Ok, I’m still learning – I don’t think you ever stop…but how did I learn the basics?

I’d always been interested – in an I’m a Pisces so what does that say about me sort of way. But when I hit 39, my world began to change in a major way. Knowing what I know now but didn’t know then, I was having some whoppers of transits.

Anyways, a random comment from a tarot reader in Melbourne got me interested. So I bought a book. Then another one. Then I started playing with charts. Then, in February 2007, I went to my first astrology class. It was in Sydney and my teacher was Kelly Surtees. I attended classes for the next couple of years, joined the NSW Astrology Association, attended a couple of conferences and even did the exams. Oh, and I also subscribed to The Mountain Astrologer – the best astrology magazine out there…naturally, with the exception of Wellbeing Astrology that I’ve contributed to occasionally over the years…

I also built a lovely network of astropals. When we get together it’s like talking a language that you just can’t talk at any other time. As valuable as my formal studies and personal readings were, it’s this informal chatting and exchanging of information that’s taught me so much more.

So what’s best for you?

To be honest? A combination of all of this. Some reading, some classes, and some like-minded peeps.

A few years ago I did some teaching – and loved it more than I can tell you. Sadly, work got in the way – but I have a heap of material that I’ll be turning into simple (and cheap) ebooks over the next 12 months or so. And maybe even an online course. Stay tuned for that.

As for the books I recommend to get you started?

If you want a textbook or some extra reading to help you on your way, the books that I’d recommend are:

• The Chart Interpretation Handbook, by Stephen Arroyo. I can’t tell you just how much I love love love this book
• The Inner Sky, by Steve Forrest,
• The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology, by April Elliott Kent – although this is currently out of print, you might be able to snaffle a copy on ebay
• Astrology for Dummies…yes, really…
• Check out also the articles available on astro.com. I especially love this series on The Houses by Dana Gerhardt http://www.astro.com/astrology/in_dghouses_e.htm

There are heaps of resources out there – and we all learn differently, but you have to start somewhere so just go for it!