DIPLOMA PROGRAM: The TACC, Diploma Program: A Continuing Education Program. Consist of 10 courses, 450 total clock hours

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.

AGY157: Classical Horary and Electional Astrology. This course is a break from the rest of the courses! We learn a very different system of astrological interpretation that can be practiced as a distinct system from most of what we have learned in this course. We will learn how to answer basic questions using classical horary astrology and we will have reference materials to refer to for practicing horary astrology in the future.

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regarding ancient methods and translations of previously untranslated materials, poorly translated materials, and unpublished materials are becoming available every year, the subject material in this course will evolve as new information becomes available in the coming years.

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.

AGY251: Ethics and Counseling Skills (Part II). 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.

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.

Electives: Students are required to take 4 electives from the following list

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.