Professional Astrologer Training Curriculum

Diploma Program

Professional Astrologer

Training and Certification

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Enrollment Options

Self-Paced Option: Enroll in each course individually. Work through the courses in order, or select only those you’re interested in. Study at your own pace or sync up with a live cohort (check the curriculum for live dates).
Bundle Registration Option: Join us during our open registration period each summer and sign up for all 9 courses of one year. Take the courses in real time with a live cohort of students, or work through the courses at a pace that feels good for you. (We call this “bundle registration” and it opens next on July 15, 2024).

Individual Course Pricing: $295 (audit) / $350 (diploma-track)

Bundle Pricing (all 9 courses in a year): $2797 (diploma-track – pay in full or 10 payments of $285)
With bundle registration you commit to 9 courses in one year and get 9 courses for the price of 8.
Bundle pricing is available from July 15 to August 30 each year.

Please note that we cannot apply bundle pricing retroactively so if you decide to begin courses outside of the bundle registration period you will just pay individually for the courses.

If you are unsure if you can commit to all 9 courses, we recommend registering for each course a la carte.

YEAR ONE COURSES

Download the year-one reading list here.

YEAR TWO COURSES

YEAR THREE COURSES

YEAR FOUR COURSES

Course 1: Intro to Astrological Symbols

Instructor: Tony Howard

In this course you will learn the basic symbols necessary for deeper astrological study: 14 Planetary Symbols, 12 Signs, and 12 houses. If you’ve been ready to jump into learning astrology, and don’t know where to start, or you’re looking for a structured program that will help you feel confident practicing astrology for yourself or others, this is the perfect place to begin.

Week 1: Astrology, planetary archetypes and the wonder of the night sky
Week 2: The 12 signs as expressions of embodied experience
Week 3: The 12 Houses and intro to house systems
Week 4: Setting up a chart, using the ephemeris and survey of astrology software

In addition to getting an introduction to the signs and houses, you’ll learn how to set up a chart in an astrology program (includes demonstrations for Solar Fire, Win*Star, and Sirius), how to use the ephemeris, and how to choose a house system to begin your study.

Required texts: The Contemporary Astrologer’s Handbook by Sue Tompkins; Astrology: Using the Wisdom of the Stars in Your Everyday Life by Carole Taylor
Supplementary texts (optional): The Inner Sky by Steven Forrest; Horoscope Symbols by Robert Hand; Astrology for Yourself by Demetra George

Course includes: 6+ hours of instruction, four recorded Q&A sessions, discussion area, weekly reading assignments and homework, and monthly “office hours” for new students who register as self-paced. Video, audio and handouts are available to view and/or download.

$295 (audit) / $350 (diploma-track*)

Pre-recorded and available for instant access. You may register and start this course and get started today or wait for the next live cohort. You will have access to a discussion area to ask questions as you move through the course.

*Diploma-track option includes feedback on homework and an exam review. Audit students receive the same study materials and videos but do not receive personal feedback on their work.

TEST OUT OPTION: If you’ve been studying astrology for over a year, you may attempt to test out of Course One. Order the test here.

Course 2: The Elements, Modalities and Polarities

Instructors: Karen Hamaker-Zondag, Demetra George, Tony Howard, Safron Rossi

- - Week 1: The Elements and Modalities
  - Week 2: Sign Polarities
  - Week 3: Elemental Ruminations on Alchemical Fire, Earth, Air and Water
  - Week 4: The Sun and Moon

Required texts: The Contemporary Astrologer’s Handbook by Sue Tompkins; Astrology, Psychology and the Four Elements by Stephen Arroyo
Optional Texts: Earth and Air and Fire and Water by Darby Costello; Horoscope Symbols by Robert Hand; Psychological Astrology by Karen Hamaker-Zondag

Course includes: 6+ hours of instruction, four recorded Q&A sessions, discussion area, weekly reading assignments and homework, and monthly “office hours” for students who register as self-paced. Video, audio and handouts are available to view and/or download.

$295 (audit) / $350 (diploma-track*)

Pre-recorded and available for instant access. You may register and start this course and get started today or wait for the live Q&As during the above dates. You will have access to a discussion area to ask questions as you move through the course.

*Diploma-track option includes feedback on homework and an exam review. Audit students receive the same study materials and videos but do not receive personal feedback on their work.

TEST OUT OPTION: If you’ve been studying astrology for over a year, you may attempt to test out of this course. Order the test here.

Course 3: The Inner Planets – Mercury, Venus and Mars

Instructor: Tony Howard

In this course, we’ll explore the meaning and function of the planets of Mercury, Venus and Mars. You’ll learn about their archetypal dimensions, what they symbolize in the birth chart, and how to start interpreting them. Includes an exploration of these three personal planets through a range of chart examples.

