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2006 CONFERENCE LECTURES

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VERENA BACHMANN
Wholeness and Separation: the 6th & 12th Houses, being a-part of Different Worlds
Both the 6th and 12th houses symbolise an existential part of our reality – they stand for the inner and the outer world, the yearning for wholeness and the need for separation, the world
of being and the world of doing. Yet the union of both are needed in order to be a healthy, functioning individual in a greater whole and in the myths of Parsifal and the Prodigal Son we can hear echoes of their true meaning. In this extended lecture will explore the different levels and meanings of these houses as well as the planets that are connected to them. We will work mainly with the birth- chart, but also include transits and progressions in these houses. (Horoscope Synthesis and Symbols)

The Houses of Learning: the Mutable Houses of the Horoscope
Although only the 3rd House usually is connected with learning, all four mutable Houses in their own way suggest the process of learning. This process is different in each of the houses, concerning the type of energies involved as well as the area of life and the evolutionary step we are asked to take. In this lecture we will explore in depth, the houses 3,6, 9, & 12, and their specific part and meaning in the learning process. (Horoscope Synthesis and Symbols)

Working with the Composite Chart
The alchemy of a relationship is evident in the composite chart. In this master class we will look at the dynamics of a composite chart and how transits reveal significant turning points in the relationship. (Master Class -The Astrology of Human Relationship)

Transits of the Lunar Nodes
The Lunar Nodal axis mirrors the unfolding of our karmic journey as it retrogrades through the chart in its 18½-year cycle. There is very little published on the topic of nodal transits, so Anne has designed this master class to facilitate deeper understanding of this vital topic. After defining and discussing the effect of the Lunar Nodes through the signs and houses -and their relationship to the eclipse cycles, Anne will conduct an experiential class, inviting some participants to share relevant nodal experiences with the group. (Master Class - Cycles Trends and Forecasting)

TESS CULLEN
Hygeia, Goddess of Healing
The asteroid Hygeia is the embodiment of the archetypal feminine healer and wise women. Hygeia’s symbolic glyph is the caduceus and her lineage is in the healing arts. Her father Asclepius, a renowned healer of ancient times, trained her as the nurse who is ‘hands on’ as the practical assistant in life or death. She is the herbalist with an innate understanding of the medicinal plant world and the naturopath who gently guides and nourishes our vitality. In this lecture we will explore the influences when Hygeia is prominently placed in or transiting a chart? (Supplementary Techniques)

The Zodiac Walk
Tired of the logical mind doing all the work! The moment we engage our body, knowledge is assimilated in many non-verbal ways. When we are consciously stimulated through a physical experience we unlock the intuitive senses and aid our ability to learn and understand. Experience the 12 signs of the zodiac through the use of creative techniques, movement and visual imagery and notice your responses. Whether beginner or advanced this walk will release knowledge stored in the unconscious and provide a different way to access your understanding of the intrinsic themes of the zodiac. (Horoscope Symbols and Synthesis)

DEMETRA GEORGE
Guidelines for Effective Astrological Consultations
Or how to get in and out of a chart in one hour and say something meaningful!
Drawing from your toolbox of dozens of techniques, how do you select, synthesise and structure a session that makes a clear statement about the client's life purpose and actually addresses the issues that brought him or her to your consulting room? Learn how to allow the language of astrology itself to guide your process, rather than your intuition. (Horoscope Symbols and Synthesis)

Is Marriage "In the Stars" For You?
Learn how the techniques of Hellenistic astrology determines if your chart is wired for marriage. Do you have the capacity for relationship, and if so, what does the chart say about whether it will turn out beneficial or unfortunate? What is the bottom line in what you need specifically from a partner and how likely will you be able to find the right fit? And, are you the right fit for your partner? Join Demetra for an insightful and thought provoking lecture, and be warned that this talk is not for the fainthearted. (Extended Lecture - The Astrology of Human Relationship)

When Will Marriage Occur, Hellenistically Speaking?
Learn two simple but powerful Hellenistic timing techniques - planetary periods and ascensional times of the signs - to determine a set of target dates at which marital activity is mostly likely to occur (no prior of Hellenistic astrology is necessary). This will be a hands-on class wherein you will apply these methods of evaluation and timing on your own chart and/or that of your past, present, or future hopeful love interest. (Master Class - Supplementary Techniques)

Mythology and Archetypal Astrology
Drawing from ancient philosophy, myths, artistic symbolism and depth psychology, Demetra will explore how and why the mind makes myth, and then projects these images upon the celestial bodies which in turn reflect back meaning at the moment of birth, shaping human lives and behaviour. (Spirit of Astrological Education – special lecture)

PETA HIGH
Midpoint Magic
This lecture presents midpoints for those who think they add nothing to interpretation as well as those who think that midpoints are just too much effort to use. Neither point of view is realistic as once there is an understanding of midpoints the reward is huge for not a lot of effort. This lecture will introduce a simple explanation of the technique with example charts to enthuse the uninterested and the beginner. (Horoscope Symbols and Synthesis)

