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Astrology University: Understanding Major Aspects

Course program

Understanding Major Aspects by Astrology University is an introductory course on one of the most important building blocks of chart interpretation: the six major aspects — Conjunction, Opposition, Square, Sextile, Trine, and Quincunx. The course is taught by four Astrology University faculty astrologers, each bringing a distinct lens to aspect work.

This course is designed for students beginning or deepening their astrology studies, including those with no prerequisites as well as existing students who want to enhance their aspect interpretation skills. It also suits students pursuing Astrology University’s four-year Professional Astrologer Diploma Program.

The curriculum covers both aspect theory and its practical application through chart examples featuring each of the six major aspects. You will explore how aspects create challenge, friction, flow, and opportunity as planets interact, and how to read these patterns in a chart.

Because four different teachers lead the course, you encounter psychological, mythic, and traditional approaches side by side rather than a single interpretive frame. Required reading is Aspects in Astrology by Sue Tompkins, with Aspects and Personality by Karen Hamaker-Zondag as supplemental text. Weekly reading assignments and homework accompany the video lessons.

The course is taught by four Astrology University faculty astrologers: Kelly Surtees, a counselling astrologer working with Hellenistic and traditional techniques; Jason Holley, a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who blends astrology with depth psychology and myth; Tony Howard, Astrology University’s Director and a faculty astrologer focused on historical research and chart analysis; and Mark Jones, an evolutionary astrologer and psychosynthesis therapist based in Bristol, England.

The course is delivered as a hybrid of pre-recorded video lessons and live components. Students receive roughly six hours of instruction, four recorded Q&A sessions, a discussion area for questions, and weekly reading assignments and homework. Video, audio, and handouts are available to view or download. Registration is offered in two tracks: an audit option for independent study, and a diploma-track option that includes feedback on homework and an exam review for students pursuing the four-year diploma.

The curriculum covers both aspect theory and its practical application through chart examples featuring each of the six major aspects. You will explore how aspects create challenge, friction, flow, and opportunity as planets interact, and how to read these patterns in a chart.

Because four different teachers lead the course, you encounter psychological, mythic, and traditional approaches side by side rather than a single interpretive frame. Required reading is Aspects in Astrology by Sue Tompkins, with Aspects and Personality by Karen Hamaker-Zondag as supplemental text. Weekly reading assignments and homework accompany the video lessons.

Meet your teacher

Kelly Surtees

Kelly Surtees is a counselling astrologer and writer based between Sydney and Toronto, with more than 15 years in private practice. She teaches with a traditional focus, grounding ancient philosophy in modern life, and is on the teaching faculty at Astrology University.

Read more about Kelly
Kelly Surtees

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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