Astrology is an ancient symbolic language that explores the relationship between human experience and the cycles of the heavens. For thousands of years people have looked to the movements of the planets to reflect patterns of meaning, growth and transformation in life.
Today astrology is studied both as a practical tool for self-understanding and as a rich philosophical and cultural tradition. Whether you are simply curious about your birth chart or already exploring astrology in depth, the resources below offer many ways to begin and continue your journey.
New to Astrology? Start Here!
If you are new to astrology, a good place to begin is by generating your birth chart (also known as a natal chart). This chart is a map of the sky at the moment of your birth and forms the foundation for most astrological interpretation. You can create a free birth chart online using: Astrodienst https://www.astro.com Astro-Seek https://www.astro-seek.com
Once you have your chart, begin by exploring the three fundamental building blocks of astrology: • Planets – representing different psychological drives and archetypal energies • Signs – describing how those energies express themselves • Houses – showing where those energies operate in life
Many beginners also find it helpful to explore astrology apps such as Time Passages or Astro Gold, which allow you to view your birth chart and track current planetary movements.
Online Courses, Books and Astrology Software
Astrology can be studied informally through books and self-study, or through structured courses offered by teaching organisations.
Online Astrology SchoolsMany astrology schools now offer courses and training programmes online, allowing students from around the world to study astrology through live classes, recorded lectures and structured diploma programmes. The Faculty of Astrological Studies Founded in London in 1948, the Faculty of Astrological Studies is one of the world’s most respected astrology schools. The Faculty offers a structured diploma course covering natal astrology, forecasting techniques and advanced chart interpretation. Courses are taught through online classes and distance learning, supported by experienced tutors.
https://www.astrology.org.uk Mercury Internet School of Psychological Astrology (MISPA) The Mercury Internet School of Psychological Astrology offers online courses and webinars focused on psychological astrology. The school provides a structured diploma programme alongside standalone webinars taught by experienced astrologers. Its approach integrates astrology with depth psychology and counselling awareness.
Mayo School of Astrology Founded in 1973, the Mayo School of Astrology is one of the longest-established distance learning astrology schools. It offers certificate and diploma courses delivered through online classes and correspondence study, with a strong focus on developing practical chart interpretation skills. https://mayoastrology.com
Kairos School of Astrology Founded by astrologer John Wadsworth, the Kairos School offers a two-year training programme designed to take students from beginner level to practising astrologer. The course combines technical astrological training with an experiential approach to learning and includes both foundational and applied diploma levels. https://www.kairosastrology.co.uk
London School of Astrology (LSA) Founded by astrologer Frank Clifford, the London School of Astrology offers a wide range of online and in-person courses taught by leading astrologers. The school provides short courses, diploma programmes and specialist workshops covering natal astrology, forecasting techniques and many advanced topics. https://www.londonschoolofastrology.com
White Eagle School of Astrology The White Eagle School of Astrology teaches astrology from a spiritual and esoteric perspective as part of the wider work of the White Eagle Lodge. Courses explore the symbolic relationship between planetary movements and spiritual development, offering both introductory and more advanced study programmes. https://www.white-eagle.org.uk
Kepler College Kepler College is an international centre for astrological education offering online courses, certificate programmes and professional training. Originally founded in the United States as a degree-granting college, it now provides a wide range of online classes covering many different astrological traditions and techniques. https://www.keplercollege.org
Books
Beginners Books These books offer clear and accessible introductions to astrology and are excellent starting points:
Astrology: Using the Wisdom of the Stars in Your Everyday Life – Carole Taylor A beautifully illustrated and accessible introduction to astrology that explains charts, planets and symbolism in a clear and engaging way.
The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need (21st Century Edition) – Joanna Martine Woolfolk A classic introductory guide covering the zodiac signs, planets and basic chart interpretation.
Astrology Made Easy: A Guide to Understanding Your Birth Chart – Yasmin Boland A friendly step-by-step introduction to reading your own birth chart.
The Inner Sky – Steven Forrest A thoughtful and inspiring introduction to astrology that explores the psychological and spiritual meaning of the birth chart.
Intermediate Study Once the foundations are understood, students often begin exploring deeper chart interpretation and predictive techniques.
Yesterday’s Sky – Steven Forrest
An insightful exploration of how past experiences and karmic themes may be reflected in the birth chart.
The Astrological Houses – Dane Rudhyar
A classic work exploring the deeper philosophical meaning of the twelve houses.
The Gods of Change – Howard Sasportas
A profound exploration of the outer planets and their transformative influence.
