So, you want to study astrology?
I’ve been getting a lot of inquiries lately from people who want to learn astrology and are wondering where to start.
I have a mentorship program in which I work individually with late beginner and intermediate level astrology students. Within that, I offer two levels of study. If you've been reading astrology books for a few years and now are looking to go deeper than what you can get from books, please check out my Mentorship Program.
But if you're just starting out, read on.
For the beginning student of astrology, the options are overwhelming. You can learn online. You can listen to podcasts. You can take in-person classes at your local astrology school. You can purchase MP3s and webinars. You can go old-school and read astrology books. “Lots of options” usually equals good news. However, not all free content that you can get online is even accurate.
I recently had a friend ask me: “Is there a quick way to learn just enough astrology so that I can figure out how to schedule and time important things in my life?” I was stumped by the question at first, then I realized it was because there isn’t a quick way to boil that down. Astrology can’t be “bite-sized.” There is no short-cut way to get a handle on the entirety of this complex and evolving discipline. That’s why people hire an astrologer -- someone who has spent years studying techniques of timing and how to apply this knowledge to a person’s chart.
If you are interested in starting the journey of becoming a professional astrologer -- a journey which will take several years of study -- here are some of my recommendations, based on my direct experience and my own education process. Of the following, just take what works for you, and leave the rest.
DON'T
Don’t worry if you feel like you don’t "get it" immediately. Astrology is a 6,000-year-old science and art, with many branches and a whole lot to keep track of. If there is a concept that’s stumping you, it’s likely because you just haven’t found the right teaching tool to help you unlock it. Persistence and practice are your best friends.
Don’t just throw a large amount of money at a program or a teacher with the expectation that once you complete a program, you will then hereby be dubbed a “Professional Astrologer.” There is no such thing as professional licensing in astrology, nor is there an accredited school of astrology in this country. Ultimately, you will have to practice and invest time and energy in order to develop your skills, whether you choose a learning program or not.
Don’t try just one thing and then give up. For example, if reading books is not your best way to learn, try audio (MP3'S or podcasts), or YouTube videos. Or, maybe you need to get an in-person tutoring session with an astrologer. But try out different learning methods if at first you feel discouraged or overwhelmed.
DO
Do research any teachers you are thinking of working with to see if you resonate with them. At the very least, an astrology teacher should have a blog, a free newsletter, an e-book, a podcast, or some articles you can read in order to see if you like their style. These are free ways to get an idea of the way they think and communicate.
Do study other things besides astrology. Read literature, look at art, read about psychology, and follow your other passionate interests. All of these things will help you to become a better student of astrology.
Do practice, practice, practice. As with any endeavor, the only way to really learn is to spend time doing it. Set aside some time during your week to play with charts, experiment with creating interpretations, and write down your observations. The important thing is just to begin doing it.
RESOURCES
Free, minimal time investment
Listen to astrology podcasts. You can listen to my podcast, or any other free astrology astrology podcast. Listen around, and see who appeals to you.
Sign up for regular newsletters from astrologers whom you like based upon their social media presence.
Attend a local Meetup group with others who are interested in astrology. Drop in and see if the group is a fit for you. Or, you can find many astrology groups on Facebook.
Medium cost and time investment
The Mountain Astrologer magazine. I highly recommend a subscription to TMA if you are a serious student. The magazine has a “Student Section” with articles that are easier to understand and helpful for beginners. TMA offers both a print and online subscription option.
Astrology University. Here you can find webinars and mp3’s from some of today’s best and brightest in the field.
Books! Many libraries now carry at least some of the most recently published astrology books. You might also create an astrology “book club” (either virtually or in person) with others who share your interest. Or, find a friend with whom you can trade books back and forth. (Trying to save on costs here!) Find my beginner's reading list here.
Greater cost and time investment
Attend an astrological conference. NORWAC, UAC, NCGR...these acronyms stand for some of the top astrological conferences in the country. The benefit of a conference is that you’ll gain exposure to a variety of astrologers and viewpoints, with the added plus of meeting others that share your interest.
Work one on one with an astrologer. If you are a beginner, make sure that the astrologer is willing to work with you where you are at. Remember to do your research and follow their work before leaping in. But if the astrologer feels like a fit for you, this can be a very efficient way to learn the craft.
Above all, have fun with the process. Be willing to take risks, put yourself in new environments, and try different methods of learning. Astrology is endlessly fascinating to me, and if you’ve read this far, you likely share my passion. I wish you all good things on your journey!
