First Step...Getting Organized

So, you want to learn Astrology...

The study of Astrology is an all encompassing one and can get very hectic and overwhelming at times. In order to keep yourself on the right track here are some tips to help you along your way.

The first thing I did before beginning my studies was read, read, read! I looked for everything I could get my hands on (and understand). I found the Mountain Astrologer and read through it cover to cover, not understanding much, but finding it thoroughly enjoyable, giving me the thirst to learn more. I then picked up a few general books on the subject that I think would be excellent for any beginner: The Only Way to Learn Astrology by Marion March and Joan McEvers, Astrology for Yourself by Demetra George and Douglas Bloch, and The Inner Sky by Steven Forrest. Another Fascinating book gives us an idea of the Mythos behind the signs, where they come from and why they mean what they do. This book is called Archetypes of The Zodiac by Kathleen Burt. I'll discuss more advanced books later. NOTE: Clicking on any of the linked books will take you straight to my Bookstore where you can easily purchase them through my association with Amazon.com.

So now that you have done some reading you say you want to go on? The next thing you may want to do is check out some of the online/correspondence schools of astrology. Canopus Academy is my pick, but everyone needs to look for something that will suit their own needs. Check out some online sites for Schools of Astrology. There are also Professional Astrologers who take on students privately for teaching and mentoring. Below are some tips on searching for a school that will suit your needs:

First decide what you want from your Astrology education. Do you want to become professional? Are you interested in it as a hobby? Different schools are geared towards different levels of learning.
Check out each school. Write down what you like about each and what you don't like. This way you can do a pro and con analysis to make your final decision. See what each school offers. Do they have online tutorials? Are the lessons planned out in a way for step by step ease of understanding? Are the teachers well qualified? Is there Homework? There should be lots of it as practice is the only way to learn.
Write or e-mail The Principal or Director of each school. Is she or he eager to answer your questions? Does this seem like somebody who knows what he/she is talking about? Are they flexible in meeting your special needs?
Here is an all-important part of your decision...money. How much is the course? Are there flexible methods of payment? Do they take Credit cards? Is the entire fee expected up front? Just remember one thing, however, you get what you pay for and sometimes it is worth spending a little extra money to get the best all around education!

So, you're signed up for school...Now what?

Just like Attending any other school you have to get organized. I bought 2 large looseleaf binders. In one I have all of my printed lessons, homework, and logs of tutorial sessions. In the other I keep a KEYWORD book, any articles of interest pertaining to my studies, and tidbits of information found online or in one of my e-mail lists. Be forewarned, this book can become huge, so either keep a seperate Keyword book (A good idea) or get yourself one of those 3" Binders. I will be starting on my second 3" binder shortly. I like the looseleaf style books as I can easily take things out and put them back and arrange them the way I like.

Keep a list of sources and resources. I printed out a list of Astrology Sites that have helped me along the way and these are included in my Links Page. Join an online mailing list. Be careful, at first you will probably not understand most of what the lovely people on these lists are discussing, but one day you will and in the meantime there is a wealth of education there...along with some Humor that can really make your day sometimes <grin>. Also, be careful because these lists tend to produce a lot of mail which I still haven't found time to read all of.

Don't let yourself get overwhelmed. We can get so caught up in learning Astrology that it takes over our lives. DON'T LET IT!!! have a life, if you live, eat and breath Astrology every minute you will soon get overwhelmed or burned out. Take it nice and steady and remember to give yourself "Mental Fitness days" where you just put the astrology books away and go party! If you have a family don't forget about them...your tutors will understand and you can work at your own pace.

As you get further into your studies you will find yourself wanting to add more and more books to your library. One word of warning...books are addictive <g>. I use many of the Books I have gathered as reference material. I will read up on what I am studying or on a chart I am working on and use them to stimulate my intuition and knowledge. Below you will find a list of the books currently in my Astrology Library. All of them are available for purchase right here through association with Amazon.com. It's simple, just click on a book and it will take you directly to that book on Amazon's site. Hit your back button to return here to pick another book...that's all there is to it!