Available courses

Basic Astrology

Astrology Essentials – Foundation Course

Instructor: Barbie Pagliarini Heffernan

Astrology Essentials – Foundation Course is an introductory program designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of astrology. This comprehensive foundation course introduces students to the language of astrology, providing the essential knowledge and skills needed to understand and interpret a natal chart.

Each lesson builds upon the previous one, guiding students through the astronomical foundations of astrology, hemispheres, quadrants, houses, zodiac signs, planets, aspects, angles, and lunar phases.

Students will discover that astrology is much more than their Sun sign. By exploring planetary placements and their relationships within the natal chart, students will gain insight into individual characteristics, natural tendencies, and personal potential.

Through structured lessons, quizzes, practical exercises, and chart analysis, students will develop a solid foundation for further astrological education.

This course prepares students for advanced studies in IAA's Professional Training Department, beginning with Natal Studies I.

Learn the Language of Astrology — Discover the Foundations of Natal Chart Interpretation.

NAT-1 Foundations in Astrology

This class introduces the basic structure of a horoscope and its components. You will learn the elements and modalities of the signs, the sect and quality of the planets, and the house types and meanings. The dignities of the planets of the planets will be taught including triplicity and its relationship to sect. You will learn both the modern and classical approach to temperament analysis.The course finishes with a comparison of chart analysis using classical and modern methods of interpretation.

NAT-2 The Planets

This course covers the natural significations of the planets, the mythology of the planets, and the important roles planets play in horoscope analysis. Building upon the techniques learned in NAT-1 this course will deepen the understanding of dignities and sect as additional components of each are introduced. The student will also learn the numerous ways a planet functions in a chart with a focus on a planet in a sign, in a house, and ruling a house.

NAT-3 Deepening Planetary Delineation

This course teaches the delineation of the planets, angles and Nodes. Retrogression, synodic cycles and house systems are discussed as well.

NAT-4 Aspects and Dispositions

NAT-5 Chart Synthesis

In Nat-5 of the Natal Studies Module we focus on helping students perfect their knowledge of the techniques learned throughout these classes. These weeks are devoted to the integration of the material you have learned so far in preparation for this important semester final.

During this semester, students will practice their skills in delineating natal charts. Some weeks will focus on modern delineation, other weeks will focus on classical delineation. Mystery Charts are used in the homework so the student's can discover their biases when looking at a chart. Self-evaluation is a part of each week's homework after the mystery chart is revealed in the following class.

NAT-5 promises to be fun as well as a great learning experience.


NAT-6 Astronomy & Other Bodies

The course, included in the Natal Studies Module at the International Academy of Astrology, provides a comprehensive examination of fundamental astronomical principles and their relevance to interpreting astrological charts. Enrollees will study the Earth's movements, celestial coordinate systems, and the connections among asteroids, fixed stars, and various celestial entities. Additionally, the course covers sophisticated methods for chart analysis, such as employing celestial latitude and understanding the importance of planetary nodes. Through this course, participants will deepen their knowledge of astrology and acquire the expertise needed for profound chart interpretations.

NAT-7 Calculations

The ability to calculate a chart by hand, using the Ephemeris and Book of Tables, is both a vital skill for the working astrologer and an international certification requirement. This course is based on a widely accepted method which is simple, rewarding, and easy to understand. It is a “hands-on” class in which the birth data for up to ten subjects provides opportunity to practice the steps both during class and through homework assignments.

Notice to students: Your instructor will be in touch with you 48 hours before your class begins.


NAT-Class Natal Classical Studies

This course is open to anyone familiar with modern astrology that would like to add Classical Astrology techniques to their tool kit.

It is a graduation requirement for all students who are currently registered in or returning to the Natal Studies Module that have taken NAT-1 prior to May 2015 and all students in the Diploma Module that have not taken the prior course "Introduction to Classical Astrology." It is also open to any astrologer who wishes some practice in this field.


Natal Studies 2

NAT-4 Aspects and Dispositions (2020)

PSM-1 Forecasting: Pinpointing Major Themes: Transits, Secondary Progressions and Solar Arc Directions

10 Class Meetings 
Prerequisites: Must have completed the Natal Studies Module or have a solid understanding of natal chart interpretation, including planets, signs, houses, and aspects. Due to the amount of homework in this class, it is not recommended that you take another class with this one.

