Studies in Traditional Astrology

[N.B. I will not be accepting new students until September 2008. The fee structure will be updated prior to the next session.]

The first two weeks concentrate on the significance of the glyphs and the Traditional planetary attributions according to Classical sources such as Ptolemy, William Lilly and Guido Bonatti. Discussion of the Chaldean order of the planets, the alchemical significance and related material is included. There is also study of planetary phases and considerations such as whether a planet is oriental or occidental of the Sun. All required reading is supplied.

The next section studies the 12 signs by triplicity and introduces the significance of the Corpus Hermeticum. Significant attention is given to the constellations and their traditional meanings. There is a strong focus on the elements and the phases of each triplicity.

We then study the significance of the houses, according to Manilius and Jean Baptiste Morin de Villefranche. Attention is paid to the reading and application of the ancient Greek Whole Sign system. Quadrant systems such as Regiomontanus and Porphyry are also discussed. There are three chart assignments for this section, where the student delineates an unknown chart using planet and house alone, to see just how much this can tell us. When we add the signs, we get an even sharper focus. Planetary joy by house is discussed throughout this section.

The Lunar Nodes, Pars Fortuna and Spiritus are explained and integrated into the chart readings. These will be expanded upon in part two.

Finally. we study the phases of the Moon. This is an extremely important consideration in a Nativity, just as it is with Electional or Predictive astrology. The phenomenon of the void of course Moon is studied. The lunation cycle has a most demonstrative and physical effect on earthly cycles. We also discuss the three phases of the Goddess: Maiden, Mother and Crone that is part of every lunar cycle..

We begin with a study of Pythagorean Musical Theory and Sacred Geometry which give us the Ptolemaic aspects. The Music of the spheres is discussed in this context. The world view of Classical astrology is explained in terms of the eight spheres. the meaning and significance of life in the sub-lunary sphere is illuminated. Later developments such as Kepler's Musical / Planetary theory are studied.

The use of the five Platonic Solids is shown to reveal the essence of the interrelatedness of the planets and aspects. We look closely at the uses and significance of the Lunar Mansions, the Chaldean Decanates and special degrees.

The question of orbs is discussed at some length in relation to the doctrine of visibility and the importance of light. It is often forgotten that planets and luminaries, not aspects, have orbs. This misappropriation of orbs to aspects is a core problem with modern astrological theory because the essential premise is flawed.

The importance and meaning of the Lord/Lady of the Geniture, the Almuten Figuris and the Hyleg are discussed fully. This raises and examines the essential concept of planetary dignities and debilities. This includes the nature of reception. Firdaria or Nodal Variation and other chronocators are introduced, as they relate to the judgment of nativities.

Further study is given to the Lunar Nodes and Arabic Parts. The aspects are fully explained. Students will be required to read sample, practice charts to integrate planet, sign, house and aspects. By the end of part two, the student will have all the basic tools necessary to delineate a chart in the Traditional manner and is now ready to put this knowledge into action. All required reading is supplied.

This is a seminar and workshop format. You will work closely with your personal mentor. Techniques will be honed and there is a significant amount of hand's on work with a variety of charts. This is also the most flexible module, as the individual student's particular interests are highlighted. This is homework intensive! Student are required to read Guido Bonatti's Considerations and Jerome Cardan's Aphorisms Relating to Nativities

At the end of the period, there will be an open book examination. If the student achieves an acceptable level of demonstrated expertise, they will be entitled to the Certificate of Proficiency in Essential Traditional astrology. Please be advised that I accept a very limited number of students to ensure that each gets the personal attention they need.

There is a very good reason that Astrology is not instead referred to as Planetology. Ancient and Traditional astrologers considered the entire sky when reading nativities or making predictions. The Chaldeans, who have given us so much astrological knowledge and wisdom, were shepherds and someone always had to work the night shift. They lived in the area of Mesopotamia, where it is said even now that the stars shine brightly, you feel as if you can reach out and touch them. Add to this, that the ancient sky was free of light and other pollution! As sky watchers, they noticed and recorded what occurred when the stars and planets were in ever changing relationships with each other. The heavens told a story.

Unfortunately, in most modern cities, the stars are all but invisible. Think for a moment that a star of the magnitude of Betelgeuse looks larger and brighter than planets. If the core were placed at the centre of our Sun, the circumference would reach almost to Saturn.

The course will include a rich study of star lore, plus all the major constellations and the myths associated with them.

Electives are also available in Predictive and Electional Astrology. These may be taken at any point after the completion of Part Two or with comparable experience and knowledge. Details will be announced shortly.

* The student may elect to take more time, by arrangements with the instructor. This is an intense course of study for the serious student, but designed so that anyone can take the course at their own speed to suit their time constraints.

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