Planets in Transit – Robert Hand
One of the most widely used reference books for understanding planetary transits.
Advanced Study and Specialisms As astrologers deepen their studies, many begin to explore specialised traditions within astrology. Some of the major approaches include:
Psychological Astrology Focuses on personal growth and self-understanding through the symbolism of the birth chart. Influenced by depth psychology and developed by astrologers such as Liz Greene and Howard Sasportas. Evolutionary Astrology Explores the birth chart as a map of the soul’s evolutionary journey across lifetimes. Associated with astrologers such as Steven Forrest and Jeffrey Wolf Green. Hellenistic Astrology A revival of ancient Greek astrology based on traditional texts and techniques dating back to the early centuries of the Common Era. Medieval and Traditional Astrology Astrology as practised during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including techniques such as horary astrology and traditional planetary rulerships. Mundane Astrology The study of world events, political cycles and historical patterns through astrology. Astrocartography A technique that maps planetary lines across the Earth to explore how different geographical locations resonate with a birth chart.
Advanced books exploring the deeper philosophical and cultural dimensions of astrology include:
Cosmos and Psyche – Richard Tarnas
A sweeping exploration of astrology and cultural history.
The Astrology of Fate – Liz Greene
A powerful psychological examination of myth and destiny within astrology.
The Moment of Astrology – Geoffrey Cornelius
A philosophical exploration of astrology as a symbolic and divinatory practice.
Apps and Software
Mobile Apps
These are ideal for checking transits, pulling charts quickly, or keeping astrology close to hand during the day.
Astro Gold Probably the closest thing to professional astrology software on a phone. It can calculate natal charts, transits, progressions, returns, synastry and more with very precise ephemeris data. Many working astrologers use this as their portable companion to desktop software. https://www.astrogold.io
TimePassages A lovely blend of depth and accessibility. It lets you explore natal charts, transits, progressions, and compatibility with detailed interpretations and an excellent glossary. https://www.astrograph.com
CHANI A more reflective, psychological approach. It includes transit explanations, ritual prompts, and learning material inspired by astrologer Chani Nicholas. https://chani.com
The Pattern A popular app focusing on psychological astrology and personal development. It highlights personality patterns and life cycles derived from your birth chart. https://thepattern.com
Co-Star Very popular socially—daily insights, friend chart comparisons, and sleek design. It uses astronomical data and generates personalised horoscopes. https://www.costarastrology.com
AstroMatrix Good if you enjoy tracking transits and spiritual practices together—charts, compatibility reports, and meditation features tied to zodiac energies https://astromatrix.org
Lila – "Astrology for Grown Ups" This app is designed around evolutionary astrology, the approach Steven Forrest teaches. The philosophy is very explicit: astrology isn’t fate, and more a mirror for self-awareness and conscious choice https://www.forrestastrology.center/lila
Desktop Software
Solar Fire (Windows) The reigning heavyweight of astrology software. It’s widely used by professional astrologers because it can handle enormous amounts of timing data—transits, progressions, solar arcs, returns, eclipses—then sort and visualize them in sophisticated ways. One feature astrologers love is the “Time Map” and graphic ephemeris, which lets you see waves of transits across time instead of just individual hits. In practice that means you can instantly see something like:
Saturn triggering the same natal planet three times
Pluto activating multiple chart points over several years
Astro Gold (Mac) Astro Gold for macOS is a professional astrology program developed by the creators of Solar Fire. Designed specifically for Mac users, it offers highly accurate chart calculations using the Swiss Ephemeris and includes tools for natal charts, transits, progressions, solar and lunar returns, synastry and composite charts. The software provides a clean and intuitive interface while retaining the depth required for serious astrological study, making it popular with both students and professional astrologers. https://www.astrogold.io
Kepler Astrology Software Another extremely powerful system with many specialized modules. It supports multiple traditions—Hellenistic, medieval, financial astrology, research tools, and more.