This course introduces transits, secondary progressions, and solar arc directions. Students will work with 3-case study events throughout each week to build a life theme. Students will also select a chart of their choosing for a final presentation that utilized these three forecasting methods.

Recommend Materials (available through the IAA online shopping areas):


PSM-2 Timing Techniques & Consultation

9 Class Meetings 
Prerequisites: Completion of PSM-1 or knowledge of topics taught therein (Transits, Profections, Secondary Progressions, Solar Arc Directions)


This course explores Modern Astrology's timing techniques using Secondary Progressions, Solar Arcs & Transits and Classical Astrology's timing techniques using Profections & Transits.

Required materials:

The following required materials are available through the IAA online shopping areas:


PSM-3 Relationship Astrology

This course focuses on one of the things clients ask about most - relationships. We begin by exploring the potential relationship themes in the natal chart and then explore synastry between two charts, midpoint composites and Davison time-space composites. We also take a look at family and group dynamics.

PSM-4 Professionalism / Ethics in Astrology

Prerequisites: This course is mandatory to graduate in the Diploma Module for the Professional Training Department. All obligatory courses must be completed satisfactorily. 

Ethics and ethical habits are an integral part of any professional practice, including astrology. In fact, we could say that one cannot be a professional without adhering to ethical standards. The two go hand in glove.

This course is geared for astrologers in all phases and types of practice, whether they are students, consult with clients, are research astrologers, astrological writers, administrators, attend conferences, participate in collegial relationships, or talk to the public about astrology.

Every profession has unique situations pertaining to the nature of its business and practice, but there is a basic foundation of ethical adherence that is common to all professions. A complete course in Ethics for astrologers requires critical thinking and a willingness to successfully dismantle complex ethical dilemmas that will inevitably arise in the course of your astrological journey or career.

The course is divided into two main parts:
1. A review of various codes of ethics from some of the major astrological organizations to determine the common denominators among the various codes.
2. Application of ethical practice for astrologers. We will define the core ethical principles and seek to understand the situations and ethical dilemmas that might arise.

Required Class Reference Materials: 

* Two Articles written by Dorothy Oja for The Mountain Astrologerin 1993/1994.

* Various articles (PDF files available through the Moodle website).

* A variety of Ethics Codes (sent to students before classier available on the Moodle website)

* Article for students to order from The Mountain Astrologer


PSM-5 Crafting Stories to Illustrate Your Readings

6 Class Meetings
Prerequisites: NAT1 through NAT7, PSM-1, and PSM-2

Are you just starting to offer readings to clients, or would you like to add another tool to your readings toolbox? Perhaps you've heard the term 'therapeutic metaphor,' which is often associated with the work of the psychologist Milton Erickson. Storytelling is an art that could be 500,000 years old, if it began with the Neanderthals, or perhaps 80,000 - 100,000 years old if it began with H. sapiens. Mythology, folklore and fairy tales, some of our oldest forms of storytelling, contain nuggets of psychological wisdom from the collective unconscious and probably number among the oldest forms of therapeutic metaphor. Those ancient tales share some structural features with the work of modern master storytellers such as Stephen King, Úrsula K. LeGuin, Neil Gaiman, J.K. Rowling and your favorite novelists. Learn how basic storytelling and fiction-writing techniques, combined with the archetypal symbols of astrology, can help you create powerful illustrations for natal or dynamic aspects in your clients' charts. No previous fiction writing experience is necessary.

Suggested reading: Bruno Bettelheim. The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales. 3rd printing. Knopf: New York, 1976. Estes, Clarissa Pinkola. Women Who Run with the Wolves. Reissue. Ballantine: New York, 1996. (Almost anything she’s written is excellent and accessible, but Women Who Run with the Wolves is a good place to start.) LeGuin, Ursula K. The Language of the Night: Essays on Fantasy and Science Fiction. Berkley: New York, 1982. (Steering the Craft is also excellent, but start with The Language of the Night.) Marie-Louise Von Franz and Kendra Crossen. The Interpretation of Fairy Tales. Revised edition. Shambhala: Boulder, 1996.