Harmonics without Tears
Harmonics have an undeservedly daunting reputation. In fact, they are simple to understand and use! Anyone for whom numbers are meaningful will love them and for the rest of us they are a fantastic short cut to the nitty-gritty of what makes any of us tick. Perhaps we should all learn harmonics first and only use the First Harmonic (the natal chart) when we have isolated our component parts! (Supplementary Techniques)

Midpoint Synastry
This is an opportunity to get into an undervalued synastry technique which, although very simple, adds hugely to the information about the dynamics of any relationship. New, and often surprising, energy patterns emerge between those involved which can explain much that may have been confusing about what is really happening in a relationship. Participants own midpoint synastry is looked at along with some examples of 'Disastrous Relationships' in which the midpoints tell a clear story. (Master Class - The Astrology of Human Relationship)

MAGGIE KERR
Exploring the Transpersonal Dimensions of the Horoscope
Forging the link between the soul centered (esoteric) and ego/personality dimensions (exoteric) of the horoscope is vital in these times of accelerated evolution, as more people experience crisis and confusion in their daily lives. This lecture explores this link and examines the transits of Chiron, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto in the process of transformation from our lower nature, to a more inspired experience where our challenges become our "alchemical gold". (Horoscope Symbols and Synthesis)

The Wonders & Workings of Eclipses
Eclipses of the Sun and the Moon are common phenomena within the cosmic features that regulate natural growth cycles in our world. So why is it that these visual events more than any other have always held fascination and fear since ancient times? Is it indeed because they are the triggers heralding challenge and discomfort which so often accompany our growth? Or is there a much more subtle and complex series of forces at work? (Cycles, Trends & Forecasting)

Overview of the Planets from a Psycho-emotional Perspective
Working with Maggie's version of the "planetary tree" and the Transactional Analysis model, we are able to simply and effectively identify the core beliefs and resultant behaviours which "run" us. (Master Class - Supplementary Techniques)

RODERICK KIDSTON
The Asteroid Iris: Rainbow Messenger
A talk on asteroids, focused on Iris and the value of this particular asteroid as an additional symbol of the workings of the mind and its impact on the world. Given the symbolism involved, the title will probably have something about rainbows in it. (Horoscope Symbols and Synthesis)

Harmonics and the Thirteen Harmonic
A master class on harmonics which will probably look at linking the layers of meaning revealed by harmonic charts with the evolutionary spiral of consciousness proposed by spiral dynamics theory. If one harmonic is to be singled out, it will probably be H13 given the strong evolutionary, almost 'destiny' sense revealed in this pattern. (Master Class - Supplementary Techniques)

HAKAN KIRKOGLU
Quality of Mind: A Traditional Way of Looking at the Mind
Ancient astrological methods give us a valuable and clear-cut tool to know more about the workings of your mind. Do you have a martial mind like Hitler or a mercurial one like Mozart? By considering the significators of mind (Moon, Mercury and Ascendant) and their essential dignities, we have a broader perspective on the way our mind functions and its facility to integrate with the collective planets. (Horoscope Symbols and Synthesis)

From Stoics to Sufism: An Astrological Rumi
Stoic philosophy, originated by the ancient Greeks, is historically central to our understanding of astrology as it provides us major clues to the pursuit of happiness and the distinction between free will and fate. Islamic thought and its esoteric avenues also contain this wisdom through the universal teachings of Sufism. Reflecting on insights from Rumi's birthchart and his philosophy we will arrive at a new synthesis and a larger perspective that inspires our understanding of astrology. (Astrological Overviews: History, Philosophy & Practice)

NEVILLE LANG
How the Vedic Dasas Shed Light on both Current and Future Trends in a Chart
This lecture will focus on the Vedic vimshottari dasa system and how it is used to ascertain the primary areas of a chart that are brought into focus at a particular time in life. This system acts as a background matrix in a chart and points to the current and future trends in the life of a person. When coupled with transits, a chart’s dynamics really begin to be revealed. This dasa system is very sensitive to birth times and so it can be used as an additional tool for rectification. A number of example charts will be given to demonstrate the value of these dasas. (Cycles, Trends & Forecasting)

How to get to the Heart of a Chart in Minutes using a Vedic Systematic Approach
There is often the need to quickly get to the heart of a natal chart and the current transits in order to understand what astrological factors are signifying the current issues in the life of a person. The Systems’ Approach to Vedic astrology is one such system that enables you to do just that. There is a focus on determining a planet’s functional nature as well as its strength or weakness in a chart. Once skilled in this Vedic system it only takes minutes to quickly see where a chart’s weaknesses and strengths lie as well as to see when, in time, these weaknesses or strengths will be activated. This class will take you through this systematic process so that you can apply it to your own set of charts.
(Master Class – Horoscope Symbols and Synthesis)

