The Kairos Foundation Course in Astrological Studies

The 2026-27 Kairos Foundation Course will begin on Tuesday 13th October 2026.

The Kairos Foundation Course is a comprehensive introduction to astrology and birth-chart interpretation, taking you from the basic language of signs, planets, houses and aspects through to planetary cycles, transits and progressions.

Alongside a strong technical foundation, the course approaches astrology as a living, experiential language. Through mythology, story, image, music, mask and work with your own birth chart, you will learn not simply what astrological symbols mean, but how they express themselves through lived experience.

The course runs over three terms and combines 27 recorded lessons with 15 live Zoom classes, comprehensive written material, self-study exercises and individual tutor feedback.

Who is the Foundation Course for?

The Foundation Course is designed for people who want a thorough grounding in astrology, whether you are completely new to the subject or already have some knowledge and want to bring greater structure, depth and confidence to your understanding.

The emphasis is not simply on learning astrological techniques, but on developing a living relationship with astrology through your own birth chart, mythology, symbolism and direct experience.

Course Tutor Support

The course is supported by the Kairos School assistant teachers: Melissa Gledhill & Tamsin St George.  They will be keeping an eye on your work throughout the year, will be involved the marking of your end of term assignments and available for supplementary support, should you feel the need for this. 

How is the Course Structured?

The 27 classes are spread over three terms.  Each class is around 90 minutes in duration.  Ideally, you should aim to schedule the time to watch these recordings, plus another hours every other week for the live classes, plus at least another 1-2- hours per week to engage further with the material, and attempt the weekly self-study assignments.

The course offers a journey of profound self-understanding and personal transformation, with the focus being on a study of your own personal birth chart.

There is a self-study assignment to accompany each of the 27 lessons, where you will be encouraged to apply what you have learned directly to your own birth chart. You will be assigned a course tutor, and encouraged to submit a piece of work at the end of each term for assessment and review. There is also the option to take small group mid-term tutorials with our tutors, where your specific questions can be addressed.

The foundation course features:

  • 40 hours of high quality video teaching material, delivered through a series of 27 weekly lessons split over three terms.

  • 30 hours of live group support sessions held on Zoom. 5 x 2-hour sessions per term.

  • Comprehensive written material for each lesson, plus extra resources.

  • Self-Study assignments for each lesson

  • Ongoing support with end of term assignments, assessed by a course tutor.

Price: £995.00

Enrol for the Foundation Course

What people are saying…

“John Wadsworth’s foundation course is one of the most enjoyable courses I have taken.  John’s clear love and deep knowledge of astrology, the night sky, mythology and history is profoundly articulated through his poetic and graceful teaching style.  A true pleasure to learn to integrate this ancient science into every day life.  I could not recommend this course more.” (Keri Lassalle)

"This foundation course has brought me so much more than I could have anticipated when I started this journey.  I thank you all for the different ways you all embody astrology, because for me that is the most important of all.” (Kristien de Winter) 

"I enrolled in the Kairos School because I sensed a supportive environment in which to deepen my understanding of astrology. The course exceeded my expectations, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the Foundation Course to everyone interested in learning astrology, or sharpening and honing their skills." (Franklin LaVoie) 

"John is a soulful, thoughtful, knowledgeable, enthusiastic teacher of astrology.  The lessons are varied in style which keeps the interest there and I can't recommend John and the support team (Tamsin and Gillian) enough.  I have enjoyed every moment of this celestial and inner journey." (Joumana Mobarak)

Here’s a teaser trailer from one of the lessons in the first term…

Course Structure

  • In the first term, we introduce the archetypal language of astrology and the structure of the birth chart with an introduction to the elements & quadruplicities, the zodiac signs, planets, houses, aspects, and planetary rulership.

  • In the second term, we go deeper into the interpretation of the birth chart, introducing the elements of house craft including house rulership, planetary strength and dispositorship. We also introduce the outer planets, Chiron and the nodal axis, as well as the minor aspects, aspect patterns and chart shapes.