Course One: Introduction to Medical Astrology

Prerequisites: General Knowledge of Astrology

This course is based upon original research into medical astrology. The foundation of the technique is that the root of all illness is 1) based upon the Quadruplicities (Cardinal-Fixed-Mutable) and 2) Repressed Childhood Traumas.

The course will discuss the illnesses connected with the Quadruplicities, health issues connected with the Houses, Sign Combinations, and the Planets.

Chiron, Ceres, Transpluto, Hygeia, Eris and Astarea will be discussed in connection with health issues. The astro-carto-graphy of Chiron will be discussed. This represents a healing area in the life. There will be some discussion of Beginning Planets and Out of Bounds Planets.

The technique for determining childhood trauma periods in the life will be taught in each class. When a trauma is unexpressed, it represents a seed that can manifest in later life as an illness with a similar trauma occurs. The psychological profile of illnesses will be taught, using the charts provided by the students.

Each student will provide the data for a subject with a specific health issue. This will be researched and a profile created. Your instructor will type up the profile but the student is expected to interview the subject and determine the timing of the onset of the illness. The onset period, starting 2 years before the symptoms manifest, will be important in determining the psychological factors involved in the illness.

A student can take the course for credit or audit. For credit, the student will be expected to provide a chart and interview, submit homework and take the final exam. If a student chooses not to do this, this will be an audited course.


Course Two: Transits and Progressions in Medical Astrology

Prerequisite: Course One: Introduction to Medical Astrology unless otherwise advised by instructor

In this course, the students continue to contribute birth data for a Disease that we will research together.

The emphasis will be upon transits and progressions that trigger disease. There will be a discussion of Mars Cycles and signs (by transit), the transits of Saturn-Uranus-Neptune-Pluto and Transpluto. I have many articles that I have written that will be provided for all students.

Progressions will be discussed and I will give interpretations that are not just for medical purposes. I have an extensive article on the Progressed Moon and the Progressed Moon going Out of Bounds.

I will discuss progressed planets changing direction and changing signs. These often portend a crossroad or turning point in the life. Fear can sometimes lead to health issues.

Transits will be discussed in connection with T-Squares, Crosses, Stelliums, the Inconjunct and Interceptions. NOTE: I will give a lengthy webinar for IAA on Interception by Sign and Planet in November 2020.

A brief discussion and handout will be provided on illness hours – that is, the time that an onset occurs can indicate the organ being affected. This is based upon Chinese Medicine.


Course Three: Fire Signs and Its Diseases: Frontal Lobe of the Brain

Prerequisite: Course Two: Transits and Progressions in Medical Astrology unless otherwise advised by instructor

COURSES III through VI: These courses are based upon diseases associated with the 4 Elements (Fire-Earth-Air-Water) and the 4 Lobes of the Brain, each ruled by one of the elements. In these courses, the students will study diseases associated with the element and lobe of the brain.

  • A Disease Profile will be created with the students for each disease researched.

  • Research for the Brain is from Dr. Eric Braverman’s THE EDGE EFFECT

 

COURSE III: FIRE SIGNS and Its Diseases; FRONTAL LOBE OF THE BRAIN ruling Metabolism and Body Movements

  • Fire signs indicate the energy level of the body such as with Chronic Fatigue

  • Fire signs are associated with Gall Bladder issues & Habba Syndrome; Inflammatory Diseases

  • The Frontal Lobe is associated with diseases connected with body movements such as Restless Leg Syndrome, Parkinson’s Disease, ADD/ADHD plus others


Nivel 1, Módulo Esp 101: Introducción. Elementos Básicos De La Astrología. Signos Astrologicos

Level One, Module One, Introduction

Nivel 1, Módulo 1, Introducción

Student Lounge

A place for students to interact with each other.

Interpretation Skills: The Nautical Metaphor

Navigating a natal chart is fundamentally an act of navigation. This course uses the classical nautical metaphor—originally developed in Hellenistic astrology—to transform chart analysis into a dynamic story of a ship at sea. By mapping the primary chart places and planetary rulers to key maritime roles, astrologers can quickly synthesize complex chart dynamics into a clear, compelling narrative.

Instructor Resources (manuals, etc)


Site announcements