The Northwest Astrological Conference

Blogging Astrology: Sharing Your Astrological Vision

Unhappy with the current state of blogs out there? Maybe the missing voice is yours. Find out what steps you need to take to develop your own blog. Hear about cheap (or free!) and easy to use blogging tools. Explore the steps to starting and maintaining a conversation. Link the conversation to your work, whether research or readings. Come with your questions and be ready to share your favorite astrology blogs!

Neptune in Pisces - Enlightenment...the morning after

With Neptune moving into Pisces (2011-2025), humanity is confronted with one of its most serious existential crises ever, and with the stakes so high, along with a paralyzing sense of insecurity, this transit renders us bare and disarmed as we stand unsheltered from the facts of Truth. Hear about the themes for a new era: the new gold-rash, power to the sardines, unholywood, post-enlightenment psychic disorders, and much more...join this lecture with Maurice who is well known for this ground-breaking perspective on Neptune.

Chiron - Humility of a Master

A fresh perspective on our favorite alien body in the solar system-Chiron's influence in our chart confronts mastery with debilitating grief. But worry not, there is a reason why! Come and explore Chiron's principles as it enters Pisces along with new pal Neptune. All you 60's babies are in for a fun return!

The Nodes of the Moon: Ascent to the Light/Descent into Darkness

Vedic astrologers have long known that the Nodes of the Moon, Rahu and Ketu, have an intoxicating effect on consciousness. They are outcastes or artisans in the Indian Caste system, and thus represent alternative systems of thought that exist in the shadows, outside of the mainstream. When these shadow planets area associated with the planets of consciousness they often incite pure genius, and at other times shear madness. The sages of India say we are all drunkards: the only thing that separates us is the quality of the wine we drink! This class will show both the illuminative and delusional power of the Nodes of the Moon to prepare the consciousness for its ascent to the light, or descent into darkness.

Mars: Self Determinism in the Cult of Speed

In Vedic astrology Mars is a four armed deity. Mars hands are truly quicker than your eyes, as everything with Mars happens in a "New York Minute", as his shock and awe are worshipped in the modern cult of speed. When malefic Mars and his Moons bring fear and panic, conflict and war. The rise and wealth of the international arms and finance industries and their lobbies reap record profits based on such threats to sovereignty and financial security. When a malefic influence Mars must always act suddenly to create the fear and panic to reap the sudden profits and control. Thankfully Mars' other hand offers the most benefic of boons; the boon of self determinism, the ability to chart our own destiny. When benefic he is an advocate, when malefic he is the worst of bullies. This class will discuss both sides of the red planet, so that you may quickly grasp and determine when he is auspicious, and when he is not. You must do so quickly to survive in the growing cult of speed. To be four armed is to be forewarned!

Synastry and Composite: The Soul's Evolution through Relationships

Everyone can relate to the fated encounter; that destined reconnection with someone you feel like you have known forever yet have never met. In Evolutionary Astrology it is taught that we pick up where we left off and attract certain partners or people in life in order to either continue or culminate the relationship. Kristin uses chart examples in synastry and composite to unveil the role that two people have in facilitating the other person's evolution. With Saturn transiting the sign of Libra, we are all in our own way feeling the discipline necessary to work through relationship dynamics in our life and understanding the karmic role that they play. Will we dance around dynamics that have been circling back for lifetimes or will we commit to resolve and evolve?

Evolution of the Goddess!

In order to fully recover the totality of the natural feminine, the healing must happen from the ground up, to re-remember our Mother roots and how the woman was originally created. Three vital paths of healing are reflected in the asteroids that rule the first three chakras. Lilith embodies our literal Root, the trunk of the tree where all the branches emanate. She is your ideal image of a woman. The Sacral Chakra known to be the sexual center, the hearth and the home of the woman and also where creativity is birthed is reflected in the asteroid Vesta. Amazon, the warrior who gives us the courage to actualize our deepest desires is reflected in the Solar Plexus. The times demand that we restore the natural energetic balance of the female force in order for our species to survive. Kristin will use this trinity of this asteroid energy in chart interpretations to display how that primal recovery of the feminine can be restored.

Progressed Moon Declination

Many astrologers ignore declination, and yet it is one of the most practical and effective tools in predicting the major turning points of life. When the Moon hits its peaks and troughs relative to the celestial equator, things fall apart, opportunities arise, and we are routinely called upon to re-invent ourselves.