  • In the third term, we begin to work with the ephemeris, explore retrograde planetary motion, and look into the evolving planetary cycles. We then focus on planetary transits, the lunation cycle, and secondary progressions. 

The whole course will provide you with a complete introduction to birth chart interpretation, with all the essential elements you need for a rounded appreciation of the whole chart, how to interpret it, and how to find meaning and significance in it.

Enrol for the Foundation Course

What Makes This Course Different?

What if learning astrology wasn't really about memorising what all the planets and signs mean? What if it was about learning to see differently?

I first came to astrology through an experience of the night sky that completely changed the way I saw the world. And from there, astrology opened into something much larger for me — a living language of relationship between psyche and cosmos, myth and experience, the movements of the heavens and the patterns of our own lives.

And yes, on this Foundation Course you'll learn the structure. The course is built around a very strong structure. You’ll learn about the planets, the signs, the houses, the aspects. You'll learn how to read a birth chart, how planetary cycles work, and eventually how to understand transits and progressions. But it's important that those things don't just remain abstract symbols on a page. We want them to come alive. Because Mars isn't merely a symbol in your chart. Mars is something you know. It’s the part of you that fights, that acts., that cuts through, that takes a risk. It’s the part of you that gets angry, finds courage. And we don't experience Venus through a list of keywords we associate with her. We experience Venus in the way we love, in what we value, in what draws us, in what we find beautiful.

And gradually the birth chart begins to feel less like a diagram, and more like a kind of theatre of the psyche, with different characters, different voices, different desires. All seeking expression through one human life. That's why the course is experiential. We work with myth, story, image, music, mask and active imagination. And above all, we work with your own birth chart. Because the best place to begin learning astrology is with the mystery of your own life. It’s not enough just to ask: “What does this symbol mean?” But rather to pose the question: “How does this live in me?” “Where do I recognise this in my own character?”, “What is this pattern asking of me?”

If that sounds like the astrology you want to learn, join the next Kairos Foundation Course, which begins on 13th October 2026. Perhaps this is your moment to begin.

Meet the course leader

Hello. My name is John Wadsworth. I am the founder of the Kairos School of Astrology, and its primary teacher. My approach is borne out of 33 years of professional practice, and is primarily a psychological appraoch, alongside elements of traditional and evolutionary astrology. I am known in the field for my experiential, embodied approach to astrological education, with an emphasis on healing and transformation. I’m a great champion of ethical standards in astrological practice, and build this into the courses I teach. I set up the Kairos school in 2008 in Glastonbury, UK, to run the two-year professional training. I have been running the foundation course (first year) and diploma course (second year) successfully online since 2020. I am the author of ‘Your Zodiac Soul’, in which I present the zodiac as a twelve-stage journey of initiation, gateways to wholeness. I am currently completing my second book, The 12 Sacred Wounds, which is due for release in early 2025. I am also a pilgrimage guide, and have been leading sacred walks in the Glastonbury landscape zodiac for the past ten years.

“ I highly recommend this course, whether you want to learn more about yourself or become a professional practising astrologer. Eternally grateful to John, and to Tamsin and Gillian – a really great team of supportive mentors to take you through this life-changing journey!”

Alison McPherson

Meet our team of course tutors

  • Melissa Gledhill

    COURSE TUTOR

    My journey with astrology started when I discovered Linda Goodman’s ‘Sun signs’ as a teenager and felt that visceral excitement that comes from discovering something that resonates deeply on the inside. I started formally studying astrology in 2019, first with the London Faculty of Astrology and then a diploma with the Kairos school. Astrology felt like a soul calling and it wasn’t long before I was reading charts for family, friends and the wider community and I am now a registered practicing astrologer seeing 121 clients on a regular basis. Prior to this, I worked for 20 years in marketing for the not-for-profit sector, managing large and diverse teams raising funds for children’s charities. Whilst that life is over, I recalled how much I enjoyed coaching staff, it felt so natural to me to support people develop their skills and talents so it felt very aligned to accept John’s offer to assist him on his diploma course and I am delighted to be able to support you in your astrological journey!