Week 1: Mercury
Week 2: Venus
Week 3: Mars
Week 4: The Inner Planets in Action
Bonuses: Mercury and Venus with Steven Forrest & Mars Our Warrior Mars Our Destroyer with Darby Costello

Learn why astrologers also refer to the inner planets as personal planets and how they function as key components of our ego and identity. Discover their core astrological meanings and take first steps toward interpretation of these planets in the natal chart. Includes supplemental reading and regular Q&A sessions to help you integrate this important foundational material.

Required text: The Inner Planets by Liz Greene; The Contemporary Astrologer’s Handbook by Sue Tompkins

Course includes: 6+ hours of instruction, four recorded Q&A sessions, discussion area, weekly reading assignments and homework. Video, audio and handouts are available to view and/or download.

$295 (audit) / $350 (diploma-track*)

Pre-recorded and available for instant access. You may register and start this course and get started today or wait for the next live cohort. You will have access to a discussion area to ask questions as you move through the course.

*Diploma-track option includes feedback on homework and an exam review. Audit students receive the same study materials and videos but do not receive personal feedback on their work.

Course 4: The Social Planets – Jupiter and Saturn

Instructors: Darby Costello, Mark Jones, Tony Howard

In this course we will look at the correlations of the social planets – Jupiter and Saturn – with lived experience. Your instructors will outline what these gas giant planets symbolize and show you how to start interpreting them in the horoscope.

- - Week 1: Jupiter with Darby Costello
  - Week 2: Jupiter with Mark Jones
  - Week 3: Saturn with Mark Jones
  - Week 4: Saturn with Tony Howard
  - Bonus: Saturn Rulership of Aquarius with Tony Howard

You’ll learn why these are called the “social” planets, explore their core meanings, and take first steps in understanding them in the context of the natal chart.

Required texts: Saturn: A New Look at an Old Devil by Liz Greene; The Contemporary Astrologer’s Handbook by Sue Tompkins; Exploring Jupiter by Stephen Arroyo
Optional texts: Making the Gods Work for You by Caroline Casey (out of print and difficult/costly to find but available in inexpensive audio format. Not required but good supplemental material.)

Course includes: 6+ hours of instruction, three recorded Q&A sessions, weekly reading assignments and homework. Video, audio and handouts are available to view and/or download.

$295 (audit) / $350 (diploma-track*)

*Diploma-track option includes feedback on homework and an exam review. Audit students receive the same study materials and videos but do not receive personal feedback on their work.

Course 5: The Luminaries – The Sun and the Moon

Instructors: Tony Howard, Safron Rossi, Lynn Bell, and Karen Hamaker-Zondag

- - Week 1: The Sun’s meaning and context with Lynn Bell; The Sun and the Hero’s Journey with Safron Rossi
  - Week 2: The Sun through the signs with Tony Howard
  - Week 3: The Moon’s meaning and context with Lynn Bell; The Moon and Symbols of the Great Mother Goddess with Safron Rossi
  - Week 4: The Moon through the signs with Tony Howard; Sun, Moon and Ascendant with Karen Hamaker-Zondag
  - Bonus: Intro to Rulership with Tony Howard

Required texts: The Luminaries by Liz Greene; The Contemporary Astrologer’s Handbook by Sue Tompkins
Supplementary texts: Sun Sign, Moon Sign by Charles Harvey and Suzy Harvey; Planetary Symbolism in the Horoscope by Karen Hamaker-Zondag

Course includes: 8+ hours of instruction, four Q&A sessions, weekly reading assignments and homework. Video, audio and handouts are available to view and/or download.

$295 (audit) / $350 (diploma-track*)
Pre-recorded and available for instant access. You may register and start this course and get started today or wait for the next live cohort. You will have access to a discussion area to ask questions as you move through the course.

*Diploma-track option includes feedback on homework and an exam review. Audit students receive the same study materials and videos but do not receive personal feedback on their work

Course 6: The Outer Planets – Uranus, Neptune and Pluto

Instructors: Jessica Murray and Tony Howard

In this course we will explore the meaning of the outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. We’ll explore the core themes and archetypal dynamics related to these powerful planets that Howard Sasportas calls the “gods of change.” We’ll apply what we learn to a core group of charts and through homework exercises begin to speak the language of the outer planets.

