Spring 2023
My astrology journey first began because of my Mum who started going to local astrology classes in Glasgow where I still live. This was back in the day when charts were still being drawn up by hand. I was intrigued by what she was studying and wanted to know more. Working full time did not allow me to go to a daytime class. However, I approached her astrology teacher to ask if she would run an evening class if I could find some interested people to make up the numbers. Somehow that never got off the ground. Although, I did manage to have my chart read and that inspired me to learn more.
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Looking around for alternatives, I discovered that my home town of Glasgow ran and still runs an enthusiastic astrology group. I went to all the meetings, not understanding much, but just hoped that by being amongst others interested in astrology that I’d somehow soak it all up.
Then, in 2005, I managed to persuade the group secretary to start classes and that really kickstarted my more formal astrological studies. All this happened, by no coincidence, at a critical point in my life and understanding more about my own chart was hugely empowering. I studied with other reputable teachers, went to workshops by astrologers visiting Glasgow, subscribed to the TMA as well as gradually building my own library of books.
Some ten years later, approaching a significant birthday, I decided to study with the Faculty of Astrological Studies. I knew of the Faculty, by reputation, from my teachers here locally. By this time, I was self-employed and the distance learning route seemed the best solution for me.
I was exited to attend Summer School in Oxford in 2016 where meeting the tutors and students alike was fabulous in the most incredible of settings. I continued the distance learning modules through to Module 6 and had decided thereafter I’d travel to London for the next three modules. Just at that time, the pandemic hit and I was fortunate to be able to do the online classes with other students from around the world. Being in a group with others who were passionate about learning astrology was so captivating.
I’ve learnt so much from my studies with the Faculty. I feel really fortunate to have been able to learn in this way, as I feel it has helped me to honour the craft of the astrologer and to appreciate the importance of continuing the tradition today. The professionalism and dedication of the tutors is empowering and has enabled me to feel more confident about the rigorous training I have received. The discipline of writing the module exercises and exams, culminating with the Diploma in June 2023, has honed my skills and has contributed to me thinking about the language and words I use. As a result, I am more self aware of my role as a practising astrologer, particularly as I enjoy one-to-one client work.
Phillipe Sibaud, D.F.Astrol.S. ~ Spring 2023
Me, an astrologer? I never thought I would utter these words one day. But as has become abundantly clear with the passing years, life works in mysterious ways. I suppose I had always been marginally interested in the subject but never more than as a quirky interest. I remember buying a book on Pisces symbolism (my Sun sign) one full Saturn return ago – not a very good one either. And Liz Greene… yes, some of Liz Greene’s books had landed on my lap all these years ago and for the first time I had felt that I had stumbled on ‘intelligent’ astrology, for want of a better word.
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But it took me another twenty years to cross paths with it again. This time (the year was 2012) it was by reading Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas. I was blown away, absolutely taken over and for the first time I seriously considered studying the subject. But really, study astrology? Could I do it? Astrologers still conveyed an aura of mystery, an ability to magically attune to the cosmos. They were a tribe of spiritual wanderers, the depositors of an art inherited from the long forgotten past of humanity – an art, besides, that in no way could be practiced by everyone, let alone by me!
I remember sitting in the cafe near my home, one fine Saturday morning. On the walls were hanging 40 or 50 frames of different subjects, totally unrelated with one another. There I was, sipping my coffee, absent-mindedly pondering whether I should study astrology, when, raising my gaze, my eyes fell on a frame I had never noticed before. It was a black drawing of the universe, with a few stars scattered across the canvas, and in bold characters were written the words : “The future is in the stars”. It took me a few minutes to realise. There was my answer! My future was in the stars!
The rest, as they say, is history. I immediately registered with the Faculty. Why the Faculty? I do not know the answer to that. I think I liked the website, the air of professionalism, the pedigree of the patrons, the history….who knows. All I can say is that it was the perfect place for me. Starting as I was with very little knowledge, I really appreciated its thorough and methodical approach. The building blocks were patiently put in place so that we might move forward with confidence. Yes it is hard work but it is also incredibly rewarding. I had the good fortune of attending the London classes and over the years this meant a deepening connection with my fellow students, from whom I learnt so much. And the tutors of course, all first class, all passionate, all dedicated. I cannot recommend it enough.