  • Tamsin St George

    COURSE TUTOR

    I was introduced to astrology around 20 years ago, and this was the start of a whole new way of living for me because I began to understand my own energy patterns more clearly and what I am learning through life. I became a practising Astrologer in 2011, seeing clients on a 1-1 basis. Meeting John in 2013, I was drawn to consolidate my learning with him and completed Kairos Astrology Advanced Training Course in 2016. During this time my passion for Mentoring students became apparent as it gives me a special delight to be supporting others in the connection and unfolding of their own astrological skills. Confidence was a major issue for me and now I’ve found my own I’ll spend the rest of my life helping others to feel empowered! This is why my teaching experience with Kairos, working as part of a team with John and Gillian, ticks so many boxes for me. In 2020 I qualified with MCS Astrology to the level of Astrology Consultant, becoming a Member of the Association of Professional Astrologers International (MAPAI) in 2021. My website is: www.eroditeastrology.com

Foundation Course 2026-27

Module One:

The Archetypal Language of Astrology

13 Oct - 15 Dec 2026

The Four Levels of the Birth Chart - Introducing the Signs, Planets, Houses & Aspects

Click on the + symbol next to the lesson title to find out more about the content, and to see the release dates and live tutorial dates for each class.

    • In this first class we cover the following:

    • A Brief History of Astrology

    • The Philosophical Context of Astrology

    • Introducing the Language of Astrology

    • An Introduction to the Planetary Archetypes

    • Introducing the Four Layers of the Birth Chart

    Lesson 1 Released: Tuesday 13th Oct 2026 (9am)

    Live Class 1: Tuesday 13th Oct 2026: 5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class, we cover the following:

    • A Brief History of the Zodiac

    • A Journey Through the Twelve Signs

    • The Twelve Zodiacal Glyphs

    • The Seasonal/Ceremonial References for Each Sign

    • The Correspondences in the Body

    • The Ruling Planets of Each Sign

    • The Light & Shadow Aspect of Each Sign

    Lesson 2 Released: Tuesday 20th Oct 2026 (9am)

  • Lesson 3: The Four Elements

    In this lesson we cover the following:

    • A Brief History of the 4 Elements & Temperamant Theory

    • The Qualities & Temperaments of Each Element: Fire, Earth & Air & Water

    • Understanding Each Sign Through its Element

    • How to Score Your Own Chart by Element

    Lesson 3 Released: Tuesday 27th Oct 2026 (9am)

    Live Class 2: Tuesday 27th Oct 2026: 5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class we cover:

    • The Philisophy and spiritual understanding behind Three Prime Orientations of Life

    • The Crosses / Quadruplicities: Cardinal, Fixed & Mutable

    • Understanding Each Sign Through its Cross/Quadruplicity

    • How to Score Your Own Chart in terms of Cardinal/Fixed/Mutable balance

    Lesson 4 Released: Tuesday 3rd Nov 2026 (9am)

  • What we cover in Lesson 5:

    • The archetype of the Sun in astrology

    • The archetype of the Moon in astrology

    • The Sun through the Signs

    • The Moon through the signs

    • The polarity between solar and lunar themes in astrology

    Lesson 5 Released: Tuesday 10th Nov 2026 (9am)

    Live Class 3: Tuesday 10th Nov 2026 : 5pm-7pm

  • What we cover in Lesson 5:

    • The archetype of the Mercury in astrology

    • The archetype of the Venus in astrology

    • The archetype of the Mars in astrology

    • Mercury, Venus & Mars through the Signs

    • The polarity of Venus and Mars themes in astrology

    • Mercury as the overseer of the hemeneutic art of interpretation

    Lesson 6 Released: Tuesday 24th Nov 2026 (9am)

  • What we cover in the lesson:

