Patricia Walsh

Evolution and Soul-Making – Pluto in Transit

Multi-Dimensional Astrology – Engaging the Living Soul of the Archetypes

Imagination is the language of the soul. Myth, metaphor and symbolism. Astrology is rife with all three. And they breathe life into things we think are inanimate, like the planets. When we talk about them, when we connect to the archetypes, we experience them as they are – living. Astrology really should be a channel for that process, understanding that each person has their own experience of an archetype rather than assuming that it’s the same for everyone. That way we can be the midwife of both the experience and the mystery that accompanies seeking the wisdom of the psyche. I’ve been integrating the whole field of the imaginative capacity of the mind as part of my practice for a long time. And, clearly I am passionate about using imagery, storytelling and astrodrama as a way to move towards healing rather than living in a heady space. It really is our archaic inheritance to use our right brain but we are so estranged from it. I respect academic vigor but living in the rational mind alone leads to the soul shrivelling up and dying. Which, to me, is heart-breaking.

Gary Caton

Astrology, Alchemy and the Four Elements

Predictive Applications of Planetary Nodes and Retrograde Loops

Way back when, I got a scholarship and off I went to college. And I discovered that all this dry, academic stuff wasn’t for me. I wanted out. But where to go, what to do? I felt soulless; there was no magic, no mystery. And what I really wanted was that feeling of magic. For a long time, I hitchhiked and drifted around, still uncertain about how to create the magic I so deeply craved. I struggled, I was poor but I kept searching. One night, I had a dream in which I saw Venus inside the Sun. I knew somehow this dream held the key and I needed to trust it. Later, I found that Venus was conjunct the Sun when I had that dream. Such was the beginning of the magic that introduced me to classical astrology and, from there, I discovered electional astrology, horary astrology, theurgy and Hermeticism which is the philosophical paradigm behind astrology. All magic that gave me a wonderful sense of the stuff the world is made of and a spiritual practice that I embody every day.

Faith McInerney

God is in the Details – The TransNeptunian Points, Planets, Asteroids and Chiron

My interest has always been in objective, concrete and material delineations and how to identify the timing of an event. After all, I have Jupiter in Capricorn. That’s what drew me to the TransNeptunian points. Looking at more ways to refine and define the process of interaction and prediction in an every day way by examining how they work with the planets and asteroids. I’ve done a lot of research and I’ve seen how these relationships play out on a concrete level. What manifests when they come in contact with planets and asteroids. A couple of years ago, I began looking at Chiron as well, using my usual approach. I really look forward to sharing what I have observed through all my research. Astrology is so rich with all the paths it offers. Whether it’s my focus, psychological astrology, or exploring the wealth of ancient techniques – to name just three. For me, though, the TransNeptunian points really flesh out astrology in practical and observable ways.

Frank Clifford

The Heart of Your Chart: 7 Steps to Horoscope Synthesis

Solar Arc Directions: An Interactive Session

I’m delighted that the UAC coordinators asked me to speak on two of my favourite subjects: a talk on interpretation and one on forecasting. I’ve given versions of these talks before, but one of the blessings of working in our field is that you never stop learning because every chart you read – and every client you meet – teaches you something new. So, my talks are always evolving and I’d get very bored if I presented the same chart examples every time! My inspiration for both UAC lectures is always my clients, watching how astrology works in their lives, hearing them ‘speak their charts’, and feeling privileged to be an astrologer in these interesting times. I began learning astrology with a biography in one hand and a birth chart in the other. I have Lois Rodden and her books to thank for that. There’s so much theory and technique bandied about, but the real ‘proof’ is in client work, and astrologers who work day in and day out with clients inspire me. Growing up and learning astrology in London, England, I’ve also been lucky enough to have access to some of the greatest astrology minds (mostly women’s) in that city, from Liz Greene to Lynn Bell, from Darby Costello to Deborah Houlding and Melanie Reinhart, to name a few.