The Out of Bounds Moon

Some of us are born with the Moon in extremes of declination, which is to say it lies outside the celestial tropics. Many astrologers are accustomed to the conventional zodiac and do not routinely think in these three-dimensional terms, but they are missing a factor that can turn a mild-looking astrological mouse into a genius, like Einstein - or a monster, like Carlos the Jackal.

Imagining Ourselves

Are we oracles? A strange breed of ancient psychologist? Modern psychologists with a few tricks up our sleeves? Healers? Diviners and seers? Can we, as astrologers in the contemporary world, write our own script and establish our own vibrant public identity? In the age of Harry Potter, might there be a few job openings for wizards?

The Initiating or Scout Planet

In every cycle we experience in life, there is a single planet in our birth chart that is the first to make contact with and the first to respond to the movement of transiting and progressed planets into a new sign. This is the planet we send out to do reconnaissance and report back. And, after that, it's going to kick off the process symbolized by the transiting or progressed planet as well as define and describe how that process is going to unfold.

Will our Cardinal and Mutable Future be for Good or Ill?

From 2010-15, outer planetary cardinal tension increasingly focuses upon Uranus square Pluto. During 2011/2, Neptune and Chiron enter Pisces in opposition to Regulus (then in Virgo); not leaving until 2018 and 2025. We will study what happened when these outer planets were similarly together in the past; and then use this history to illustrate what the 2010s may have in store culturally, socially, politically and economically. Will there be fascism or understanding, war or peace? Is there a special role that the UK and USA can play?

Taking Ownership of Our Lives and Our World

Roy will describe how he approaches personal sessions with clients, helping them to use astrology to liberate their decisions and take control of their personal and social lives. How can we ensure the technical astrology information helps, and does not hinder the consultation? What are the advantages and disadvantages of listening at each stage in the session? When and how should we close it?

A Walk around the Developmental Stages of the 12 houses

Join me today as we explore the four angles and 12 houses of the chart from a psychological developmental perspective. Starting with our pre-birth as described by the 12th house, we will discuss the meaning of each house, focusing on the signs on the cusp and planets in the houses.

Towards a Post-Modern Astrology

The revival of traditional astrology has led to something that is not completely traditional astrology, nor is it exactly like any other contemporary form of astrology. As a likely successor to the astrology of the 20th century, it seems reasonable to call it Post-Modern Astrology. It represents a blend of what is most important and useful in traditional astrology (Eastern and Western) with the goals and aspirations of 20th century Western astrology. In this lecture I will describe one possible view of what this astrology will be like and how it will differ from both 20th Century (modern) and traditional (pre-1700) astrology.

The Hermetic Philosophy of Giordano Bruno

Giordano Bruno was a philosophical maverick of the 16th century, who was burned at the stake in 1600. He is often portrayed as martyr to science because of his support for the heliocentric view of the solar system, however, the real reason why he was regarded as a heretic was quite different and had much more to do with his magical and spiritual views. The late Frances Yates (Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Tradition) was the first to realize that Bruno was much more of a magician in the Hermetic tradition than any kind of proto-scientist. This lecture will discuss his views and the implications that they have for astrology. Bruno was much more of a magician than some kind of proto-rationalist.

Sunday Keynote - TBA

Where In the World Will I Find ...?

This lecture takes a down-to-earth look at the art of astro-locality and helps to uncover how to find the best locations for personal fulfillment, career, relationships, etc. It includes fascinating examples from the chars of the famous and the infamous. The concepts of planet angularity including the meanings of planets on angle will be covered. We will also examine the concept of parans (simultaneous angularity), the importance of which is often overlooked. Local space lines will also be described and we will use them in conjunction with the planet lines in our examples.

The Symmetry of Locality: Astro*Carto*Graphy and Beyond

Learn how to integrate planetary pictures and hypothetical planets into Jim Lewis' traditional methods. We'll explore new techniques that expand on the concept of oblique positions, the foundation of Jim's work in astro-locality. Midpoints, planetary pictures, and parans will be explored from both a natal and dynamic perspective. Madalyn will also introduce the cutting edge concept of a "paran clock." This talk guides you to a new understanding of locality techniques and helps you to integrate them into your work.