So blessings for everyone at the Faculty for creating this gem of a place, a spiritually uplifting container, a sacred grove where members of the tribe may gather and swap stories under the stars!
Carrie Bramen ~ Certificate ~ Spring 2023
Like many in my generation, I first discovered astrology through Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs when I was a young teen. The well-thumbed book sat on a shelf in my mother’s extensive paperback library alongside other bestsellers of the era such as Jonathan Livingston Seagull and Fear of Flying. In the gray world of adolescent angst, Goodman’s book gave me a language to understand myself and to navigate the perplexing social world around me. I even read her cringe-worthy poetry with the same care that others devote to Shakespeare’s sonnets. When I look back at it now, her book gave me an early narrative of self-acceptance: that it was perfectly fine to be bossy, impatient, and opinionated. Perhaps this is why when I later discovered that we shared a birthday, I wasn’t at all surprised. READ MORE
I had been wanting to develop my astrological skills for many years, so I decided to enroll in the Faculty of Astrological Studies online courses during the height of the pandemic when we were isolated in our homes. The weekly live online classes with students from all over the world provided a much-needed sense of community, and it also made learning more dynamic than listening to pre-recorded lectures. The Faculty also offers a well-structured course of study through a series of carefully designed modules. As a cultural historian currently researching the history of nineteenth-century astrology, I wanted to be able to calculate birth charts by hand using an ephemeris. This is one of the many important skills I learned during the Foundation course.
I am about to begin Module 4 towards the Diploma Level One, and I look forward to learning about transits, progressions, and other tools of timing from the Faculty’s engaging and knowledgeable teachers.
Rendy Fudoh ~ Certificate ~ Spring 2023
At first, I learned astrology through some literature and tutorials before learning at the Faculty. Even though it was ‘back to basics’ at the beginning, the course material gave me a deeper insight into natal astrology – a great way to read and refresh the basics, always finding some new insights along with our own experience in reading astrology charts.
By learning astrology with the Faculty, I also learned a different approach to astrology compared to my own study. The structured curriculum also helped me to understand which part we need to know first in the natal chart, for making a learning process more approachable to astrology students, which also inspires me when I’m teaching astrology in the future.
In the near future, while I’m still enrolled in the Faculty, I’ll also learn astrology with several approaches and branches, including mundane, election, horary, and any other astrology field that interests me. It’s a lifetime learning after all.
Mercedes Simón, D.F.Astrol.S. ~ Autumn 2022
Since my childhood, I have been fascinated by the spiritual realms and how the cosmos relates to humanity. In my youth, I used to read the horoscope columns, which sparked in me the need to understand more about the stars. Driven by this curiosity, I bought all the astrology books that I could find in a very small esoteric shop in Madrid. However, dedicating my life to astrology was not something I imagined possible when, at the age of eighteen, I decided to pursue a career in architecture. Still, my interest in astrology never stopped growing, so I continued to learn about it through the information that I could find in books and on the internet. READ MORE
In 2009, a few years after graduating as an architect, profound events happened in my life that led me to change my career path and pursue what I finally came to realise was the truest, deepest calling of my soul: the knowledge of spirituality and astrology. I moved to London and enrolled in the Faculty in 2012, amazed by the fact that a school of a such high standard of astrological tuition could exist.
I describe my journey through the Faculty as one of self-discovery, companionship and inner growth, through gradually deepening my knowledge of astrology. Throughout the 9 Modules towards gaining the Diploma, I was honoured to encounter wonderful, supportive and wise tutors, who were wholeheartedly dedicated to the teaching of this art: Penny de Abreu, Polly Wallace, Peta High, Sue Farebrother, Carole Taylor, Darby Costello, Kim Farley and Cat Cox. My deep gratitude goes towards them.
With every Module that I studied at the Faculty, I was amazed by the thoroughness of the material imparted, pertaining to both the theory and practice of Astrology, which included multiple astrological techniques as well as a systematic method of unveiling the symbolism of a natal chart.
