Getting Started in Astrology

Getting Started in Astrology

Getting Started in Learning Astrology

How It All Begins

In this post we’re going to give you some tips on how to get started in astrology.

This was a question from one of our super fans and I believe it will be of value to you as well.

Usually you read your Sun sign column.

Next you begin to dig a little deeper into chart readings.

Perhaps you have a friend who has had an astrology consultation and they say you should too.

The next step is usually to go and have a reading and suddenly you are hooked.

Astrology starts to creep into your mind at all times and you want to know more.

Let’s look at some steps you can take to learn astrology for yourself.

 

Podcast Episode

Listen to the full conversation at the Starzology Astrology Podcast around Getting Started in Astrology with Alison and Arwynne.

 

Listen now >>> Getting Started in Astrology

 

Get Your Chart

First of all you need a good copy of your birth chart.

This means that:

  • The house system should be Placidus.
  • The aspect orbs should be standard.
  • The planets should be the usual ones – Sun to Pluto.
  • The lunar nodes should be true.
  • The zodiac should be Tropical.

If you start with a different house system you can still read the chart.

Be aware of the actual house system for which the chart is set.

Orbs

Next check the aspect orbs. 

Standard orbs are 8 for conjunctions, oppositions, trines and squares and 4 for sextiles.

Then 2 degrees for lesser used aspects of semi-square, sesquiquadrate, semi-sextile and quincunx.

Planets

You need the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. 

I also add Chiron and sometimes Eris but not the asteroids.

You can add more planets later. But we are just starting out.

You can cast a chart with online astrology sites but I don’t recommend them.

getting-started-in-astrology-diagram

Pin this to read later.

Astrology Software

If you are serious about learning astrology you need some chart calculation software.

To my mind there are two options

Solar Fire for PC and Astro Gold for Apple.

Astro Gold

Astro Gold is an iOS app that works on iPhone and iPad and separately Mac computers.

Personally, I have the app and use it on my iPhone and iPad.

I’ve not got to the stage of having Astro Gold on my MacBook Pro. There doesn’t seem to be a good reason.

Solar Fire

Probably the most robust astrology program is Solar Fire for PC it has been around for about twenty years and does it all.

I use Solar Fire for Graphic Ephemeris calculations, harmonic charts and forecasting date generation.

It is excellent if a bit clunky. 

You do not need Solar Fire when you start out.

Astrology Books to Start

Here I’m going to recommend five astrology books to start your astrology bookshelf.

These books are solid and have reliable content.

You can get other books at a later stage and in fact you will probably continue to buy astrology books for the rest of your life like I do.

Ephemeris

The first book I’m recommending is an Ephemeris.

Get The American Ephemeris at midnight by Neil Pottenger and Rique Pottenger. it’s the one with the purple cover.

You will use this book to track the transiting planets movements and get information on retrograde cycles, eclipses, ingresses. and much more.

I use my Ephemeris every day as a consulting astrologer.

The Contemporary Astrologer’s Handbook

The Contemporary Astrologer’s Handbook by Sue Tompkins is the best astrology book in my opinion to get you started.

It contains lots about each planet, sign, house and aspect.

Practical Astrology

Practical Astrology by Priscilla Costello is a slim volume but contains core information about signs, planets and house systems.

It is a cook book style astrology book.

Meaning it has Jupiter in the signs and Jupiter in the houses and for all planets.

Aspects in Astrology

Aspects in Astrology by Sue Tompkins.

This book is a window into where many of the modern astrological techniques come from.

6th Book: Tetrabiblos

Tetrabiblos by Claudius Ptolemy.

This book was written over two thousand years ago and shines a light onto the priciples that modern astrology is based.

Back then, before telescopes, they only knew of the seven visible planets.

7th Book: The Aspiring Astrologer

If you want to get a feel for the classes I teach then I recommend getting The Aspiring Astrologer: 52 Self-paced Astrology Classes

This book has all the class notes I give to my private one-on-one students. 

It does not go deep into signs, planets, houses or aspects, but rather covers what to do with the information in a chart.

I mention this book because it is at the core of my astrology business.

Classes, Conferences and Retreats

Local Astrology Groups

Join your local astrology group in your city.

If there is not one then start one.

Invite a couple of people around to your place for coffee and start an astrology group.

Astrology Retreats

An astrology retreat is a treat in itself.

There are several ones around which are regional.

I have heard great reviews from attendees of Stephen Forrest’s Astrology Retreat in Sedona Arizona, USA.

This is a week-long immersion event where you get to mix and mingle with people on their own astrological journey.

To help you decide if this is for you, I’ve put the link right here.

Please note, this retreat focusses on evolutionary astrology.

Astrology Conferences

The best conference to attend is the annual Summer School from the Faculty of Astrological Studies in Oxford, England.

