The current project in this 'Work Shop' is a tutorial and study guide for understanding the basic concepts of Astrology.

The booklet, Understanding Astrology: A Guide to the Basic Concepts and Terms of Astrology (© Joyce Moss, 1990, 1997) is an introduction to the basic symbols and language of Astrology, a study guide, and a step-by-step tutorial as we learn to make sense of a Natal Chart. It grew out of my own struggles to grasp the basic principles of Astrology. There are many excellent books on Astrology, but I was never able to find one that just contained the very basics that I needed to learn first. I am not an astrologer, just a student (self-taught; still in progress) and have accumulated an extensive library on Astrology in the course of my studies. My problem was that all my books just seemed to boggle my mind with an overload of information rather than to clarify the subject.

I organized my notes on the basic concepts, definitions, and glyphs into charts and study guides so that I could review them as I studied other texts. Next I researched until I found the best of the computerized Natal Report Writer programs. The program I chose was Matrix Software's "the Sky Within" written by Steven Forrest. The way in which Mr. Forrest presents the astrological signs and the planets as Archetypes made them come alive in my mind and it was a great breakthrough for me! Using my Study Guide, the "Sky Within" Report Writer program, and Mr. Forrest's two books "The changing Sky'' and "The Inner Sky" I began to get a feel for the Astrological energy patterns and how they work in our lives.

A quote from "The Sky Within" by Steven Forrest:

"Astrology works by reminding you who you are, by warning you about the comforting lies we all tell ourselves, and by illuminating the experiences that trigger your most explosive leaps in awareness. After that, the rest is up to you."

Over the years I have actually thrown Astrology books against the wall in frustration, and vowed to never read one again. And yet, I always came back to examining astrology. My personal interest in Astrology is not as a way to predict exact physical world events (although there are many who seem to be able to do that). I have found that for me it is a way to understand the energy patterns that are working in my life at any given time and thus be more able to work with them. It helps me with my inner growth.

My original notes and charts were organized into a 32 page booklet and first published in 1990 as a companion guide to a basic computer generated natal chart and "The Sky Within" computerized Natal Report. This booklet is now used by a professional astrologer as a Student's Guide in a basic Introduction to Astrology course.

I offer this booklet freely as a gift to anyone who might find it useful. I grant permission to share it with anyone who might find it helpful, but request that you do not sell it or any part of it.

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