an introduction to

advanced traditional astrology

Sept 30-Nov 18 in Brooklyn

This 7-week course includes history of the origins & development of traditional western astrology, introduces some of the philosophies & cosmologies behind this divination system, and covers key components of astrological symbolism -- building foundations for advanced study. 

Instruction will include lecture, Q&A, discussion, and chart examples. Optional homework & assigned readings will be provided. 

Who is this course for?

This course is designed to be accessible to all levels, but is geared towards students interested in serious astrological study. 

What is traditional Western astrology?

Traditional "Western" Astrology is a system of astral divination with roots in Ancient Mesopotamia (Iraq), North Africa (Egypt & Sudan), Persia (Iran), and Greece. This system looks to the night sky & the seasons to read patterns of meaning corresponding to our lives on Earth. 

Traditional astrology focuses more on external events & patterns - rather than internal ones. (In contrast to Modern Psychological Astrology, which uses the chart primarily for personality analysis). Even for practicing modern psychological astrologers, studying traditional astrology can build strong foundations and add new depths to your practice. 

"Traditional Astrology" as a term can be used to refer to 'western' astrological practice ranging from the second millenium BCE all the way up through the European Renaissance. In this course, we'll be focusing primarily on the tradition's development & practice in the ancient world - up to around the 7th century CE. We will be working only with the seven traditional planets (Sun, Moon, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn), the seven traditional aspects (conjunction, square, opposition, trine, and sextile), and whole sign houses. 

There are no hard and fast prerequisites, however:

Prior memorization of the glyphs for each sign & planet is strongly encouraged. Participants may also benefit from prior familiarity with the base symbolism of the twelve zodiacal signs, the twelve houses, the seven traditional planets, the five traditional aspects, and the traditional domicile rulers of each sign. 

About the instructor:

E. Wray is a 36-year-old astrologer, oral storyteller, community arts curator, and urban farm worker from East Tennessee, based in NYC. They hold a Certificate of Proficiency in Advanced Hellenistic Astrology from Demetra George, and are a graduate of the Association for Astrological Networking's group mentorship program, where they received individual mentorship from Bear Ryver. Their studies began online with Chani Nicholas in the 2010s.

Their personal research under Demetra George between 2019-2023 focused on dualism in western cosmologies, and the relationship between that dualism & the history of colonialism. They are currently (slowly) further developing that research, and exploring the (re)creation of new cosmologies, with advising from Sam Reynolds.

In their one-on-one client practice, they use astrological symbolism and mythology to help folks weave meaningful stories about their personal experiences. They also offer individual tutoring to advanced students of astrology, practicum courses for intermediate students, and group workshops intended to be accessible to anyone regardless of astrological knowledge. They have been practicing professionally since 2019.

Dates & Times:

Sept 30 - 6:00-8:30pm*
Oct 7 - 6:30-8:30pm
Oct 14 - 6:30-8:30pm
Oct 21 - 6:30-8:30pm
Oct 28 - off
Nov 4 - 6:30-8:30pm
Nov 11 - 6:30-8:30pm
Nov 18 - 6:30-8:30pm
*Note that the first class starts at 6pm and runs for 2.5 hours; all other weeks start at 6:30 and run for 2 hours

Price:

$210