As my learning at the Faculty progressed, it became noticeable that this interpretation method truly meant a quantum leap from the extended practice of reading the planetary positions of a chart in a fragmentary way. As opposed to this, through the Faculty’s method, all the chart symbols are integrated and grouped together in “chart themes”, as similar threads appear in different parts of the chart when it is studied in-depth. Also, when applying the various astrological techniques, layers of meaning are added to the chart interpretation, from which profound symbolism emerges. The method and techniques learnt at the Faculty are, in my experience, invaluable tools for practising Astrology.
Other outstanding skills taught at Faculty are the ability to translate the symbolism of a chart into a “common language” that the consultant can understand; the perception of non-verbal communication during a consultation; or the non-judgemental approach to a reading. All these reflect the ethical integrity taught at the Faculty, which highlights the importance of the consultant’s perception and feelings and of creating a meaningful human experience during the consultation.
In my journey of study through the Faculty, I have also encountered moments of hard work and difficulty, as nothing can be truly learned without a certain degree of struggle. Yet, the time, dedication and hard work needed to develop the astrological skills taught at the Faculty were for me counterbalanced by the feeling of expansion in my heart with every bit of knowledge gained. This is something that cannot ever be taken away from my soul and will continue to grow through the never-ending knowledge contained in the art-practice of Astrology.
Irene Stojko ~ Certificate ~ Autumn 2022
I have always been fascinated by our relationship with the cosmos, but it wasn’t until I discovered The Faculty that Astrology really came alive for me. The quality of the modules and tutoring provides me with a strong astrological foundation to expand my studies, as I consider astrology to be an ongoing learning experience. There is always more to discover. It has also been a joy to participate in Summer School with the tutors and my fellow students in a warm and welcoming environment, attending great lectures and events. I am grateful to have met so many wonderful people and to have found an astrological home with FAS.
Lynn Legein ~ Certificate ~ Autumn 2022
Born November 5, 1988. Having Sun conjunct Pluto in Scorpio always made me think that I came into this life with ‘a needing to dig deeper’ attitude – stronger than anything else. Recalling my childhood, I was curious, ‘full of energy’ , never afraid to explore but at the same time deeply sensitive to my surroundings. Growing up I was pulled into the images and stories I found in the books my father used to own – books about history, religion, philosophy, metaphysics and the occult. READ MORE
When Covid-19 hit, being forced into the worldwide lockdown. For me it was the universe giving me the much needed time and peace to get really clear about my future. From that moment I realized and decided I wanted to study Astrology, but in a serious manner. I was drawn to the Faculty because it oozed professionalism. Participating in the online classes got the fire in my soul ignited again. And studying with the Faculty is like coming home. Being able to share thoughts with all these lovely people from around the world, nurtured a sense of belonging that I did not felt in a very long time… I am very grateful to participate and learn within this community. The Faculty has a wide range of integer teachers that draw upon their experience.
Astrology makes a human being humble in the first place, learning that we are a part of a living, sacred Universe. For me, we are all connected in some way, originally being ‘star dust’. I believe the planets do affect all things here on earth. And looking at a birth-chart is something very magical to me. I learned to hand draw one like the ancients did. Being pulled into a micro-space where one can connect with gods and energies present at that particular moment of time. I ALWAYS FEEL AT AWE.
Learning this Sacred Language, inspired my to my deepest core. And it gives me a great sense of meaning. There is so much to discover, and the beauty of this study is ever expansive – something we cultivate with time and patience. I would love to deepen my knowledge and understanding, so that one day, I can guide people to shed light on their own unique constellation which is filled with unlimited potential.
Gabriella McDaniel ~ Certificate ~ Autumn 2022
I took my first plunge into astrology when I was living in Portland, Oregon, and working at an alternative health clinic. I was introduced to Five Elements Chinese Astrology and enjoyed it so much that I made a big spreadsheet for everyone in the office and we had a fun luncheon looking at the results. When I moved on from that job, they gifted me a natal chart reading and that is when I really got into Western Astrology. I had multiple readings over the next few years and enjoyed the self-reflection process and the confirmation that the readings provided. READ MORE
I asked my astrologer about quality astrology schools and she directed me to the Faculty. But it wasn’t until the pandemic hit and things seemed so bleak that I actually took the leap into formal astrology studies. I did my first three modules via distance learning during lockdown and while going through my first Saturn Return followed by transiting Pluto conjunct my natal Saturn. It was a time of many changes in my life including moving countries and I am very thankful to have had these classes as an anchor during so much personal change and worldwide chaos.
