HIA Course Descriptions

Astrology 101: Beginning -- 10 weeks; no prerequisites. The alphabet of astrology consists of signs, planets and houses. This course provides a basic introduction to the symbolic language of astrology, its symbols and their core meanings. Understanding of this language is the alpha and the omega of astrology… the foundation on which all knowledge of astrology is built.

Astrology 102: Aspects -- 8 weeks; prerequisites: Ast. 101 or equivalent. The angular relationships between and among the planets describe the ease or tension with which the planetary archetypes function in the psyche of the individual. This course provides a basic understanding of these aspects, or angular relationships, their meanings, and major patterns which they form.

Astrology 103: Aspects: Blending the Basics -- 6 weeks / weekend workshop; prerequisites: Ast. 101 & 102 or equivalent. The ability to “language” the symbolic representations described by the planets, signs, houses, and aspects in a horoscope is essential for anyone wishing to interpret an astrological chart. This course facilitates the link between “knowing” the symbols and their meanings and being able to synthesize the various combinations in order to coherently communicate that knowledge to another.

Astrology 201: Introduction to Synthesis (Assessment of Repeating Themes in the Horoscope) -- 8 weeks; prerequisites: Ast. 101, 102,103 or equivalent. To prepare a chart for interpretation, several techniques and processes are applied to help determine the major “themes” of the chart. This course provides discussion and application of these techniques as a preliminary step to the actual interpretation of the birth chart. Student charts are used as examples.

Astrology 202: Synthesis (Chart Analysis & Interpretation)  -- 6 to 8 weeks; prerequisites: Ast. 101,102, and 201 or equivalent.  The chart of each participant will be synthesized and interpreted by all other members in an effort to apply the principles of astrology to a person’s life experience. This course provides hands-on practice of the material studied in the previous courses.

Astrology 203: Transits & Planetary Cycles by Transit  -- 8 weeks; prerequisites: all 100 and 200 level courses or equivalent.  This course will focus on interpreting the transiting planets as they influence the natal chart and in relationship to the major “life cycles” with which they coincide.

Astrology 301: Chart Construction -- 6 to 8 weeks; prerequisites: Ast 101. The mathematical process used to construct a horoscope is basic addition and subtraction. This knowledge is required in order to pass all certification exams (i.e. AFA, NCGR, AFAN) in the field. Tropical / Placidus House Systems are emphasized, although others are discussed. Besides providing the necessary skills to receive certification from major astrological organizations, this course also facilitates a deeper respect for the mathematical “mysteries” or the “scientific roots” of astrology.

Astrology 302: Advanced Techniques of Chart Interpretation I (Progressions, Solar/Lunar Returns) -- 8 weeks; prerequisite: all 100 and 200 level courses of equivalent. The application of “adjunct” charts to the natal chart provides a deeper understanding of the current focus in the life of an individual. The emphasis of this course is the application of secondary progressions and major return charts to the natal chart. This includes review and application of previous knowledge and continuing practice of synthesis and interpretation skills.

Astrology 303: Advanced Techniques of Chart Interpretation II (Advanced Synthesis, Consultation Process, Practice & Techniques) --  8 weeks; prerequisite: all 100 and 200 level courses of equivalent.  Continuing with the process begun in 302, the emphasis of this course will be the application of the student’s knowledge to the actual reading/interpreting of client charts. “Mini-readings” for volunteer clients will be scheduled weekly and students will be asked to prepare the charts in advance for interpretation in class. Feedback from clients, fellow students, and instructor will be provided in an effort to enhance student skills in interpretation and languaging of chart information.

Astrology 400: Lecture Series -- Although length and format varies, the series is usually designed to offer a variety of evening lectures and / or weekend workshops on various topics of interest offered by the faculty of HIA and visiting locally and nationally known astrologers. Prerequisites vary depending on the topic. For those students wishing to receive Certificates of Completion from HIA, credit for Astrology 400 is also given for attendance at national conferences and astrological workshops not sponsored by HIA, but relevant to the student’s course of study. Such participation affords the student the opportunity to experience a variety of approaches to the practice of astrology from the many different and talented professionals in the field.

Astrology 401: Luna: The Moon in Astrology -- 8 weeks (or equivalent); prerequisites; include all 100, 200, & 300 level courses or equivalent knowledge. The Moon as “source” is a critical planet in working with the deeper levels of the human psyche and the process of unfolding consciousness. This course provides an in depth study of Luna and related astrological phenomena, such as mythos, archetypal symbology in the natal chart, cycles by transit and progression, phases, void periods, lunar eclipses, etc.

Astrology 402: Synastry (Chart Comparison & The Principles of Relationship) -- 8 weeks (or equivalent), prerequisites include all 100, 200, & 300 level courses or equivalent knowledge. The basic principles of chart comparison, composite charts, and delineation of individual needs in relationship as described by the natal chart are covered in this course. This course prepares the student to respond to one of the most common concerns of clients in the practice of Astrology.

Astrology 403: Vocational/Life Path Astrology -- 6 weeks (or equivalent), prerequisites include all 100 & 200 level courses or equivalent knowledge. The emphasis of this course is specific areas of the horoscope which provide valuable insight into career choice, vocational interest, and work compatibility for the individual. This course prepares the student to better answer the question frequently asked by the clients: What do I want to be when I grow up?

Astrology 404: Planetary Archetype Series --  Saturday workshops (12) throughout the year, prerequisite; Ast. 101 or equivalent knowledge The planets in Astrology are the collective archetypes which live and breath within each individual. Their meanings are rooted in the most primal level of human experience, and throughout time, every culture has attempted to define and redefine them through religion and philosophy, according to the environmental and social needs of that culture’s time and place. Although the basic archetypes never change, the cultures and people through which they express, do. This course will explore each planetary archetype with emphasis on the original mythos behind the planet and the adaptation which must necessarily occur as we make the transition into this new age called Aquarius. The signs and houses associated with each planet will also be explored, but the emphasis of this series is the characters that live within each of us and their gloriously diverse expressions.

Astrology 405: Karmic Astrology (Spiritual & Lifepath Indications in the Horoscope) -- 8 weeks (or equivalent); prerequisites; include all 100 and 200 level courses or equivalent knowledge. Certain elements of the horoscope are related to conditions which can best be understood and interpreted in terms of “karmic patterns” or from a “spiritual” perspective. If these elements are emphasized in an individual’s birth chart, the person will be inclined to seek interpretation of a more “spiritual”, and less mundane or concrete nature. This course provides exploration of “karmic” conditions and patterns, as well as techniques relevant to this type of horoscope delineation.

Astrology 406: Horary Techniques in Astrology -- 8 weeks (or equivalent), prerequisites include all 100 and 200 level courses of equivalent knowledge. The premise of Horary (“of the hour”) astrology is that the answer to a question/query is inherent at the moment of its birth. In other words, the chart for the moment that the question formulates in one’s mind holds the answer to the question. This course will focus on the process of Horary Astrology.