LIST OF THE 20 COURSES AND SHORT DESCRIPTIONS:

FIRST SEMESTER:

AGY101: Astrology, Science or Superstition. Scientific method and epistemology, different philosophical approaches to astrology, astronomical basis of astrology, historical overview of astrology, astrological terminology, and basic language of astrology (planets, signs, houses, aspects), various approaches to astrological interpretation (natal, mundane, financial, horary, etc.). Students are encouraged to think critically and develop confidence in understanding the potential strengths and weaknesses of astrology as a viable field of inquiry in the 21st century.

After completing Astrology 101, the student understands the historical evolution of scientific thinking. Students gain an appreciation for the high development of mathematics in ancient times and the emphasis on Platonic idealism, the influence of William of Ockham and other philosophers that preceded the breakthrough discovery of Kepler's laws and Galileo's experiment around 1600, and the extraordinary flowering of scientific thought in the 1700's by Newton and others. The importance and relevance of new paradigms in science beginning around 1900, such as relativity and quantum theory, are also studied.

The influence of philosophers of science, such as Auguste Comte, Thomas Kuhn, and Paul Feyerabend are studied, as well as perspectives on science from physicists such as Richard Feynman. A study of the scientific method, beliefs about how and why astrology works according to many astrologers, and important critical thinking skills rounds out the student's ability to think intelligently and critically about astrological theory. The student also becomes familiar with critically important astronomical foundations of astrology, such as the 5 great circles.

Astrology 101 provides a "platform" for the student from which the information provided in future courses can be put into proper perspective.

AGY103: Essentials of Astrology. Students master the fundamental language of astrology, with emphasis on modern techniques, but including information on ancient astrological methods as well. Students explore alternative astrological significations of planets, signs, houses, and aspects. Topics such as element balance, hemisphere and quadrant balance, rulerships, dispositors, midpoints, and asteroids are also covered. The primary objective of this course is to enable the student to be conversant with the basic language of 20th century astrology and to develop the ability to very rapidly identify rulerships, aspects, and other essentials in the birth chart.

AGY 103B: Experiential Work with Astrological Fundamentals: Do planets in zodiac signs, houses, and in aspect really work. Do rulerships work? If so, what exactly do the zodiac signs tell us in a consistent way that we can be confident of in our interpretations? In this course you become empowered to understand the basics of astrology in a way that you feel comfortable with. As we shall discover, not all the ideas commonly used in astrology work consistently and we will use insights from different astrologers to help us gain greater clarity and confidence in understanding the basics of astrology.

AGY251: Ethics and Counseling Skills. Professional standards, ethics, and counseling skills required in other professions such as in marriage and family therapy, financial consulting, etc., and current standards in astrology. Ethical and legal requirements for the practice of astrology. How to refer clients for proper treatment, consultation, or advice by various kinds of psychological and medical practitioners, financial and business consultants, and other services available.

Case studies and research evidence on therapeutic value of various health-related problems or psychological problems that clients of astrological consultants may have are used. Social statistics, medical data, and other data is presented that provides factual information on the effectiveness of potential services and practitioners to whom your clients can be referred for specific problems, whether they are medical, psychological, financial, or personal.

• Completion of this course fulfills the ISAR Ethics Training Requirement and the ISAR Counseling Skill Requirement.

AGY201: History of Astrology. Detailed study of astrology from its earliest beginnings
throughout the world. How astrological practice and theory varied in different geographic regions, how astrology was practiced, and which theories survived, and which theories were lost in the traditions that survived to the 20th century. Selected readings of notable astrologers throughout history. Students explore Babylonian, Hellenistic, Vedic, and other ancient traditions, as well as the impact of philosophical, cultural, and scientific developments on astrology.

AGY157: Classical Horary and Electional Astrology. Classical horary astrology as practicied by William Lilly and other late Medieval and Renaissance astrologers is studied and practiced. Students learn the techniques and methods as practiced by these astrologers, and compare them to modern methods. Students test the ideas by attempting to answer common horary questions such as where a lost object is, etc.

SECOND SEMESTER

AGY106: 20th Century Analytical Methods and Manual Calculations. Perfecting chart interpretation by applying the ideas and insights of modern psychological astrologers, and practice analyzing charts ensures that students develop expertise in chart interpretation. Students are also introduced to harmonics, cosmobiology and other scientifically oriented systems of the mid 20th century. Students also learn how to calculate birth charts manually, i.e. with a Table of Houses and Ephemeris.

AGY151: Harmonics and Cosmobiology. About half of this course is devoted to the cosmobiology system developed by Reinhold Ebertin and half is dedicated to harmonic astrology developed by John Addey and further developed by later astrologers. Students also learn how to develop AstroSignatures using advanced features of modern astrological software, and test Ebertin’s formula for predicting accidents with the AstroSignatures that are created. Students also develop facility using the graphic ephemeris and in recognizing planetary patterns in harmonic charts.