Keynote: Astrological Rx - Prescription for a Healthy Future

It's tempting to be pessimistic in interpreting the Grand Cardinal Square that is shaping the current astrological landscape. And it doesn't take much imagination to describe economic or environmental breakdowns with these stressful patterns. However, astrology is a tool for healing that's rich in ideas for describing cycles in constructive terms. This lecture is exactly that. It's an astrological prescription for turning current struggles into a foundation for human evolution rather than a model for failure. We will contribute the richness of our symbolic language to offer meaning, purpose and direction in these difficult times.

Multi-Level Interpretations

Every planet, sign, house and aspect in a chart can be interpreted on several levels. The relationships between life events, personal psychology and spiritual development are present in all the symbols. This workshop will explore these three primary aspects of experience within natal charts to show the connections among them and as a teaching tool designed to widen and deepen our interpretive work.

The Two Sides of Venus

In this talk the archetypes of Taurus and Libra will be approached in order to explore the way that the significant relationships in our lives tend to mirror the way that we truly feel about ourselves. This process works to produce our greatest joys as well as our most intimate pain. Including the Pisces archetype as well we can consider the nature of a person's ultimate dreams and the way that meaning maybe projected in relationships. Through Mark's work as an Evolutionary Astrologer and main teacher of the U.K. Pluto School and his work as a Psychosynthesis Therapist in private practice this approach combines astrological and therapeutic experience and multiple chart examples. If you have ever wondered why you, or others that you know, keep manifesting certain types of relationship this is the talk for you.

The Evolving Self - Aspects to Pluto as Invitations to Transform

Natal Pluto aspects speak of the capacity in us for depth, for transformation and 'fated' encounters (with ourselves or with others). They speak of an encounter with Soul, a dialogue that if we can open to it can enrich our lives beyond measure, but that if we close to it can leave us feeling listless, frightened and alone. Transiting Pluto aspects show us the windows of opportunity in our lives for embracing deep change. In approaching such changes this talk will explore how Pluto can manifest as a powerful resistance just as it can reveal the potential for breakthrough, and how understanding the difference between these two states becomes critical to our evolution. This talk will include example charts and is informed by Mark's work as a Transpersonal Therapist and an Evolutionary Astrologer.

Taurus, by Jove!

What could be sweeter than a class on Jupiter and Venus? What's in store for us as Jupiter visits earthbound Taurus from June 4, 2011 until June 11, 2012? Why should we pay homage to the sign of the Bull and its ruling planet Venus? We will explore the roles of Venus and Jupiter in natal charts, by transit, and from a mundane point of view. Also we'll look at the cosmic relationship between the largest planet and, arguably, the most beautiful.

Cycles of Saturn

Grant Lewi described a technique based on tracking Saturn over the angles of a natal chart to understand the basic rhythm of life. Following Saturn's cycles through the quadrants is a meaningful exercise, but we can also map Saturn's hard aspects to the Sun, the Moon, and Saturn's own place. Aside from using sample charts and charts of class participants, we will delve into understanding why Saturn leave a trail of crystallized events in its wake and why Saturn is truly the Gatekeeper of Reality.

The Transiting Nodes of the Moon

The transits of the moon's nodes and their rulers act as highlight pens for the script of our ongoing evolutionary storyboard. March through Aug of 2012, the moon's nodes will occupy the mutable Sagittarius/Gemini sign axis. When a nodal ruler is a swift mover such as Mercury, (ruler of the transiting south node in Gemini), the program runs at a more rapid speed. What happens when a mutable node's ruler tenants a fixed sign, such as Jupiter in Taurus will do? From the evolutionary astrology perspective, this lecture will discuss the significance of the transiting nodes and their rulers as it pertains to our personal and collective experience.

The Soul in the Chart

The core of Evolutionary Astrology is the premise of the Soul and its evolution from life-time to life-time. In this lecture Laura will explore the concepts of the Soul and then layout an organized method for delineating and understanding the Soul's path in the natal chart. We'll look at Pluto and the Lunar Nodal axis.

Putting it Together: Foundations in Chart Synthesis

Any chart can seem overwhelming - so many things to look at and so many pieces of information to take into account. You know the Elements, the Qualities. . . you know the Planets, Signs and Houses . . . but how do you begin to put those basic components together into a coherent narrative? Join Laura in a step-by-step exercise in Astrological Thinking.

