What is Astrology

The field or the concept of Astrology has emerged from the belief and faith of people who remain orthodox to the traditional aspect of prediction. Today, Astrology is considered the science of stars, planets, and celestial bodies to extract information about people’s lives, human happenings, future, and other earthly topics.

It is a specialized field of knowledge but, very few have that specialized knowledge and are considered to be experts in it. In ancient times, people used to carry out various practices that have been today given the name of Astrology. As a result, it has become a specialized subject that can be acquired by students by pursuing courses in Astrology.

Before selecting an astrologer, however, you must first determine what type of information you’re seeking. In astrology, as it is with so many other professions, specialization can make an important difference

How to Become an Astrologer

There is no one path to becoming an astrologer. Currently, anyone can work in this field without having to apply for a license or complete training. Most astrologers are self-taught and hone their skills through practice. However, you may pursue a degree in astrology or take courses to learn more about the zodiac signs, planetary positions and other relevant topics.

For example, the American Federation of Astrologers (AFA) has several training programs that teach students to write horoscopes, assess event charts and more. AFA-certified astrologers have access to a monthly journal, educational resources and discounts on astrology books, among other perks. As a member, you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and attend exclusive events.

This career path requires continuous learning, points out the Organization for Professional Astrology (OPA). Try to find a mentor, attend local classes and complete an apprenticeship. OPA also recommends pursuing a degree in astrology or a related field and working closely with other astrologers. Later, you may choose a specialty practice, such as horary or medical astrology, and start your own business. Additional education is available from the National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR) and the International Society for Astrological Research (ISAR).

Best Programs and Courses to Become Astrophysicist

1. Kepler College

Kepler College is authorized by the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board and meets the requirements and minimum standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree Authorization Act.

Degrees offered: 

Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts in: Eastern and Western Traditions, The History, Philosophy and Transmission of Astrology

Kepler offers academics and astrologers alike a unique opportunity to participate in a challenging liberal studies curriculum that includes the critical examination and analysis of the history and development of cultural interpretations of cosmology in both Western and Eastern cultures over the past 3,000 years, and how cosmological viewpoints influenced and was influenced by the cultures in which they developed.

For those Kepler College graduates who choose to pursue a career related to astrological studies, many opportunities are available as researchers, teachers, writers and consultants. Statistics from a July 1997 Life magazine article indicated that there were over 5,000 professional astrologers in the United States and the annual market for astrology books was around $20 million. In 2005, those numbers have nearly doubled according to web searches of U.S. Department of Labor and book sales figures.

Kepler’s structure allows you to study at home – 

at days and times that fit into your schedule. Each fall, there is also a 5-day in-person intensive symposium conference, which allows students to interact with each other, their faculty members and the public. There are online classes as well.

2. NCGR-Professional Astrologers’ Alliance

The NCGR-Professional Astrologers’ Alliance (NCGR-PAA) is a newly-formed trade organization of certified, professional, and professionally-aspiring astrologers. Founded in 2008 as both an adjunct and outgrowth of NCGR, it continues NCGR’s ongoing mission of building community through astrological research and education by focusing specifically on professional enhancement for its members. The NCGR-PAA will now administer under its jurisdiction the original NCGR testing and certification program as well as help its members develop and enlarge their practices in an ethical, business-like, and professional manner. For non-practicing astrologer members, NCGR-PAA will offer ethical and professional guidelines for possible future use.

The NCGR-PAA Curriculum and Certification Program is divided into four progressive levels LI, LII, LIII, LIV. The first three levels require testing supervised in person by NCGR-PAA exam monitors. Part of Level III and all of Level IV are take- home tests. The only exception to monitored testing is when a particular school has gained equivalency to any of the first three exams; Level IV must always be taken through the NCGR-PAA Examiners.

Those who have successfully passed the Level III examination can apply for college credits at Kepler College, the only college in the Western Hemisphere that is authorized to offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in astrological studies.

3. AFA-The American Federation of Astrologers

The American Federation of Astrologers takes pride in its examination and certification program, which has been in existence since 1960. It was designed – and continues to this day – to promote AFA’s educational mission and the advancement of ethical astrology.

Candidates are not limited to any one system of mathematics, house cusp division, or school of study. Each, however, must demonstrate a high level of accuracy in chart calculation and interpretation.

AFA offers exams in natal astrology at three levels of proficiency: student, professional, and teacher. Each of these is a separate examination, and you must pass the student exam before taking the professional exam, and pass the professional exam before taking the teacher exam.

The requirements and expertise needed to prepare for each exam are as follows:

Student Exam:

You will be required to erect mathematically correct natal and progressed charts. Your calculations, including rough notes, must be turned in with test papers at the conclusion of the exam. House cusps and planetary positions must be corrected to the nearest minute. The exam may include questions and calculations for south latitude and east longitude. In addition, you will be required to calculate the natal and progressed declinations and to complete an aspectarian. The interpretation sections of the exam are designed to demonstrate your ability in natal chart delineation as well as your forecasting ability using progressions and transits. Duration: 8 hours.

Professional Exam: 

The same basic requirements as for the student exam are included in the professional exam. In addition you will be required to demonstrate a more comprehensive ability in chart delineation. This includes a fuller, more intensive report on forecasting events as portrayed by progressions and transits, your counseling ability and your general astrological knowledge. Duration: 8 hours.