Each year they offer a ten day long program at Summer School at Oxford University, England.

World Class Astrological Diploma

The Faculty of Astrological Studies Diploma.

The Faculty Diploma contains 9 Modules.

Each module can take up to six months to complete.

Certificate

You complete Modules 1, 2 and 3 then take the Certificate exam.

Intermediate Diploma

Then you complete Modules 4, 5 and 6 and then take the Intermediate Diploma Exam.

Final Diploma

Then you take Modules 7, 8 and 9 and then take the Final Diploma exam.

This is rigorous astrological training but it is, I believe, the best in the world at the moment.

Who This Is For

This full diploma course is not for everyone.

However, if you are serious about astrology then do consider the amazing training you will get at the Faculty of Astrological Studies.

So this is my advice for anyone wanting to get started in astrology.

More on this topic

Read more >>> Your Astrology Business

Read more >>>  When to go Professional as an Astrologer

Author Bio

Alison Price: Astrology Coach

Alison specializes in guiding Aspiring Astrologers. Her aim is to help you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart, often sprinkled with a touch of humor.

To learn more about Alison’s journey, visit this page.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

More Articles

If you enjoyed this post, you may like some more astrology related articles from our blog. 

Beginner’s Astrology Classes

Beginner’s Astrology Classes

Beginner’s Astrology Classes

Who These Classes are for

These are a face-to-face or Zoom beginner’s classes, no prior astrological knowledge is required.

This sixteen-week beginner’s course covers all the basic information you will need to read a birth chart.

 

What You Will Learn

Students will learn about the components that make up the natal chart. This vibrant course introduces the student to the following: glyphs, quadrants, elements, polarities, modes, planets, signs, houses, angles, aspects and much more.

You will learn how to read a chart from a beginner’s point of view. This will get you on the road to becoming an effective and competent astrologer. 

Book Your Class

You may click through to the booking page to book your spot for your next beginner’s class.

Semester 1

101: Polarities, Elements and Modes

This first class takes you through the basic structure of a chart.

We discover the broad background energy of a chart as shown by the main sign components.

You will learn about the two polarities of active and passive, the four elements of fire, earth, air and water and the three modes of cardinal, fixed and mutable.

 

102: The Twelve Zodiac Signs

This class is about the twelve signs of the Zodiac. Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.

You will learn the sign meanings and their importance in a chart.

 

103: The Visible Planets

This class is about the seven planets you can see in the sky the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.

You wil learn the planet’s attributes like the keywords, meanings, correlations to the everyday and their archytypes.

 

104: The Outer Planets, Asteroids and TNO’s

This class is about the planets which you cannot see. The outer planets of Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. we also look at Chiron.

We take a look at the asteroid belt and explore the Asteroids and the feminine. You will learn about Ceres, Juno, Pallas Athene and Vesta.

You will get an awareness of some Trans Neptunian Objects (TNO’s) like Eris and Sedna etc.

 

105: Chart Division: Ascendant and Midheaven Axes

This class is about how we divide the chart up with the two main axes.

You will learn about the angles, Ascendant, Midheaven, hemispheres, quadrants and triple house division.

 

106: Houses 1: First to Sixth Houses

This class is about the personal houses of the northern hemisphere. We cover house rulers and their importance.

You will discover more on angular, succeedent and cadent houses.

You will learn about the first to sixth houses and their meanings.

 

107: Houses 2: Seventh to Twelfth Houses

This class is about the public houses of the southern hemisphere.

You will learn about the seventh to twelvth houses and their meanings.

You will learn about intercepted signs.

 

108: Natal Interpretations 1

This is a class to bring all your current astrology knowledge to bear to read a birth chart.

You will practice finding the important messages in each chart and start to assess the potential within a chart.

Semester 2

109: Aspects 1: Major Aspects

Major, minor and lesser used aspects.

 

110: Aspects 2: Major Aspect Patterns

Major aspect patterns.

 

111: Essential Dignities

Measuring a planet’s influence in a chart.

 

112: Moon Phases

A deeper understanding of the Moon’s phases through the waxing and waning’s effect.

 

113: Retrograde Planets

Two steps forward and one step back.

 

114: Ascendant Overlays and Chart Rulers

Chart Ascendant sign rulers and Ascendant house overlays.

 

115: Lunar Nodes

The overall past and future tone of a chart.

 

116: Interpretation 2: Gathering Threads

Full interpretations and gathering related threads.

About the Classes

Features

  • 2 hours per lesson.
  • 8 lessons in each semester.
  • Classes are delivered by Zoom.
  • Flexible class times and dates.

Benefits

  • Personalized One-on One astrology training with Alison.
  • Individual attention.
  • Lessons can be taken one at a time.