- - Week 1: Uranus – Jessica Murray
  - Week 2: Neptune – Jessica Murray
  - Week 3: Pluto – Jessica Murray
  - Week 4: Generational Signatures with Tony Howard

Required texts: The Gods of Change by Howard Sasportas; Prometheus the Awakener by Richard Tarnas
Optional audio book: Making the Gods Work for You by Caroline Casey

Course includes: 6+ hours of instruction, four Q&A sessions, weekly reading assignments and homework. Video, audio and handouts are available to view and/or download.

$295 (audit) / $350 (diploma-track*)

*Diploma-track option includes feedback on homework and an exam review. Audit students receive the same study materials and videos but do not receive personal feedback on their work.

**Course 7: Introduction to Cosmos and Psyche and Archetypal Astrology**

Instructors: Tony Howard and Safron Rossi

In this course we’ll read one of the most important astrology texts of our times as we explore the archetypal approach to astrology. Cosmos and Psyche is a richly layered text and a powerful demonstration of planetary aspect theory at work. Drawing on years of research, Richard Tarnas reveals the connection between planetary cycles and archetypal experience on Earth.

This book is considered difficult to approach by some, both in its volume, but also in its depth and thoroughness. Your instructors will help make the profound concepts in the book more accessible to you and as you uncover its rich and inspiring message.

We won’t have time to read the entire book in this first of two four-week courses on the subject, so we will focus on the Saturn-Pluto chapters to examine some of the resonant themes of the current times. Professor Safron Rossi will guide us through the first three sections, in which we see the value of astrology as an antidote to destructive existential and mechanistic thinking in addition to learning how to see and engage with the living archetypal world.

Required text: Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas

Course includes: 6+ hours of instruction, four Q&A sessions, weekly reading assignments and homework. Video, audio and handouts are available to view and/or download.

Next Live Q&A Sessions: March 31 at 11:30am, April 7 at 3pm, April 14 at 11:30am, April 21 at 11am(all times Pacific time)
$295 (audit) / $350 (diploma-track*)
Pre-recorded and available for instant access. You may register and start this course and get started today or wait for the next live cohort. You will have access to a discussion area to ask questions as you move through the course.

*Diploma-track option includes feedback on homework and an exam review. Audit students receive the same study materials and videos but do not receive personal feedback on their work

Course 8: The Houses – Exploration and Application

Instructors: Tony Howard and Kelly Surtees

Join Kelly and Tony for a rich and full exploration of the astrological houses. We’ll learn how the different house systems are calculated, the meanings of the houses from ancient to modern traditions, and how to use house rulership.

Week 1: House Systems – Calculation and Use with Tony
Week 2: House Topics from Ancient to Modern with Kelly
Week 3: House Rulership with Kelly
Week 4: House Rulership Applied with Tony

Required texts: The Houses – Temples of the Sky by Deborah Houlding; A Handbook for the Humanistic Astrologer by Michael Meyer; The Twelve Houses by Howard Sasportas
Optional supplemental text: The Elements of House Division by Ralph William Holden; House Keywords and More by Michael Munkasey

Course includes: 6+ hours of instruction, three Q&A sessions, weekly reading assignments and homework. Video, audio and handouts are available to view and/or download.

Next Live Q&A Sessions: May 5 at noon, May 12 at 2:30pm, May 19 at 9am, and May 26 at 2:30pm (all times Pacific time)

$295 (audit) / $350 (diploma-track*)
Pre-recorded and available for instant access. You may register and start this course and get started today or wait for the live Q&As during the above dates. You will have access to a discussion area to ask questions as you move through the course.

*Diploma-track option includes feedback on homework and an exam review. Audit students receive the same study materials and videos but do not receive personal feedback on their work.

Course 9: Chart Synthesis 101 – Planet, Sign and House Blends

Instructors: Tony Howard, Steven Forrest and Karen Hamaker-Zondag
Synthesis refers to the ability to combine astrological symbols for nuanced interpretation and understanding of chart dynamics. In this course you’ll learn how to blend archetypes beginning with Sun and Moon blends. You’ll learn basic “keyword blending” and take the first steps in learning how to “hear” aspects in a person’s biographical material.

Week 1: Steven Forrest – Putting a Planet in a Sign and a House
Week 2: Tony Howard – Keyword Blending
Week 3: Steven Forrest – Sun/Moon Blends
Week 4: Tony Howard – Making Strides with Synthesis
Bonus Lesson: Karen Hamaker-Zondag – First Steps to Synthesis

Required Texts: Key Words for Astrology by Hajo Banzhof and Anna Haebler; Planetary Symbolism in the Horoscope by Karen Hamaker-Zondag
Optional Texts: Sun Sign, Moon Sign by Charles and Suzi Harvey; The Modern Textbook of Astrology by Margaret Hone; The Contemporary Astrologer’s Handbook by Sue Tompkins

Course includes: 6+ hours of instruction, three Q&A sessions, weekly reading assignments and homework. Video, audio and handouts are available to view and/or download.

