Foundation Course
The Foundation Course is designed for complete newcomers to astrology as well as those who wish to consolidate their previous knowledge and reading within a structured course.
About this level
The Foundation Course is designed for complete beginners, providing a solid and structured approach to the fundamentals of astrology. By the end of the course, you will have a strong grasp of astrological principles and the confidence to interpret a birth chart.
You’ll begin with the basics of calculating and drawing up a birth chart, followed by an introduction to the solar system and the astronomical foundations of astrology. From there, you’ll explore the rich symbolism of planets, signs, and houses, learning how these elements interact to form the basis of astrological interpretation.
Completing the Foundation Course is a significant milestone in your astrological journey and serves as an excellent springboard for further, more advanced study, should you wish to continue toward the Faculty Diploma.
You can complete the Foundation Course in three flexible ways: through Distance Learning, by attending classes in London, or via live online classes with expert Faculty tutors.
Foundation Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Astrology: Planets, Signs and Houses
This module introduces the essential building blocks of astrology: the planets, the signs of the zodiac, and the houses. The planets are explored as archetypal forces that express themselves through the signs and houses, forming the foundation for interpreting a full birth chart.
You will dive into the celestial sphere and learn how the Sun’s seasonal journey creates the zodiac, followed by an in-depth look at the division of signs into polarities, elements, and modes. This structured approach will provide you with a holistic understanding of how planets, signs, and houses come together in chart interpretation. By the end of this module, you will have a clear framework to begin interpreting planetary placements in any chart.
Key Topics Covered in Module 1:
- The solar system and celestial sphere
- Planets: archetypes, meanings, and myths
- Personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars)
- Social planets (Jupiter and Saturn)
- Outer Planets (Uranus, Neptune, Pluto)
- Chiron and its astrological significance
- The signs of the zodiac and Their grouping by polarities, elements, and modes
- The twelve houses and the meaning of planets in houses
- Practical exercises to build your astrological vocabulary and interpret planetary placements
By the end of Module 1, you’ll have a strong understanding of how the planets, signs, and houses work together, preparing you for deeper study as you progress through the course.
Module 2: Chart Skills I
Module 2 delves deeper into the technical and philosophical foundations of astrology by exploring the concepts of time, space, and the angles of the horoscope. The focus of this module is on building chart interpretation skills, with a detailed examination of aspects, aspect patterns, and the Sun-Moon relationship. By the end of this module, you’ll have gained an understanding of these key components and how they contribute to chart interpretation.
Key topics covered:
Time, space, and the four angles of the horoscope:
Learn how to calculate and interpret the four angles of a horoscope, which are essential to understanding an astrological chart. You’ll explore how time and space are measured and how these concepts are used to position the planets in a chart.
Aspects and aspect patterns:
This section introduces the concept of aspects – the angular relationships between planets – and how they influence the dynamics of a chart. You’ll learn about different types of aspects, their meanings, and how to interpret them in practice. Aspect patterns, which show the interaction between multiple planets, are also introduced.
The Sun-Moon relationship:
The module covers the Lunation Cycle, the Phases of the Moon, and the significance of the Moon’s Nodes. You’ll explore how the Sun and Moon’s relationship reflects an individual’s inner emotional landscape and life cycles.
Astrology in context:
The module concludes with a broader view of astrology’s historical and philosophical context, offering a glimpse into the long tradition and evolution of astrological thought and practice.
Learning methods: The course material includes in-depth articles, videos, self-study quizzes, and interactive exercises. These exercises are designed to be sent to your tutor for feedback. As with Module 1, you’ll have opportunities for self-reflection and journaling to explore how these concepts apply to your personal chart.
By completing Module 2, you will have built a solid foundation for calculating and interpreting key chart elements, positioning you to move forward with more advanced astrological techniques.
Module 3: Chart Skills II
This module introduces more advanced chart work, including calculating planetary positions, retrograde motion, and developing skills in whole chart interpretation. It encourages students to synthesize the various factors of a horoscope and integrate them into a meaningful interpretation.
In this module, you will:
- Explore chart imbalances – Learn about planetary chart shapings and imbalances.
- Study planetary dignities and debilities.
- Understand retrograde motion – Discover how retrograde planets influence a birth chart.
- Calculate the positions of Planets
- Master calculating planetary positions using an ephemeris.
- Draw up a natal chart by hand
- Learn step-by-step techniques for hand-drawing a horoscope using the Faculty’s chart form.
- Develop whole chart interpretation skills
- Synthesize the different components of a chart (e.g., Sun, Moon, planets, angles, and nodes).
- Practice systematic chart analysis using case studies.
- Reflect on astrology’s role in the modern world
By the end of this module, you will have developed the skills necessary to calculate and interpret a complete horoscope, expanding your understanding of the connections between planetary motion and astrological interpretation.
Foundation Practice Module (three months tuition time)
After you have completed the first three Foundation Modules you may be considering taking the Certificate exam. If you feel you would like additional practice before taking this exam, or simply would like to practice your interpretation skills further, you may take the Foundation Practice Module (a half-module), which gives you the opportunity to go through a whole chart interpretation under the guidance of a tutor via Distance Learning.
Choose Your Preferred Learning Path
Every student has different needs and learning styles. That’s why we offer three flexible learning options:
London Classes
Immerse yourself in the heart of astrological study with our Central London classes. Complete a full module over just four engaging sessions, while having the invaluable opportunity to connect face-to-face with fellow students and experienced Faculty tutors.
Live Online Classes via Zoom
Join live, interactive online sessions from anywhere in the world. Our online classes bring you real-time access to Faculty tutors and a small, supportive group of students, creating an interactive learning experience that mirrors our in-person classes.
Distance Learning via Email
Study at your own pace with our flexible distance learning option. Access high-quality course materials and benefit from personalised one-to-one tuition with experienced Faculty tutors, while enjoying the freedom to fit your studies around your schedule.
Key information
Credits and Examinations
Our courses are designed with one aim in mind – to provide you with a thorough and comprehensive astrological education. There is no pressure on you to take any of the examinations. Whether or not you intend to take the examinations with a view to becoming a professional astrologer, our nine modules provide a structured and comprehensive astrological education. You will gain credits towards the Faculty Diploma as you work through the modules and when you pass the three exams.
With 120 credits you are awarded the Faculty Certificate.
Click here to view a sample Certificate Exam
Terms and Conditions
Please see the Conditions of Enrolment for your chosen method of study:
- Conditions of Enrolment for Distance Learning via Email
- Conditions of Enrolment for London Classes
- Conditions of Enrolment for Online Classes
Read the Exam Rules and Regulations
Other costs
- Certificate Exam: £285
- Student Registration Fee (one-off): £35
Students with Previous Training and Experience in Astrology
Are you coming to the Faculty with considerable knowledge of astrology?
This article outlines the importance of working through the modules in sequence: FAS Course Structure: Working through the Modules.
Meet your tutors
Marielle Churaqui
Dragana Van de moortel-Ilić
Mark Fountain
Mónica Teixeira
Eric Fischmann
Alison Finlay
Penny de Abreu
Stefano Stracuzzi
Cat Cox
Lisa Stockley
Darby Costello
Liz Rooke
Frances Clynes
Deborah Morgan
Alejo López
Itziar Azkona
Stefanie Gutwenger
Nancy Angel
Toby Aldren
