Astrology and the Symbolic Imagination: Online Course

Centre for the Study of Astrology, Myth & Symbol

With Brian Clark, Carole Taylor, Safron Rossi & Jason Holley

June 2 - 23, 2024

Astrology and the Symbolic Imagination is the signature course of the Centre for the Study of Astrology, Myth & Symbol enshrining our approach to astrology. It is taught by four of the core contributors to the CAMS project. Each of these tutors is an experienced individual voice in contemporary astrology and each offers their unique perspective – yet together we are united in the ground of our approach, placing central importance on the faculty of symbolic imagination and on the inspiration of the archetypes as a living presence. 

Together, these perspectives create a prism through which to understand the complex and often elusive and mysterious subject of astrology. The emphasis in this course is on astrology as an invitation into dialogue with the archetypal world, as participants in an ensouled cosmos.

All four tutors are practising astrologers and the course flows out of our many decades of client work and teaching. The aim is to provide you with ideas and tools to enrich your understanding and practice.

Astrology abounds with techniques, but these can sometimes serve to build technical knowledge at the expense of a deeper and more meaningful view. The work of CAMS is to invite astrologers into a participatory mode that acknowledges technique as being in service to the symbol, the symbol as a threshold into psyche, and the chart as sacred space.  

Course outline and details

1. Astrology, Symbol and Imagination with Brian Clark

2. The Living Symbol – Astrology, Dialogue and Divination with Carole Taylor

3. Astrology as Cosmology for Soul with Safron Rossi

4. Engaging with Symbolism in Astrology with Jason Holley

Course outlines and live session dates are on the CAMS website. The course is arranged in four sections, with two pre-recorded videos and one live discussion session in each section.

Click here for full course details and to register.

Myth and the Zodiac: Archetypal Astrology Course

Kosmos Institute, Live on Zoom

C.G. Jung’s psychology is based on the idea that archetypes are the energy patterns of nature which pervade life and the psyche. These universal patterns are what we find represented in myth and religion. In the words of Joseph Campbell, “Myth is the secret opening through which the inexhaustible energies of the cosmos pour into the human cultural manifestation.”

To study myth is to access the secret opening through which we can recognize how our lives unfold along archetypal patterns and themes. It is a way of making contact with the “inexhaustible energies of the cosmos.” No symbolic art offers so profound a way of delving into this meeting place between myth and the psyche than astrology. Depicting the constellations of psychic energy as celestial archetypes or gods, our astrological birth chart is an individual portrait of the myths and transpersonal intelligences at work within us.

In this course participants will be introduced to myths of the twelve zodiac signs. Alongside the exploration of Greek myth we will also consider a series of zodiac paintings by the Dutch visionary artist Johfra.

The first two sessions will orient participants to key ideas including the cosmos and psyche paradigm, as well as the relationship between archetypes, myth and the zodiac. Beginning in week 3 each session will be devoted to two zodiac signs concluding with a final session on the astrological ages.

Course Details

This course is Live on Zoom at the Kosmos Institute.

Nine Saturdays

June 22 — August 31 (No Class July 6 & August 3)

10 AM — 11:30 AM PST

Click here for full course details and to register.

The Alchemical World of the Four Elements

In-Person Workshop, October 11 - 16 in Buellton, California

with Safron Rossi & Carole Taylor

Centre for the Study of Astrology, Myth & Symbol

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This two-part workshop explores in depth the meaning of the Four Elements and their role in shaping our character, desires and sense of destiny. It will take you on a powerful and illuminating journey through your own chart via the presence of Fire, Earth, Air and Water contained within it, as well as offer you rich imagery and ideas to bring into your consultancy, teaching or creative work.

You can book either for the whole event, or just for the first part or the second part.

Part I: The Elemental Imagination of the Zodiac: Earth, Air, Fire & Water in Myth and Alchemy

Safron Rossi

In the first part of the course, Safron will explore the Four Elements through Greek myths and alchemical images, showing how they express themselves through the signs of the zodiac. This will be rooted in an understanding of their origins in ancient Greek spiritual philosophy and their consistent presence in the western mystery tradition to which astrology and alchemy belong.

Part II: The Four Elements: Cosmology, Psychology, Balance and Imbalance  

Carole Taylor

In the second part, Carole will explore the notion of balance and imbalance of the Four Elements in our charts, how the Elements shape our expression of the planets, angles, houses and points located in them. We will look at how their presence or absence might reflect family and ancestral patterns and how they influence our relationships, vocational choices and path of self-development.

We conclude the workshop by bringing the Elements fully into our conscious awareness, with a practical session guided by Safron and Carole. Here you can explore your personal relationship to the Elements through drawing, music, poetry, journalling, dream work and other experiential media of your choice.

The workshop is suitable for a range of skill levels, from foundation to advanced, but it is not suitable for complete beginners. You must have the basics of astrology under your belt and a basic understanding of how to read a birth chart. If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with CAMS. 

Course Details

This is an in-person workshop in Buellton, California

October 11-16, two-part workshop

Click here for full course details including schedules, travel information, questions and to register.