Teacher Exam: 

The same knowledge required by the student and professional exams is necessary. However, much more emphasis is placed on theory: a working knowledge of chart calculation, the various branches of astrology, and astrological terms and techniques. Duration: 8 hours.

For all exams your delineation must demonstrate knowledge of the root principles of signs, houses and planets by illustrating your astrological premise with a written explanation. When answering questions be sure to include the astrological basis for your delineation in parentheses; for example, “The native is practical, stable and dependable (Sun in Taurus), but also far more free-spirited than is typical of this Sun sign (Sun conjunct Uranus).” In addition, the ability to quickly recognize aspects and orbs as stated in the exam is emphasized.

Each exam is designed to be completed within eight hours. Depending upon your level of expertise you may not need the full time period available but should plan for it. Be sure to carefully follow the exam instructions and to allow enough time to review your work.

The examinations are given in the spring and fall, and during AFA conventions. The registration deadline for all applications is one month prior to the date of the exam. There are NO exceptions. Please print and complete the form below and fax or mail your application and waiver form along with a credit card number, check or money order. The fee for each examination is $25 for members and $50 for non-members.

AFA accredited astrologers

Proper and skilled interpretation of your chart by the astrologer is the key to unlocking the meaning of your horoscope. If you’re seeking advice regarding finances, you should use an astrologer experienced in that area. For example, an astrologer who specializes in natal horoscopes may not be the right one to use when seeking information on which to base financial decisions.

Also, be sure to seek out only those astrologers with accreditation (our testing program is one of the most, if not the most, rigorous in the industry). While accreditation doesn’t necessarily guarantee success, it will go a long way toward helping you avoid the inexperienced, and the untrained.

AFA refers interested people only to its accredited astrologers. They are listed here along with their accreditation level, which is explained below:

AMAFA

Advanced Member of AFA: An astrologer who has met the required interpretation of basic natal and forecasting techniques and has demonstrated a thorough knowledge of how to set up a mathematically correct chart.

PMAFA

Professional Member of AFA: An astrologer who has mastered not only the basics but who has also acquired a comprehensive ability to read a horoscope. This person has also demonstrated a broad knowledge of the root principles of signs, houses, and planets, and has an understanding of the fuller significance of events.

PTMAFA

Professional Teacher Member of AFA: A professional astrologer with the knowledge necessary to train others.

LAMAFA, LPMAFA, LPTMAFA

Life Member of AFA: This denotes a member who is also a Life Member of the AFA.

4. The Avalon School of Astrology

The Avalon School of Astrology was established as a Florida Corporation in the year 2002, and in the same year 501(c)(3) non-profit status was granted by the federal government. A license to operate as a post-secondary vocational school was granted by the Commission for Independent Education by the state of Florida on the 12th of February 2003. The school opens its doors and the first classes begin in August, 2003.

The mission of The Avalon School of Astrology is to produce graduates who have an extensive knowledge of a great number of astrological traditions and schools of thought, and to successfully apply at least one system of astrology in analyzing and counseling clients, and in other fields that require astrological expertise, such as teaching, speaking, writing, entertainment (parties, cruises, etc.) and in information services such as web sites that feature astrological services and sales and support of astrological software.

The student who fulfills all requirements and graduates from The Avalon School of Astrology will master a vast vocabulary of technical astrological terms, and be able to effectively and competently employ this knowledge of astrology. The goal of The Avalon School of Astrology is to produce graduates who represent a new kind of astrology for the 21st century, an astrology that is ethical and based on academically rigorous study. The student receives practical and specific training that enables the graduating student to succeed in a career that utilizes the expertise gained at The Avalon School of Astrology.

5. OCA- International Academy of Astrology (formerly Online College of Astrology)

Online classes, video tutorials, and live chat.

Graduates of IAA’s Professional Training Department earn automatic credits in several internationally recognized educational and certification programs:

• Kepler College of Astrological Arts and Sciences: 

IAA graduation is accepted as a substitute for Kepler’s IS-201 and IS-202 courses.

• National Council for Geocosmic Research: 

IAA graduates who wish to obtain NCGR certification may apply directly to the NCGR Level IV examination, thereby omitting the necessity of taking Level I, II, and III examinations.

• Federation of Australian Astrologers: 

IAA graduates who wish to qualify for the Australian Practitioner’s Certificate are exempted from the Interpretation and Calculation modules. To complete the FAA Practitioner’s Certificate requirements, graduates must complete the Dynamic and Advanced modules only.

• International Society for Astrological Research: 

IAA graduates who wish to obtain ISAR certification fulfill the educational requirements to apply directly for Ethics testing and for their ISAR-C.A.P. upon completion of a consulting skills seminar.

IAA is currently the only astrological school in the world whose graduates obtain all of these benefits! We continue to develop our curriculum and work closely with astrological institutions worldwide to increase the scope and value of your IAA education.

In addition, IAA graduates are authorized to use the title Dipl.O.C.A. (Diploma of the ONLINE College of Astrology) after their names, to demonstrate that they have completed this rigorous course of training and are fully qualified to practice astrology in a professional capacity.

6. Federation of Australian Astrologers

Exam System

There are Four exams that make up the FAA Diploma of Astrology. Each exam may be attempted in any order and there is no time limit to complete all four exams. It is not necessary to successfully complete one assessment in order to do another. Any person may apply to sit an exam, the only requirement is that the candidate must be a financial member of an affiliated FAA association.