Foundation Course

Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Astrology: Planets, Signs & Houses

This module introduces three of the main building blocks of astrology – the planets, the signs of the zodiac, and the houses. The planets are explored as archetypal drives which express themselves through the energy field of the sign and the territory of the house they occupy, creating our foundation for interpreting the whole chart. The division of the signs by polarity, element and mode is also introduced here. Finally we touch on the concept of the celestial sphere as the astronomical model which gives us our zodiac and the seasonal journey of the Sun.

Module 2: Chart Skills I

The four angles of the birth chart – Ascendant and Descendant, Midheaven and IC – and the concept of planetary rulership are introduced here, as we orient ourselves further within the structure of the birth chart. The inter-relationship between the planets, in the form of aspects and aspect patterns, is also explored, as well as the Sun-Moon relationship in the phases of the Moon and the Moon’s Nodes. Some astronomy is brought in here too, to assist in understanding the construction of the birth chart as we begin learning the craft of calculating the chart by hand. The module ends with an article on the history of western astrology, showing astrology’s place in the flow of western history.

Module 3: Chart Skills II

This module covers retrograde motion and completes the process of chart calculation before exploring the concept of chart imbalances, which show themselves through element and mode balance, distribution of planets and unaspected planets. Gathering together everything learnt so far, you will then be taken step-by-step through the process of whole chart interpretation, from initial note-taking, finding the main themes and potentials of the chart, and integrating everything into a complete written interpretation. Finally, we begin to explore the philosophy of astrology and its place in the modern world.

Foundation Practice Module (3 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.