Tips for Learning Astrology and Becoming an Astrologer

In this episode astrologer Kelly Surtees joins the show to talk about some tips for how to learn astrology and eventually become an astrologer.

The discussion is partially based on an article I wrote years ago on my blog titled 10 tips for learning astrology. (Update 8/18/2018: also see my video on five quick beginner tips for learning astrology) I wanted to return to the topic again in order to delve a little deeper into some of the different tips, as well as add a few new ones.

During the course of the show Kelly and I take you from the very first steps that you need to take in order to begin your studies of astrology, assuming you know nothing or next to nothing about it, and then we walk you all the way through the intermediate and advanced phases of learning about the subject.

The end result is basically a 3-5 year outline for how to become an astrologer, and by the end of the show we bring the listener right to the point where they should be able to transition into practicing astrology professionally.

Below I have an outline of some of the topics covered in the show, although for a full writeup with all of the links please see the original blog post linked to at the top of the page.

Studying Astrology: Episode Outline

Kelly’s three main overarching tips for learning astrology:

  1. Read – books/blogs/websites/journals.
  2. Talk – to other people interested in astrology. Meetups/local astrology groups/online groups
  3. Study – undertake formal training. Pick someone you can meet with in person, or find a course you like online.

Specific tips for learning astrology:

  1. Get a copy of your birth chart from www.astro.com.
    • Make sure your birth time is correct, if possible.
  2. Learn the symbols for the signs of the zodiac, planets, aspects, etc.
  3. Make use of free resources online. Blogs, websites, podcasts, YouTube, reddit, etc.
  4. Get some astrology books. Here are some good beginner books:
    • The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology by April Elliott Kent
    • Parker’s Astrology by Derek and Julia Parker
    • On The Heavenly Spheres by Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro
    • Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas.
    • Chart Interpretation Handbook by Stephen Arroyo
    • Kevin Burk’s latest book titled Principles of Practical Natal Astrology
  5. Subscribe to The Mountain Astrologer magazine.
  6. Get an ephemeris and learn to read it.
  7. Start following your transits with Astro.com’s personal daily horoscope.
    • Start by following the Moon through your houses or making aspects to planets in your natal chart.
  8. Study the charts of friends, family, and famous people.
    • You can get birth data for many celebrities from AstroDatabank.
  9. Connect with other astrologers online through forums.
  10. Meet up with local astrologers. Check Meetup.com, the NCGR, Google search.
    • If there is no group then start your own meetup.
  11. Take a course on astrology, either online or locally.
  12. Join an astrological organization.
    • NCGR, ISAR, AFA, AFAN, OPA, AAGB, ACVA, AYA, FAA (in Australlia), etc.
  13. Attend an astrology conference.
  14. Get certified (?)
    • Pros and cons of certification.

Transcript

A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 31 transcript

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