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Astrology University: The History of Astrology

Course program

The History of Astrology by Astrology University is a survey course tracing astrology’s lineage from ancient Babylonia through medieval Europe, with a separate look at the rise of pop and sun-sign astrology in the modern US and UK. It is co-taught by Demetra George and Christopher Renstrom and counts toward the school’s four-year diploma program.

This course is for anyone interested in astrology’s intellectual and cultural roots, including new students seeking context for techniques, working astrologers wanting to deepen their understanding of the tradition, and lay readers interested in astrology’s interplay with philosophy, religion, and politics. No prior credential is required.

– Astrology’s origins in ancient Babylonia and its consolidation in Egypt
– The diffusion of astrology through the Roman Empire, Persian, and Islamic worlds, and its reintroduction to medieval Europe
– The relationship between astrology and ancient philosophy, religion, myth, and politics
– How Gnostic, Hermetic, Neoplatonic, Christian, and Jewish traditions interpreted astrology and addressed fate and free will
– The unique history of astrology in the US and UK in the 19th and 20th centuries, including the rise of newspaper sun-sign columns and modern pop astrology

Demetra George is a senior Astrology University instructor known for her work on archetypal mythology, asteroids, and Hellenistic astrology. She holds a Master’s in Classics from the University of Oregon, where she taught the history of astrology, and received the Regulus Award in Theory and Understanding in 2002.

Christopher Renstrom has practiced astrology since 1985, trained under a principal disciple of Zoltan Mason, and writes the daily horoscope column for the San Francisco Chronicle. He is the author of Ruling Planets and Rise & Shine, and lectures on the history of astrology in America.

The course is delivered as 6+ hours of pre-recorded video instruction with downloadable audio and handouts, plus four recorded Q&A sessions and a discussion area for questions as you move through the material. Students work through weekly reading assignments and homework at their own pace. Live cohort dates are posted periodically; the audit option is available for instant on-demand access.

– Astrology’s origins in ancient Babylonia and its consolidation in Egypt
– The diffusion of astrology through the Roman Empire, Persian, and Islamic worlds, and its reintroduction to medieval Europe
– The relationship between astrology and ancient philosophy, religion, myth, and politics
– How Gnostic, Hermetic, Neoplatonic, Christian, and Jewish traditions interpreted astrology and addressed fate and free will
– The unique history of astrology in the US and UK in the 19th and 20th centuries, including the rise of newspaper sun-sign columns and modern pop astrology

Meet your teacher

Demetra George

Demetra George is a senior instructor at Astrology University specializing in archetypal mythology, mythic asteroids, and ancient techniques. She is the author of Asteroid Goddesses, Astrology for Yourself, and Ancient Astrology in Theory and Practice.

Read more about Demetra
Demetra George

Host reviews 5

  • Jess S.

    Jess S.

    Verified user

    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.

    Frances M.

    Verified user

    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.

    Jessica B.

    Verified user

    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.

    Monica H.

    Verified user

    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.

    Catherine M.

    Verified user

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

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