Why Are Those Two Together? The Magnetic Draw of the Quincunx Aspect

How do planets in different modes and incompatible elements relate to each other? Think John McCain (Virgo) and Sarah Palin (Aquarius). Think President Obama (Leo) and Michelle Obama (Capricorn). This is one of the most common aspects to find in people who are drawn to each other. We may seek friendship by trine and sextile, but we are intrigued for good or bad by those who inhabit a different universe. This lecture explores each sign combination using a variety of planets and relationship examples.

Make It, Save It, Spend It - The Second House and Your Money

The 2nd house is like your own personal bank. It describes how you think about money and how you want to make it. Think of your 2nd house planets as the people who handle your money. Are they a little too loosey-goosey with it? Are they so tight-fisted you can't squeeze out a dollar for entertainment? The 2nd house ruler resides in one of twelve houses where it oversees (rules over) your money. Is it in the 12th house? (Who is that man behind the curtain?) In the 7th house? (Should you get a pre-nup?) In this lecture Amanda discusses your financial gatekeepers.

Healing Waters: Becoming an Empathetic Astrologer

An empathetic astrologer not only understands the mechanics of the chart they are interpreting, but is also able to feel within themselves the client's direct experience of the chart being interpreted. Empathy can be cultivated at three levels; emotional, intellectual, and spiritual.. As you develop your empathy, intuition and direct knowing become a dependable resource. Your sessions with clients deepen and become profoundly transformative. We will explore the astrological signatures that enhance empathy, and also counseling techniques and listening skills and subtle body energy work to facilitate the creating of this environment where profound truth reveals itself.

Star Crossed Love

It Happens: A client offers your astrology services for a couple just getting married as their wedding gift, and their charts reveal many difficult connections! It's a gift... you don't want to rain on their celebration. We've all faced many similar scenarios; tough parenting connections, or other family ties you don't walk away from. We'll explore many of the difficult aspects between charts, and what you as an astrologer can do to present the information in ways that can be helpful and instructive for the relationship to navigate these potentially troubled waters.

Unfolding the Drama of Transits

If your life - or life of a loved one or client - were a Hollywood Movie, how would it play? Hopefully not like a "B" movie. This presentation will take a Saturnian structure similar to the way movie scripts are developed and apply the heavy on time line formulas to using the planets as points of resolution instead of drama-building, energy-eating complications for the main character in the story of life. Practical and insightful, this topic puts a new spin on the hero's journey that combines the best of astrological knowledge with the pivotal plot points of a blockbuster movie.

Mercury, Ceres and Pluto

The combination of these three planets (yes, Ceres is a planet) creates a most powerful matrix of influence that allow a person to find her/his true voice, speak one's truth and shed the doormat tendency once and for all. In this topic we'll unfold how to use the pure motives of these bodies for personal and planetary benefit. If you've ever declared, "You can't fight city hall," this topic is for you.

Keynote: I Did it My Way

- So, Uranus is in Aries ... in and out of squares to Pluto for a while. And with Neptune in Pisces for the first time in 150 years, we're in new territory. What the heck does that mean for life on Spaceship Earth? Crash helmet at the ready, let's join the countdown!

Love As We Know It

Now that Saturn is fully vested in Libra's territory, we have an opportunity to take a clear look at relationships, personal commitment and all facets of love. As astrologers, we can determine an all-important thing: is it time for love? We'll look at the natal chart to find clues to personal preferences, but more important, we'll see which cycles are implicated in relationships. Is it love, lust, karma ... or just a passing fancy?

Creativity: Dance with the Muse

Work ... work ... work. The slow economic recovery has had a strong effect on our priorities. One thing that tends to go by the wayside when we're girding up the stabilizing infrastructures of our lives time to develop creativity. Let's look at the factors in the natal chart that show how to best unleash and express personal creativity, artistry, and talents. Who says play is not important?

Keynote: Innovation: From Muck to Luck!

Some of the darkest periods in the world, particularly in the United States, were preceded by difficult and dark times. Georgia Stathis presents some of these specific times when 'out of the box' thinkers in the United States turned the tide of history when no one thought the tide could be turned. Citing various planetary cycles when the future seemed the darkest, but innovative thinkers turned things around, this lecture is designed to inspire and provide hope for your clients. Stathis is a faculty member of Kepler College and is known for her pointed, humorous, yet educational style. Grab your coffee and let her wake you up regarding what really is possible. The message is clear -- there is a future!

