Can You Major in Astrology?
While astrology majors aren’t yet offered in universities, college courses and online courses do exist. Here’s how to become an astrologer.
Whether you’re curious about learning how to predict your own monthly horoscope on your own or hoping to start up a professional business, learning astrology isn’t as simple as memorizing zodiac signs. Before pursuing an astrological academic path, it’s important to narrow down what type of astrology you’re hoping to learn. Are you interested in reading birth charts for clients or practicing mundane astrology, which analyzes world events? Once you’ve narrowed your interest down, there are a few steps you can take to embark on your astrological studies.
Astrology Major in College
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for becoming an astrologer. In the U.S., there are no options to be an astrology major in college. The University of Wales does have a Cultural Astronomy and Astrology MA program, but it is unclear if you’re learning to apply astrological techniques or more so reviewing its relevance throughout history. There are, however, many online astrology schools and teachers to study with. In ancient times, astrology was an oral tradition and passed down from teacher to student. Studying with an established teacher in the field is a great way to garner a solid foundation of this ancient art.
How to Become an Astrologer
Students of astrology all have unique paths. Here are a few steps to take once you’re ready to become an astrologer.
- Identify which type of astrology you’d like to study. There are different practices from Western and Vedic astrology to evolutionary astrology, which focuses on past life karma that influences your astrological make-up during this incarnation, to psychological astrology and Chinese BaZi astrology. Honing in on which type of astrology you’d like to learn is a must.
- Find a teacher whose work, practice, and ethics all resonate with you. You might want to even book a reading with the teacher before you sign up for their class. How does their communication style mesh with yours? Do you like how they interpreted your chart? Did they handle your session with care and hold space for you in a respectful and professional way? (Hint: Take a look at Mercury in your birth chart to learn more about your education and learning styles.)
- Join the community. Once you’re in a class, make sure to interact with your peers! The best way to learn about astrology is to live and breathe it. Start a journal and track the astrological transits as they unfold in your life. You can start to correlate specific events or energies with the deeper meaning of the transits. This is also great fodder to share with your astrology buddies. Dialoguing with others in the community who speak your language (the language of the stars!) is critical for your evolution and understanding of this complex practice.
Colleges With Astronomy Majors
There are many colleges throughout the world with amazing astronomy major programs. From UCLA to Harvard to the University of Texas, Austin, astronomy major programs are much easier to come by than astrology major programs.
Online Astrology Courses
With astrology making some serious waves in the pop culture world recently, there are more options than ever when it comes to where to study. Online astrology courses come in all shapes and sizes from studying with skeptic-turned-astrologer Sam Reynolds, who has been studying the stars for more than 25 years or joining an astrology community like Nina Davis’ free Natal + Home offering that goes over birth chart basics. Whether you choose to start out as self-taught or sign up for a course, joining a community is a wonderful way to learn more from others. Acyuta-bhava Das of Nightlight Astrology offers a year-long introductory course while Nina Gryphon’s offerings typically meld astrology with ancient magical practices.
FAQs
How long does it take to become an astrologer?
There isn’t a specific timeline for learning astrology. Like most things in life, some people pick it up quicker. It’s like learning a new language, some people adapt easier, and others need more time and practice. Foundational courses range from a few months to a year-long program. Astrology is the study of the sky, and just like the cosmos are endless, there is always more to learn.
What do you learn in astrology?
In most beginner Western astrology classes, you will learn how to interpret a birth chart. You will start to learn the archetypes behind the zodiac signs, what every one of the 12 houses in the birth chart represents, as well as meanings behind the planets. Once you have a stronger foundation of these three components, you will be in a better position to weave together the narrative of someone’s birth chart. You’ll also learn about aspects, which reveal the mathematical angles that different planets form with one another, and the type of energies associated with these combinations.
Do you need a license to practice astrology?
You do not need a license to practice astrology, but there are many certificate programs available. In the US, astrology isn’t accredited and is considered a pseudoscience. Many of the astrological organizations do offer certification and membership, such as the International Society for Astrological Research and the National Council for Geocosmic Research. Many organizations not only include education and exams as part of the process but also center on ethics. For example, are you trauma-informed? Do you know how to handle sensitive topics with care? Yes, there are ethics within the astrology community, and they should be taken seriously if you’re interested in carrying on this ancient art.
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