    • The Jupiter archetype

    • The Saturn archetype

    • The Jupiter-Saturn polarity

    • How Jupiter and Saturn play different roles in society

    • How Jupiter and Saturn serve different functions within the family system

    Lesson 7 Released: Tuesday 1st Dec 2026

    Live Class 4: Tuesday 1st Dec 2026: 5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class we introduce the following:

    • The Astronomy of the Twelve Houses & their Astrological Significance

    • The Rising Sign or Ascendant

    • The MC or Mid-Heaven

    • The Four Angles (AC, DC, MC, IC)

    • The Hemispheres

    • The Four Quadrants

    • The Six Axes

    • The developmental themes of the twelve houses

    Lesson 8 Released: Tuesday 8th Dec 2026

  • This is what what we covered in Lesson 9

    • Revise the Dynamics of the Zodiac & The Divisions of the Circle

    • Introduce the five classic aspects: Conjunction, Opposition, Trine, Square & Sextile

    • Introduce the Concept of Orbs

    • Use chart examples to explore the experience of each aspect.

    • Introduce the Ptolemaic Order of Rulership & Aspect Quality

    Lesson 9 Released: Tuesday 15th Dec 2026

    Live Class 5: Tuesday 15th Dec 2026: 5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • Introducing he different House Systems

    A Revision of the Topics of Each House

    Angularity & The Angular Houses

    The Succedent & Cadent Houses

    Identifying Planets in Houses with chart examples

    Interpreting Planets in Houses with chart examples (in breakout groups)

    Lesson 10 Released: Tuesday 5th Jan 2027

    Live Class 6: Tuesday 5th Jan 2027: 5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class, we cover the following:

    • Exploring Uranus & Neptune through their mythology & archetypal function

    • Meeting the planets through the astrological theatre

    • Looking the sign & house positions of Uranus & Neptune

    Lesson 11 Released: Tuesday 12th Jan 2027

  • In this lesson we cover the following:

    • A Revision of Planetary Rulership

    • Clarifying House Cusps

    • Planetary House Rulerships

    • The Landlord/Tenant Distinction

    • The Ruling Planet or 'Lord' of the Chart (AC Ruler)

    • Intercepted Signs & Planets

    • Dispositorship & Mutual Reception

    Lesson 12 Released: Tuesday 19th Jan 2027

    Live Class 7: Tuesday 19th Jan: 5 - 7pm (UK time)

  • This is what covered in lesson 13.

    • A Revision of Planetary Rulership

    • Clarifying House Cusps

    • Planetary House Rulerships

    • The Landlord/Tenant Distinction

    • The Ruling Planet or 'Lord' of the Chart (AC Ruler)

    • Intercepted Signs & Planets

    • Dispositorship & Mutual Reception

    Lesson 13 Released: Tuesday 26th Jan 2027

  • What we cover in Lesson 14:

    • Planetary Dignity (Rulership & Exaltation)

    • Planetary Debility (Detriment & Fall)

    • The Significance of Angularity in assessing planetary strength

    • The Significance of Dispositorship in assessing planetary strength

    • The 'Final' Dispositor

    • The Significance of Mutual Reception, Interception, Retrograde Motion, in assessing planetary strength

    • Hard Aspects to Saturn & Outer Planets in assessing planetary strength

    Lesson 14 Released: Tuesday 2nd Feb 2027

    Live Class 8: Tuesday 2nd Feb: 5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • What we cover in Lesson 15:

    • Red, Blue & Green Aspects

    • The Semi-Sextile Aspect (30˚)

    • The Inconjunct or Quincunx Aspect (150˚)

    • Different Chart Shapes

    • The Grand Trine & Minor Grand Trine

    • The T-Square & Grand Cross

    • The Kite

    • The Mystic Rectangle

    • The Yod

    • The Great Learning Triangle

    • Intro to Special Harmonic Aspects

    Lesson 15 Released: Tuesday 9th Feb 2027

  • What we cover in the lesson:

    • What are the Moon's Nodes?