 

What You Get

Each student will receive a PDF copy of their birth chart, PDF lesson notes at each session and some homework. 

This course is suitable for beginners and anyone with an interest in astrology. You do not need any astrological knowledge to attend. All are welcome.

This course is available via Zoom.

For more information please contact me.

Costs

These classes can be purchased by semester. So that would typically be first semester one then semester two.

Or you can do individual classes and pick and choose what you want to learn.

Check my current prices.

Testimonials On my Teaching and Courses:

“I scoured the internet to find the right teacher and in working with Alison I did. I looked forward to my weekly classes and felt that I definitely learned a lot. I liked that there were assignments and felt that they helped me learn more. As a teacher, she is kind, warm, funny and incredibly professional. For me, I couldn’t think of a better way to start than having a one on one tutor. I would absolutely recommend Starzology” – K. P. Toronto

“I have taken previous courses on astrology but these were of the internet webinar type where you could see and hear the presenter but the chance to interact with them was very limited. So I was delighted to find and then take Alison Price’s Introduction to Astrology course. The personal two-hour lessons gave me every opportunity to get my questions answered and make sure that I really understood the material. The chance to have such one-to-one sessions with a very knowledgeable astrologer meant that I could make very good progress and cleared up a lot of the problems and queries I had.” – Andrew K, – London, UK 

“Alison is a passionate and devoted teacher. She never hesitates to pass down her experience and knowledge to her students. Also, she encourages her students to think about controversial astrological topics and develop their own style as an astrologer. I enjoy being her student and hopefully I can study under her again.”  ~ W.Y.W. , Hong Kong

“I came to Alison as a novice astrology student with little to no expectations as to where a class with a professional astrologer would take me. Not only did I complete her introductory course and learn concepts not yet explored through self-teaching, but her encouragement and enthusiasm led me to enrol in natal interpretation, synastry and forecasting classes with her as well. She went above and beyond in her lessons and ensured I received the best education possible, even offering private lessons when the classroom didn’t meet my individual needs. Her lessons were clear and insightful, as were her analyses of my own natal chart and current transits. I highly recommend both her teaching and consultation services.” ~ Stephanie. Z.  Oakville

“I studied with Alison in Oakville taking 3 of the courses she offers her students – Natal Analysis, Intro to Forecasting & Synastry. She is an excellent teacher – well prepared with excellent study notes, and a wonderful sense of humor. I also use her Second Opinion services on a mentoring basis to confirm and expand my own astrological forays on client charts. Overall a beautiful woman, wish I lived closer to continue to experience her energies through her work with the Fraser Valley Astrological Guild.” ~ Shirley. W. March 2012 – Southern Ontario

“The material presented was well organized, understandable, knowledgeable and detailed. In particular I was most appreciative of the handouts… what an incredible reference guide.” ~ P. C. Etobiko

“Alison, you are a gifted teacher, who is very organized and have a great environment to be in. Thank you.” ~ M. M. – Burlington, ON

“Thank you.  I feel more grounded [since taking the course] and felt you were extremely professional yet very warm and giving.” ~ M. M.

Alison is a very informative and patient instructor. She understands the needs of her students.” ~ D. S. – Hamilton, ON

“I really enjoy your lessons, you provide a wealth of information.” ~ M. W. – Milton, ON

Astrology Classes

Below are the options I have for astrology lessons from beginner to advanced chart readings and more.

Click the images on the left for more details.

 

Beginner’s Astrology: Natal (16 Classes)

Semester One: Basic Natal Charts

Signs, planets, points, and houses.

Semester Two: Advanced Natal Charts

Aspects, patterns, essential dignity, lunar phases, retrograde, nodes and chart shape etc.

Intermediate Astrology: Natal (16 Classes)

Semester One:

Dignities, phases, retrograde, most elevated, derivative and oriental.

Semester Two:

Proximity, Anticia, synodic cycles, moiety and dexter.

Advanced Astrology: Forecasting (16 Classes)

Semester One: Direct Astrological Forecasting

Transits, solar returns and eclipses.

Semester Two: Indirect Astrological Forecasting

Secondary progressions, solar arc directions and mundane.

Vocational Astrology: Money and Career (4 Classes)

Your passion, earning and soft skills.

Chart challenges and job seeking tips.

Relationship Astrology (4 Classes)

Love and Romance Questions

Synastry and chart comparison, composite midpoints, Davison charts, Wedding Elections.

Your Astrology Business Setup (2 Classes)

Basic Business Setup

Start charts, website, products and services.

Privacy and mission statements.

Astrology Mentorship (by the hour)

Individual sessions to focus on your knowledge gaps.

Client work advice.

Practise readings so you can get better.

More Articles

Here are some more articles from our website.