AGY111: Forecasting Methods. Secondary, tertiary, minor, and solar arc directions, various alternative calculation methods, primary directions, transits, solar and lunar returns. Mundane forecasting with ingresses, lunations, and eclipses. Synthesizing different methods, time line profiles, triggering natal patterns, progressed lunation cycles and declinations, and cyclic approaches to forecasting. Bernadette Brady's book The Eagle and The Lark is required reading.

AGY116: Other 20th Century Astrological Techniques; Archetypal Astrology: Mythic Signatures in the Astrological Birth Chart. In the ancient world divination was understood as a means of communications where gods, as spiritual agencies, gave advice or foretold the future to humans. These interactions were often mediated by oracles, prophets, astrologers, seers, or other kinds of diviners.

The earliest astrological omens in Babylonia were from gods who were embodied as planets, and the appearance of a planet in the sky heralded a manifestation of that deity on the earth: “When Ishtar (the planet Venus) stands on high, lovemaking on the land.” In the Vedic tradition, planetary and nakshatra deities represent the celestial keys to understanding the ancient astrology of India. Thus the roots of astral divination, both East and West, reside in the mythic archetypes of the celestial gods and goddesses, and from an astrological perspective it is the essence of the deities that gives shape to human experience.

When celestial bodies bearing deity names make a prominent appearance at the time of an individual’s birth, the attributes of that deity function as a guiding presence and mythic signature for the unfolding of the life. Join Dennis and Demetra for a comprehensive, inspiring, and profound discussion of how the myths associated with celestial bodies, whether they are planets, fixed stars, decans, nakshatras, constellations, asteroids, centaurs or dwarf planets illuminate the deep imaginal substructure that underlies the natal chart, and in the process points the way to meaning and healing.

AGY121: AstroLocality and Compatibility. Synastry, variations of composite charts, potential conflicts and complementary qualities of natal configurations, generational differences, astro*cartography, local space charts, Treasure Maps, geodetic charts, use of political charts, and temperament analysis for selecting locations and life style choices.

THIRD SEMESTER:

Note: students enrolled in the Diploma program must fulfill all course requirements of the 3rd and 4th semesters. Students who finish their studies at Avalon after completing the requirements for the Certificate program are required only to fulfill the course requirements of the 1st and 2nd semesters described above, and are NOT required to take any of the courses described below.

AMY101: Astronomy. Astronomy for Astrologers: We will learn the astronomical definition and description of: tropical and sidereal zodiac signs, various house systems, declination, and other astronomical phenomena and measurements that astrologers use. We will learn why a planet in the 12th house is sometimes above the horizon and sometimes below it, and why the Moon is usually not visually in the sky where an ephemeris gives its position. We will also discover why the time of a New Moon or an eclipse may be different according to astrologers and astronomers. We will also learn how ancient western astrologers used different ways of describing where the planets are from the way modern astrologers do. We will also learn the astronomical basis to various ways of progressing houses and the astronomical theory behind various systems of progression. We will also learn about how the understanding of the solar system has changed and what some of the implications for astrologers are. Many other issues in astronomy that are relevant to astrology will be covered.

AGY156: Fundamentals of Vedic Astrology. Vargas, dasas, yogas, whole sign houses, North Indian and South Indian wheels, nakshatras, planetary strengths, Vedic aspect system, identifying most important influences using Vedic methods. Emphasis is on how Vedic methods may be useful to modern western astrologers and the potential for incorporating these methods into modern western analytical methods.

AGY158: Medieval and Hellenistic Astrology II. Readings and materials from Lee Lehman, Rob Hand, Demetra George, Joseph Crane, Robert Schmidt and other astrologers who are actively uncovering ancient methods are studied. Because new material is being uncovered regarding ancient methods and translations of previously untranslated materials, poorly translated materials, and unpublished materials are becoming available every year, the subject material in this course will evolve as new information becomes available in the coming years.

AGY201: Scientific Research Study and Statistics. A closer look at the scientific method and statistical methods such as chi square, t-tests, and analysis of variance. Understanding different kinds of distributions of data, standard deviation, practical problems in developing control groups, and other issues in conducting research. Critical study of research studies of Gauequelin, Urban- Lurraine, Ann Parker, Merriman, Cochrane, and others to determine whether the research results are valid or spurious.

AGY202: Practicum and Interpretation 1. Perfecting astrological interpretation. Students interpret the charts of volunteers in the local area who come to class. Students perfect their counseling skills as well as astrological analysis by meeting with clients in these practice sessions. Students learn from one another as well as from the volunteers and instructor, as they develop advanced professional competency.

Comparing the techniques and methods of different schools of astrology provides valuable insights and depth of understanding. Students are encouraged to continue developing a system of astrological analysis and counseling style that is appropriate and suitable to their interests and abilities.

FOURTH SEMESTER

Students are required to complete 4 electives from the following list of courses. Availability of courses depends on student interest, emerging developments in astrology, and availability of qualified instructors.