Kepler is beloved by teachers because it contains:
WinStar WinStar is a long-established astrology software program known for its detailed chart graphics and powerful calculation tools. The program supports a wide variety of chart types, forecasting techniques and astrocartography mapping. It is particularly appreciated by astrologers who enjoy visually rich chart displays and detailed astronomical data. https://www.winstar.org
TimePassages TimePassages is one of the most widely used astrology programs for both beginners and experienced students. Available for Windows and Mac, it combines accurate chart calculations with extensive interpretive text that explains planetary placements, aspects and transits in clear language. Its educational approach makes it especially useful for those learning astrology while still offering enough depth for more experienced chart work. https://www.astrograph.com
Janus Janus is a comprehensive astrology programme for Windows that has been widely used by astrologers for many years. It offers a large range of chart calculation and forecasting tools including transits, progressions, solar arcs and returns. Janus is particularly valued for its extensive built-in interpretation reports and research capabilities, and it also includes strong support for traditional techniques such as horary astrology. astrology-house.com/
A simple “best of” summary: If someone wanted the most respected combination, astrologers often land on something like:
Mobile: Astro Gold or TimePassages
PC: Solar Fire
Mac: Astro Gold or TimePassages
Cloud-Based Astrology Tools
In recent years several powerful astrology platforms have moved entirely online. These tools run in your web browser and allow you to calculate charts, explore transits and use advanced techniques without installing software. They work across computers, tablets and phones.
Astrodienst (Astro.com) One of the most respected astrology websites in the world. Astro.com offers highly accurate chart calculations using the Swiss Ephemeris along with a vast range of tools including extended chart selection, astrocartography maps, ephemerides and a large archive of astrological articles and research. https://www.astro.com
Astro-Seek A very comprehensive astrology website offering chart calculations, transit tracking, ephemerides, traditional astrology tools, primary directions, zodiacal releasing and many other specialised techniques. It has become one of the most widely used online astrology resources. https://www.astro-seek.com
LUNA Astrology A modern cloud-based astrology platform designed for professional astrologers and students. LUNA offers chart calculations, client chart storage, forecasting tools and a clean interface accessible from any device. https://www.lunaastrology.com
Archetypal Explorer Developed by astrologer Richard Tarnas and the Archai Project, Archetypal Explorer is specialised research software for exploring planetary cycles and archetypal correlations in history and culture. https://www.archetypalexplorer.com
For many students today, websites such as Astro-Seek and Astro.com are often the first gateway into chart calculation and experimentation with astrological techniques.
Astrology Groups and Organisations
Astrology thrives through community. Many organisations offer conferences, education, research, and local meetings for students and professional astrologers. Local societies and online groups host lectures, workshops and discussions that welcome both beginners and experienced astrologers. United Kingdom The Astrological Association Founded in 1958, the Astrological Association promotes the study and public understanding of astrology and hosts conferences, publications and educational events. The Faculty of Astrological Studies Founded in London in 1948, the Faculty is one of the world’s leading schools of astrology, offering structured courses and professional diplomas. https://www.astrologicalassociation.com/
The Astrological Lodge of London Founded in 1915, the Lodge is one of the oldest astrological societies in the UK and played a key role in the development of modern astrological education. https://www.astrolodge.co.uk International
International Society for Astrological Research (ISAR) Promotes education, research and professional standards in astrology. https://isarastrology.org
Organization for Professional Astrology (OPA) Supports professional astrologers through conferences and educational programs. https://opaastrology.org
National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR) One of the largest astrology organisations in the United States offering education and certification programs. https://geocosmic.org
Astrology Conferences Conferences are an excellent way to meet astrologers, learn from leading teachers and explore new ideas.
Astrology is widely discussed today through podcasts, lectures and online video platforms. Podcasts The Astrology Podcast (Chris Brennan) In-depth discussions of astrology, history and techniques. https://theastrologypodcast.com
The Water Trio Astrology Podcast Conversations exploring astrology from intuitive and psychological perspectives. the-water-trio-astrology
Ghost of a Podcast (Jessica Lanyadoo) Astrology combined with practical advice and personal insight. Ghost of a Podcast
Astrology Talk Christina Rodenbeck, The Oxford Astrologer (https://www.oxfordastrologer.com) and Sally Kirkman of Sally Kirkman Astrology (http://www.sallykirkman.com): two well-known astrologers chatting over a cup of strong coffee or weak tea about their favourite topic - the language of the stars. https://oxfordastrologer.com/podcast YouTube Channels Aquarius Severn Astrology Society - our own channel with many of our talks available to see there. Recordings of lectures and talks from Aquarius Severn speakers. https://www.youtube.com/@AquariusSevern
World Astrology Report World Astrology Report is a report on the past, present and future informed by the art and science of astrology. Hosted by Dan Waites, the aim of the channel is to understand our ever-evolving current moment by analysing history, current events and planetary cycles and astrological phenomena. It also hopes to guide people towards a non-materialistic and spiritualised understanding of the cosmos by demonstrating astrology's validity. https://www.youtube.com/@WorldAstrologyReport