LEE LEHMAN
Prediction of US Presidential Elections: Empirical Models
The record of correct predictions of astrologers for each presidential election is embarrassingly bad. The attempt to call the election based on transits, progressions and other such techniques to the natal chart is very subjective. The outcome of a political election is a mundane question. Lee will present quantitative models that she has developed for the US presidential elections and some ideas about how these might be adapted to the process in other countries. (Cycles, Trends & Forecasting)

The Discovery of the Outer Planets: A History
When one actually studies how the Outer Planets were discovered, and then examines how astrologers came to use the Outer Planets, one finds that the modern astrological myths about the application of meaning really don't tell the whole story. The gap between the Discovery of the Outer Planets and their astrological applications shows a great deal about the nature of the astrological process, and about any one generation of astrologer's attitudes toward science, astronomy, and innovation. (Astrological Overviews: History, Philosophy & Practice)

The Role of History in an Astrological Education
In an era where Astrology is re-entering the academy, just how important is it for the practicing astrologer to know astrological history? History reveals many lessons for us, about how astrology integrates with cultures, about the logic of the development of techniques, about how skepticism hasn't changed much in over two thousand years, and how rigorous logic can still result in an astrologically-friendly universe. (Spirit of Astrological Education - special lecture)

Choosing Horary or Choosing Natal: A Decision Methodology
One of the most important decisions the practising astrologer faces constantly is what techniques to apply to the particular situation presented when the client walks in the door. Lee will argue that the "one size fits all" approach, where only one set of techniques is applied to all comers, is not the optimal approach. She will present models for how to select different solutions to what may otherwise seem like the same problem. (Master Class - Astrological Overviews: History, Philosophy & Practice)

JEANNETTE LEWIS HILL
Mercury: Mind of the Learner
Mercury and the 3rd / 9th house axis give valuable clues to how we learn and the most appropriate style of learning for an individual. In the lecture we will take an overview of Mercury physically and symbolically, look at its placements, and draw on experiences tutoring dyslexic children. We will test the premises of Mercury’s phase-influences, and finally take a quick look at Mercury in mundane charts: to what extent does it express the national mentality? (Horoscope Symbols and Synthesis)

CHARYN McLEAN
Astrology and Fertility
Many couples experiencing problems with infertility turn to technology such as IVF, however, others want to work with less intrusive and natural methods. This lecture will include the following: calculating the lunar fertility cycle, using the natal and composite charts for diagnosing karmic/psychological blocks, how to use natal the chart as a diagnostic tool for selecting appropriate remedies, and using midpoints to locate potential pregnancy problems.

JEANNIE MONKS
The Yod -Your Life's Mission
A Yod indicates special esoteric, spiritual and soul energies latent within an individual, which are activated by planetary cycles at a time when one is ready to evolve in higher awareness and consciousness. These are times in one's life of major turning points and unexpected insights. The Yod is a true 9th House experience, because of its higher vision. It resembles the bow of the centaur with its 'Axis of Awareness' being the arrow awaiting its time for release towards higher spiritual truths. In this lecture, Jeannie will take you on an in-depth exploration of how to unlock the Yod's hidden mysteries. (Horoscope Symbols and Synthesis)

Soul Agreements in Synastry:
The Astrology of Relationships reveals how and why we are attracted to certain individuals to fulfill our destinies. Learn what part you are playing in these karmic connections especially through the higher octaves of the Outer Planets to Inner Planets; and how to have a true spiritual connection with a significant other! "In learning the astrology of relationships, we can identify and release the misunderstandings that separate us from each other, by understanding the deep inner purpose of our unions. " (The Astrology of Human Relationship)

ALICE PORTMAN
Duads: The Secret of Attraction
Have you ever wondered how unrequited love is shown in chart comparison? Or why some couples seem to break all known astrological rules to have a long and happy marriage? Why synastry can show a passionate relationship but all you feel is friendship? The answer may be the Duads, divisions of the zodiac into 2 ½ degrees, forming a mini-zodiac in each sign. They are important in genetic astrology and describe what has been inherited in the family line. In this Master Class we will discover the basic rules of the Duad system and how to apply them to all types of relationships. (The Astrology of Human Relationship)

Age Harmonics
John Addey first presented the concept of Harmonics in his book Harmonics in Astrology (1976). The book is profound, and even after purchasing it in the late ‘70’s and after frequent reading I am still discovering new ways harmonic principles can be applied. I will present harmonics through the understanding of Age Harmonics. All aspects are based on harmonic resonance; each year of your life unfolds a new harmonic, which needs to be incorporated into your life. Planetary harmonics can tune the chart so finely that you can use them for rectification. (Horoscope Symbols and Synthesis)