BUS101: Business, Communication, and Computer Skills. Rules for writing effective letters, and addressing audiences, and teaching. Effective way of communication in business settings, such as in giving customer support, or in conducting business transactions and negotiations. Importance of body language, dress, and demeanor in communication. Cultural differences in communication and how to be effective in an international business world. Students receive intensive training in perfecting their grammar, spelling, and effectiveness as speakers, writers, negotiators, and consultants.

Business Skills: Learning the "tricks" and tips on starting a successful business and locating businesses that provide employment opportunities. Surprising information on priorities of employers when seeking employees, and opportunities and pitfalls of providing various kinds of astrological services. Everything from a review of what an amortization schedule is, getting loans and grants, to obtaining a business license or incorporating is covered.

This course is practical and covers many details that provide the student with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Graduates of Avalon cannot be guaranteed a successful career but this class is designed to give you every advantage possible, and to help prevent you from making many of the mistakes that others have made through trial and error.

Computer Skills: Practical guide on how to create a website. Use of accounting, database, spreadsheet, and graphic software programs for running a business, keeping records, and for creating files for advertising in magazines and publishing in books. This course takes the mystery out of computer terminology, and trains the student to be able to understand the advantages and disadvantages of different file formats, different kinds of software and hardware, and how certain hardware and software tools are used for various purposes. Students must be able to type reasonably well, operate software programs, and communicate effectively with computer experts to pass this course. If you are computer-phobic, keep in mind that this course will explain the facts of computer technology in clear and simple terms, from the ground up, so any student who carefully studies the material presented can pass this class.

AGY166: Psychological and Electional astrology. How Freudian psychodynamics such as tendency to repression, projection, and displacement can enhance astrological analysis, and how astrological influences are affected by environmental influences, other psychological concepts such as self-esteem, family dynamics, and other environmental and genetic influences interacting with astrological influences. Emphasis is on astrological interpretation using modern psychological theory, not on a study of psychology separate from astrological analysis.

Students are encouraged to see if modern psychological theory can enhance the interpretation of the birth chart and gain greater understanding of the client. Various psychological models and psychological therapeutic methods are explored. Research evidence on the influence of environment and genetics are studied. Scientific studies on the effectiveness of various psychological treatments are reviewed.

AGY171: Metaphysical and Scientific Astrology. Synthesizing from various traditions the methods that are best for you. Astrology by Edgar Cayce, the writings of Alice Bailey, and other theosophical and metaphysical authors. Historical evolution of astrology, and varying philosophies and trends throughout different time periods, including a detailed look at current views. Students are encouraged to develop a philosophical approach and set of technical methods that is most appealing to them and appropriate for their particular interests, and to perfect the approach that is most suitable, whether this be developing expertise to become a practicing Vedic astrologer, or a skeptic of astrology who applies scientific studies in an attempt to disprove astrology, or any other interest or application of astrology.

AGY256: Practicum II. Students apply the knowledge that they have learned in compatibility analysis by interviewing couples, comparing their insights with those of other students and the instructor, and feedback from the clients.

AGY258: Practicum III. Interviews and practice consultations with clients regarding relocation, electional questions, and business concerns enables students to perfect their ability to consult clients in these areas.

AGY260: Advanced Forecasting. Comparison of different forecasting methods, and advanced software features for seeing future trends. Various forms of progressions, directions, returns, and transits are studied. Methods used in cosmobiology, symmetrical, harmonics are applied and tested to determine which techniques appear to be most effective.

AGY265: Advanced Vedic. Practice in applying Vedic techniques for interpreting charts, and Vedic methods for selecting marriage partners and analyzing relationships.

AGY270: Cosmic Tapestry. Detailed study of an astrological system that integrates the use of harmonics, cosmobiology, symmetrical astrology, and insights from Vedic astrology and modern psychological astrology.

AGY275: Advanced Relocation. Practice in applying the principles of relocation enables students to become experts in advising clients regarding relocation. Non-astrological techniques and tools for analyzing demographics, economic data, climate, and other variables that are important in selecting the appropriateness of different places for the issues that concern clients.

AGY280: Special Topics in Classical Western. Guest speakers who are leading experts in classical western astrology present new insights and breakthroughs that can be useful for a practicing astrologer

AGY285: Special Topics in Modern Interpretation. Guest speakers who have expertise and insights in various areas of modern astrological techniques assist students in gaining a comprehensive understanding and expertise using these methods.

AGY290: Independent Study. Supervised study in a special topic approved by the instructor. Students are required to submit a final paper of publishable quality.

AGY295: Research Project. Students conduct a pilot research study, and implement the entire project from literature review, to stating a hypothesis, and carrying out the experimental procedure, and analyzing the results. Students also submit a paper on the reasons for selecting this research project, and the advantages and disadvantages of the research design that they have selected, as compared to other possible research projects.

AGY300: Financial and Business Astrology. Astrological methods for determining fluctuations in economic markets, and forecasting economic conditions for individuals, businesses, and nations.