I took Module 4 in the online format and really enjoyed getting to connect with other astrology students and form study groups to help us continue to hone our skills. I am currently working towards the Diploma Level I and enjoying deepening my knowledge and gaining practice with the skills I already have.
In the past I have used some basic astrology with student groups and women’s leadership clubs. I love getting to hear people reflect about their own habits and see how these impact group dynamics. I look forward to exploring more group dynamics via astrology and seeing how my studies continue to open up new connections for me.
Stefano Stracuzzi, D.F.Astrol.S. ~ Autumn 2022
Astrology changes one’s perception of the world. Once you embark on the astrological journey, the sky becomes an essential part of life, and its unrelenting cycles start living symbolically within the inner landscape. In this idea of cosmological symbiosis, which draws many of us to great institutions such as the Faculty, I find the best way to describe the ideological calling of the stars. READ MORE
As Bernadette Brady explained in one of her lectures for the MA Cultural Astronomy and Astrology at the University of Wales Trinity St. David, we often engage with the sky either in awe or wonder. It seems fascinating to me that the astrologer treads along the mysterious boundary which separates these two experiences, one being contemplative, the other investigative.
I started my journey with the Faculty in 2017, at a time in which I really wanted to bring some structure into my cosmic research. I took that decision after attending Summer School in Oxford, which really turned out to be a watershed moment. At that event I found myself in front of the immensity of philosophical nuances and academic richness which exist beyond the mere symbolism and technicalities we use in our practice. It became clear that I needed to start exploring the depths of our complex relationship with the cosmos with more dedication.
The Faculty’s program is extremely well structured, and it gives the student an opportunity to utilize astrology in a fair, productive and realistic way. I really appreciate the school’s ability to assist us in developing a proper “astrological language”, which eventually allows us to assist both clients and future students in a constructive fashion. Thanks to the tutors’ dedication and ethical approach, the student can truly develop a refined understanding of cosmic synchronicity.
It needs to be said that every committed astrological journey is complex and profound, because it truly exposes the sensibilities of the Soul. The Faculty, with its rigour and optimistic emphasis on personal choice, teaches us how to step beyond fatalism, encouraging us to see the future as a pathway to new opportunities.
Catherine Larimer ~ Certificate ~ Autumn 2022
My first real encounter with astrology took place after a particularly challenging Saturn return. At that time, a professional astrologer helped me process those challenges and understand how my childhood had influenced many life decisions and patterns. Looking back, I see that our sessions helped me move forward with a greater sense of my own identity and calling. It was truly an important turning point in my life. READ MORE
Since then, I’ve been fascinated with astrology. However, a busy career and family life left little time to give it the depth of study I felt was necessary. Then, about 3 years ago, I had time to devote to more serious exploration and began taking workshops taught by various astrological programs. Although they were certainly informative, I felt that much was missing. Specifically, a comprehensive, ‘bottom-up’ approach that could ground the concepts and symbolism in a way that was easy to absorb.
After researching several schools, I begin the Foundation Program at the Faculty of Astrological Studies (FAS) as an online student. I’m now a year and a half into the Program and currently participating in Module 5. It’s been a fascinating journey of learning and self-discovery made even more enjoyable with an international group of fellow students. We share ideas, offer support, and trade comments that have deepened our learning experience. Currently, I’ve passed the Foundation exam and am now working towards the Diploma.
Astrology is a complex, multi-layered system of symbolism that can be overwhelming. To facilitate learning, the Faculty offers a comprehensive, high-quality approach with materials that are well written and organized. All readings and lectures are structured in a way that’s logical and easy to process. Every teacher and tutor I’ve worked with has been knowledgeable, patient, accessible, and interested in making sure that the concepts are understood. I feel so thankful to Carole Taylor, Lisa Stockley, and Toby Aldren for the commitment they’ve shown to me and my fellow classmates. Although those were my teachers, I’ve heard from other FAS students that the entire Faculty has the same exceptional standard of teaching and student engagement.
The decision to study astrology is like embarking on an amazing journey that can take you as far, as deep, and as wide as your own curiousity. The Faculty offers a robust and outstanding program that will support you along the way.