Forecasting Trends using Synodic Cycles

Synodic cycles are a key moment in time when possibilities are set in stone. It is the choice of the individual or the organization to work with the cycle rather than against it. Most importantly, it helps if you understand its beginnings and the results derived from its various phases. Georgia Stathis is an educator who presents historical evidence with humor and fact-based information and specific dates of critical points in history. Understand the Synodic Cycles and you understand forecasting.

Keynote: Psyche and Cosmos in the 21st Century

The history of depth psychology, from psychoanalysis to Jungian, archetypal, and transpersonal psychology, has brought a great expansion and deepening of our understanding of the unconscious psyche, until it has reached the cosmic anima mundi itself, the soul of the world. This expansion receives an extraordinary new dimension with astrology's discernment of a profound correlation between planetary positions and the archetypal dynamics of human experience, providing invaluable insight into both the timing and character of psychological conditions and into the patterns of history itself. This lecture will explore the great psychological value of astrology, which Stanislav Grof has called "a Rosetta Stone of the human psyche."

Creating the Future: The Liberating and Weighty Privilege of Astrological Knowledge

Virtually everyone at this conference lives in possession of an extraordinary privilege. We live in the vast civilization of the modern age that now encompasses the world, and are members of a minuscule elite that has somehow - whether through karma or grace or great personal good fortune - been initiated into the astrological mystery. With its disclosure of a cosmos of larger meanings and purposes in which we participate, astrology represents a kind of divine knowledge. Yet astrology also brings certain burdens and challenges, and recognizing these is crucial not only for our personal lives but for astrology's future in the emerging civilization.

A Students' Guide to Outer Planet Transits

Whilst Jupiter and Saturn transits mirror the peaks and troughs of everyday life, they seldom bring significant changes to the status quo. The same cannot be said of outer planet activity; life is never the same after major transits (or directions) involving Uranus, Neptune or Pluto. In this talk Sue aims to provide a no-frills guide to making sense and use of the movements of these life changing planets.

Keynote: Fate, Freewill and the Magic of Astrology

Is it the astrologer's job to 'predict', or does making predictions rob our clients of making their own choices? In any case, do we and can we (and in what circumstances) make successful predictions? As is often the case with astrology, the answers to these questions seems to be both Yes and No. Today Sue will attempt to navigate us through the fate and freewill minefield and flag up other philosophical implications and joys of our Art.

On Fat or Holy Cows

Jupiter is about to enter Taurus and whilst the ingress may not of itself describe anything earth-shattering, it will surely have something of its own to contribute to everything else going on in the sky. Whilst exploring previous ingresses and individuals with the placement and looking at what else is currently going on. Sue considers what we might expect from the Ingress.

Learning To Love Yourself

It's true! If you want others to love you, you must first love yourself. And the Sun-Venus relationship in your chart holds a key to that process. What do you value? What do you want to experience? And how do you go about getting what you want or unconsciously sabotaging what you want. Come and find out! All levels, including beginners.

Understanding Your Progressed Chart

Your progressed chart is truly an indicator of your evolutionary path. It indicates those times when the Universe leaves a mark on your soul, changing you and possibly changing your life direction. We'll discuss planets and points changing signs, planets changing direction, and progressed aspects. Bring your progressed chart.

It Ain't Over ...Till it's Over

William Faulkner said "The past is not dead: in fact it isn't even past." How do you know when you have really moved on from a past trauma? How do you counsel clients that seem stuck in the past? Why do most people seem to endlessly repeat the same patterns? This lecture will provide you with a roadmap, of how the human psyche is imprinted by past life experiences and how they carry forward into the present. You will learn about the dynamics of karma and how it imprints; Soul Loss and Fragmentation and its healing; and the soul's journey in between lives and how this affects reincarnation, giving you a framework to understand the deeper dimensions of present life problems.

Generations

An Era or a Generation is not marked so much by the passage of time, as it is by the experience of the people living during that time. Pluto's passage thru the signs marks different generations, by the qualities of their consciousness- each with their own unique psychology. This lecture will explore the strengths and challenges for natal Pluto in Cancer through Pluto in Sagittarius, highlighting what the 'bottom-line' is for each generation and what kind of mark they have left (or will leave) on history and society as they 'come of age.'

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