    • Solar & Lunar Eclipses

    • The Meaning of the North Lunar Node

    • The Meaning of the South Lunar Node

    • The Karmic Perspective of the Nodes

    • The 'Bendings' of the Nodes & the 'Skipped Step'

    • Analysis of the Twelve Lunar Axes wth Chart Examples

    • Identifying an Eclipse in the Chart

    Lesson 16 Released: Tuesday 16th Feb 2027

    Live Class 9: Tuesday 16th Feb: 5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class we introduce the following:

    • Introducing Chiron through Its myth & archetypal function in the psyche

    • Exploring the shifts of the cultural zeitgeist coincident with Chiron's discovery

    • Exploring the nature of woundedness

    • Chiron's position by sign & house

    • Planetary aspects to ChironLesson 8 Release Date:

    Lesson 17 Released: Tuesday 23rd Feb 2027

  • This is what what we cover in Lesson 18.

    • Taking the birth chart as whole - how to approach it

    • An Overview of Steps To Follow in Chart Interpretation

    • Preparing a Case Study

    Lesson 18 released: Tuesday 2nd March 2027

    Live Class 10: Tuesday 2nd March: 5pm - 7pm (UK time)

Module Two:

Going Deeper into the Birth Chart

5 Jan - 2 Mar 2027

The Outer Planets, Chiron & Moon’s Nodes, development of house craft, aspects, & planetary strength.

Module Three

30 Mar - 1 June 2027

Transits & Progressions:

The Evolving Cycles of the Planets

  • In this lesson we introduce the book of planetary positions, known as the ephemeris, and. we explore the nature and meaning of retrograde planets, which will set us up for the third’s study of transits and progressions.

    Lesson 19 Released: 30th March 2027

    Live Class 11: 30th March: 5pm - 7pm UK time.

  • In this class, we cover the following:

    • Introducing Planetary Returns

    • Sun, Moon & Personal Planet Returns

    • Focus on Return Cycles of Jupiter

    • Focus on Return Cycles of Saturn

    • The Saturn & Jupiter Cycle Time Spirals

    Lesson 20 Released: Tues 6th Apr 2027

  • In this lesson we cover the following:

    • The Uranus Return Cycle

    • The Neptune Cycle

    • The Pluto Cycle

    • The Chiron Return

    • The Nodal Return Cycles

    • Adding These Return Cycles to the Time Spiral

    Lesson 21 Released: Tuesday 13th Apr 2027

    Live Class 12: Tuesday 13th Apr: 5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class we cover:

    • How to 'Read' a Transit

    • The Meaning of a Transit

    • How to Prioritise Different Transits

    • Transiting Aspects

    • Transits of Jupiter, Saturn & the Outer Planets to Personal Planets & Angles

    • Timings of Transits

    • Which Houses to Consider for Transits

    Lesson 22 Released: Tuesday 20th Apr 2027

  • What we cover in this class:

    • Transits of the Planets through the Houses

    • Which houses to consider with Transits to Natal Planets

    • Chart Examples

    Lesson 23 Released: Tuesday 27th April 2027

    Live Class 13: Tuesday 27th April: 5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this lesson, we look at the eight phases of the lunation cycle, how to calculate them from the birth chart, and how we interpret each one:

    What we cover in this class:

    • how to recognise the different moon phases in a birth chart

    • how identify which phase you were born under

    • the signature themes associated with each lunar phase

    Lesson 24 Released: Tues 11th May 2027

  • What we cover in the lesson:

    • An introduction to secondary progressions

    • Interpreting the Progressed Chart

    • Differences between transits & progressions

    • The progressed lunation cycle

    Lesson 25 Released: Tuesday 18th May 2027

    Live Class 14: Tuesday 18th May: 5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class we cover the following:

    • The 'Progressed to Natal' Chart

    • Differences in Interpretation Between the Progressed Chart & 'Progressed to Natal'

    • Some 'Progressed to Natal' chart examples

    • The Journey of the Progressed Moon Through the Natal Houses

    Lesson 26 Released: Tuesday 25th May 2027

  • This is what we cover in this final class:

    • Review of what we have covered this year

    • Next steps: should I offer consultations?

    • