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Astrology University: Intro to Cosmos and Psyche

Course program

Intro to Cosmos and Psyche by Astrology University is a four-week guided study of Richard Tarnas’s landmark book on archetypal astrology and planetary cycles. Co-taught by Tony Howard and Dr. Safron Rossi, the course makes one of astrology’s most acclaimed but demanding texts more approachable, drawing out its insights into how planetary archetypes shape collective and personal experience.

This course is for students who already have at least a basic introduction to the planets in astrology and want support reading and working with Cosmos and Psyche. It is especially suited for those pursuing Astrology University’s four-year Professional Astrologer diploma, though enrollment in the program is not required and no prior credential is needed.

The four weeks move through the architecture of Tarnas’s argument. Week 1 covers the archetypal telescope and the planetary archetypes. Week 2 explores In Search of a Deeper Order. Week 3 turns to Myths, Muses and Cosmos. Week 4 focuses on Saturn–Pluto cycles of crisis and contraction.

Dr. Safron Rossi guides students through the first three sections of the book, where the value of astrology emerges as an antidote to mechanistic thinking and as a practice for engaging with the living archetypal world. Tony Howard then leads the Saturn–Pluto chapters, drawing on lessons originally recorded during the Saturn–Pluto conjunction of 2020 — a unique window into how a major collective transit was experienced as it unfolded.

Alongside the lectures, students complete weekly reading assignments and homework, with a discussion area for peer exchange and questions for the instructors.

Tony Howard is the founder and Director of Astrology University, where he leads the four-year diploma program. His writing has appeared in The Mountain Astrologer and the Flare anthologies. Dr. Safron Rossi is Associate Core Faculty at Pacifica Graduate Institute in the Jungian and Archetypal Studies program. She is editor of Joseph Campbell’s Goddesses and co-editor of Jung on Astrology, and she works as a consulting astrologer.

The format is hybrid. Pre-recorded video and audio lessons can be watched on your own schedule, alongside four live Q&A sessions held during each cohort (most recently scheduled across late March and April 2026). Required reading is Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas. Materials, audio, and handouts are available to view and download. Weekly reading assignments and homework structure the four-week pace.

The course does not award an external credential on its own. Students who choose the diploma-track option receive feedback on their homework and an exam review from teaching assistants and instructors, and the course counts toward Astrology University’s four-year Professional Astrologer diploma. Audit students receive the same materials and videos but no personal feedback.

Meet your teacher

Tony Howard

Tony Howard is the Director and Faculty Astrologer at Astrology University. He focuses on historical research, chart analysis, and supporting clients through compassionate mirroring and practical tools for conscious co-creation.

Read more about Tony
Tony Howard

Host reviews 5

  • Jess S.

    This is such a comprehensive and insightful course. I am having many breakthroughs and insights into my own chart and those I am close to. Definitely a missing piece of the puzzle for me.

  • Frances M.

    I like that the lessons were presented by different teachers with varying perspectives. The readings are excellent and a great addition to my library. The course was stimulating, but not overwhelming with technical details.

  • Jessica B.

    This has been a very informative class. The focus on the angles has been really illuminating. I am loving Melanie Reinhart's material and I just adore Darby Costello's perspective on just about anything! Great course work!

  • Monica H.

    So happy to have found this school! The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about teaching. Quality lectures, readings, homework assignments and feedback on homework all contributed to my learning. Attending classes and Q&A's live with a group of stellar students enriched my experience. Can't wait for the next course!

  • Catherine M.

    Comprehensive material, excellent instruction, well-designed program format. Generous time and knowledge given to all students. Worth it!

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