What does my Through the Gate: An Astrology of Initiation course look like?

Hello Dear Readers,

As I prepare for this upcoming Through the Gate: An Astrology of Initiation course, I am learning SO much. And yes, I expected this to be the case. With my background in somatic process work, trauma resolution, and grounded embodiment, I am teaching this course through a somatic lens. We want to come down into the body – the more we individuate, the more we can truly connect with universal consciousness. The better we know ourselves psychologically, the more we can show up for others.

I have a lot of the embodiment tools under my belt – having studied and practiced Zapchen Somatics since 2005, working with incredible bodywork and heart teachers (Tibetan lamas and birth process work teachers). My biggest learning at the moment is coming from the many ways that astrology maps onto the process of incarnating, of coming down into the body, onto the subtle energy centers known as Chakras, and of course unpacking the many layers of the (planetary) esoteric rulers mapping onto the 12 signs of the zodiac.

Even with an “embodied and grounded” agenda in looking at the esoteric levels of astrology, there are many angles to pursue. Therefore, I am having to refine and keep out some material (my class is only 18 hours long). This class is open to relative beginners to astrology – provided you have done some real, honest personal growth work, you are hungry to learn (and willing to do some homework to catch up a bit). I want people to question the material, the spark rich discussions and comments. I want to unpack many layers of metaphor and insight.

In the first 3-hour block, we will go through the basic ingredients of the Elements and the Chakras. Starting with Source (Crown Chakra) and coming down to Earth Element in the Root Chakra. That means we have 15 hours to go through several layers of each of the 12 signs. Doable for sure, and considering I will lead a somatic settling exercise in each class, I have to skip some material. It can be included in part two – when we look at the hierarchical rulers of the 12 signs.

When we go through each of the 12 signs, we are examining (sometimes briefly) four layers. We will cover lower frequency: shadow material, middling frequency personality traits (typical of each zodiac sign – most astrologers know this already so we won’t dwell on them), higher frequency, you might say secure-attachment-based manifestations / traits of each sign, and finally getting into (and spending the most time on) the esoteric rulers of each sign.

This is rich, insightful and very important material. We all have all 12 signs in our chart and in our personality. The more we learn about ourselves and others, the more we can have compassion for ourselves and for others. The more we learn about suffering – our own and others’, the more skillful we can be in staying present in the face of discomfort.

Online Class: The details below are for the In-person class starting in late August. However, I plan to offer this class online as well, starting in late September. Let me know if you interested in this format!

In-person Class: In Charlottesville Va (anyone who wants to commute is welcome). At my large office near Rio Rd & 29 North – address provided on registration.

When: Starting Friday afternoon August 28th – 2 – 5 pm; going through October 2nd – 6 three-hour sessions on Fridays

Cost: $900 – this is rich material that is difficult to find, especially with my somatic background. If you need a sliding scale, there are a couple of those spots still available and we can discuss a number that meets both of our needs.

Participant Dynamics: I want a minimum of 6 participants (there are a couple spots still available to get there) – so it will be a smaller, more intimate class. You will get your questions answered. We don’t have a lot of time to look at individual charts. There is a maximum of 12 participants – if we have more than 9 people sign up, I will pay an assistant to hold space for the depth of this material.

As I mentioned, this course is open to relative beginners of astrology. The primary prerequisite is that you have done some real, honest personal growth work so that you can be present with any activation that might arise from the depth of this material. As a result, I am scheduling a 10-min Zoom chat with people I don’t know to make sure this class is a good fit for you at this time.

If you are going through an acute crisis, if you are new to self-reflective work, then this might not be a good fit for you at this time.

To Register or With Questions: please reach out to https://www.traumainformedastrology.com/contact

I look forward to hearing from you.