Judith Jibb, D.F.Astrol.S. ~ Autumn 2022
I first became enchanted with Astrology courtesy of the sun sign column glyphs in small-town 1960s Canada print media. Curiosity about the magical symbols of the emergence of a New Age (for me, at least) grew into a daily ritual involving learning Astrology for life. First, following the ephemeris motion of the Moon through the Zodiac signs nourished an early deep drive to find meaning. Later, comparing celestial cycles to life events and directions fed a profound hands-on quest for understanding, netting ample epiphanies and synchronicities. Much later, it still does. READ MORE
The Faculty of Astrological Studies (FAS) came to my radar after meeting Diploma holder Shelagh Kendal (1924-2005) in the Yukon in the 1970s. Taking Shelagh’s suggestion, I began the happy study in my remote home. I tackled the Faculty’s ground-breaking distance learning program, juggling working for the government and raising three children with no mod cons at minus 40. I achieved the Certificate and began the Diploma. Then I was sidelined.
Fast-forward past relocations, retirement, and 8 grandchildren, I embarked on a related learning opportunity at the University of Wales MA Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (MACAA) Program. A promotional conference in Zurich in 2011 presented lectures and meetings with Nick Campion, Liz Greene, Bernadette Brady and other contemporary Astrology leaders. I enrolled and completed the journey to the award of MACAA in 2016 partly from research on Sacred Geography in northeastern Canada. Then, the Faculty’s Sacred Geography module lured me back; I reapplied for Diploma studies at FAS. The syllabus had changed a bit over the decades, but the work was again joyful.
The teacher-student relationships stand out in Faculty studies. Tutor Alan Annand’s airmail letter exchanges critiqued my character analysis of Carl Jung in the ‘70s. More recently, Tutors Stevi Gaydon, Mónica Teixeira and Glòria Roca engaged me in powerful written word interactions. The exchanges can get deeply personal if you choose to go that way. Self-analysis exercises were motivational and valuable. The application of advanced techniques was stunning. There is no end to the learning of this language.
Astrology is the ultimate power tool (language) for understanding and finding focus. In addition to its primary use to understand individual cycles, Astrology works with Tarot and other methods to enhance validity or confirmation when helping others. My interests continue to focus on researching sacred geography and the dynamics of group relationships, such as in families and music collaborations. Also, research on the history of Astrology in Canada via the newsy publications of the Fraternity for Canadian Astrologers 1979-1989 is an ongoing project.
FAS studies benefited in many ways, but in particular, by building adherence to a particular successful methodology. The Faculty formula has survived with cultural and technological adaptations since 1948. The proof is in the pudding!
Stacey Plank ~ Certificate ~ Autumn 2022
Gaining my Certificate has been a rewarding process. The Faculty has supported and provided me with the tools and building blocks to work towards some concrete goals. The tutors are excellent and offer their personal expertise and experience, which contributes to bringing to life this complex field of study. Participating in classes has anchored me to the work in a way I could not have achieved on my own.
Katrin Tchana ~ Certificate ~ Autumn 2022
Around my first Saturn Return my stepmother died unexpectedly. Going through her belongings I found a pack of Tarot cards, which I decided to keep. Over the next years I learned the language of Tarot, and did readings for friends and at festivals and country fairs, completely wearing out that first deck of cards. I had friends who practiced astrology and encouraged me to learn it as well, but at the time it seemed too complicated and not worth the effort. Then in 2019, shortly before my second Saturn Return began, I was suddenly possessed by the sky gods. READ MORE
Professionally, I am a licensed Social Worker with a busy psychotherapy practice. Studying at the Faculty has profoundly changed how I think about my work. Astrological knowledge offers a structure and perspective that allows me to support my patients so much more effectively. In my opinion, contemporary psychology lacks a meaningful theory of adult development, and astrology fills that gap. The major midlife transits provide a series of opportunities to recalibrate and redirect our life’s path, and astrologically sensitive psychotherapy can be a powerful tool to achieve this. I feel incredibly grateful to all the teachers I’ve encountered during my studies at FAS, who have helped me deepen my ability to work with my patients in such a magical way. I am also grateful to my online classmates who have kept me company through the journey and helped me survive the pandemic with my sanity at least partially intact!