Next Live Q&A Sessions for 2024: June 9 at 9am, June 16 at 1pm, June 23 at 9am, June 30 at noon (all times Pacific time)
$295 (audit) / $350 (diploma-track)

*Diploma-track option includes feedback on homework and an exam review. Audit students receive the same study materials and videos but do not receive personal feedback on their work.

In-Person Summer Retreat

July 20-21, 2024 in Boulder, CO

Join us for our annual in-person summer retreat. You’ll get to know other students in the program and have fun deepening your learning experience.

This retreat is open to students in any year of the program who have completed at least 4 courses. This retreat includes a graduation ceremony for the year-four students.

Register Now!

YEAR ONE COMPLETION DEADLINE

Our deadlines are “suggested” for those that wish to keep on pace with their cohort. To keep up with your cohort, all year-one homework and exams should be submitted by July 30 if you are continuing on to year two in real time (starting in August).

You have the option at any point to slow down and work at your own pace, taking each course “a la carte”, with access to the Q&A recordings, and real-time support through the discussion portal.

Q&A Video Recording availability

Please note that if you are working at your own pace, you may encounter courses in which the recorded Q&A sessions have been removed due to privacy. This usually occurs right before the next live cohort begins that course (about a year from the previous start date of the course). You will instead see links for the live Q&A sessions. You are welcome to attend the live Q&A sessions even if you are not caught up or a part of that particular cohort. We are not able to provide you with any recorded Q&A sessions past the date we take them off the site. However, all current Q&A videos will be available for approximately 10 months from the time of their recording. Thank you for your understanding.

Student Feedback: AstroU Lights the Way

"I've been doing self-study in astrology for at least 4 consecutive years now. For some of those years I studied with two astrology teachers––but nothing has been as synthesizing, thorough, and clear as the classes that are offered at Astrology University...often it's hard when you start out to discern what's what––it's partly the beauty and beast of so much unregulated content on the internet. AstroU helps to highlight a path forward with a multivalent approach from vetted Astro-experts.

I have found every course that I've taken encouraging of the student's individual instincts. It's the perfect blend of teaching/exposure without being didactic and an active cultivation/nurturance of a student's confidence in their own practice. It's a beautiful thing."

Jenny Chu

United States

Student Feedback: My Mind is Expanding

"I am incredibly impressed with the Astrology U certification program. The caliber of presentations, the breadth of reading material, the support of both Q&As and student support and availability, the expertise of the instructors—all of it is just outstanding.

I was certified by another school in 1997, and I can say that even in Course 1 of this first year, I am getting so much new information and unique insight through Astrology U, simply by virtue of the quality of the program. Even at the very basic level of Course 1, I’m seeing an entirely new astrological landscape and it’s so exciting! I’m convinced that my astrological mind is expanding entirely due to the approach Astrology U has taken to educating us. "

Jill Z.

United States

ABOUT COURSE ENROLLMENT

Our program courses are offered a la carte (open enrollment any time) or in 9-course bundles (open July 15 to August 30 annually).

Enroll any time and complete the course at your own pace or wait for summer enrollment to join a cohort.

Get your questions answered at any time – whether the course is live or pre-recorded.

All diploma-track students get direct feedback and response to questions.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship applications are open each year from July 15 through August 8.

The scholarship application period is now closed for 2023. Please check back next year when we open the applications again in July 2024.

We offer three scholarships for our four-year program:

Our Financial Need Scholarship is open to any applicant based solely on financial need. In your application you’ll let us know what you are able to afford to pay for a course in our four-year training program. We provide up to 15 of these scholarships annually.

Our Black and North American indigenous/First Nations Scholarship has a specific reparations intention. This scholarship is limited to black, African American, Native American, First Nations/North American indigenous people. We recognize systemic racial oppression in our culture applies to many people and groups, but we intentionally wanted to do more for these particular groups due to our complex and tragic history of slavery and genocide in the United States. Our Black and North American indigenous/First Nations Scholarship is a full-ride scholarship through our certification-track program. We provide 5 of these scholarships annually.

The Donna Cunningham Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is granted once a year in the amount of $1,200 to students who are social workers or licensed therapists, or pursuing an academic degree in either field.

How to Apply: The application period for the 2023-24 school year is now closed. If you applied for a scholarship, we will notify you by August 15 so that if you don’t receive a scholarship, you will have plenty of time to take advantage of our bundle registration special which is available through August 30.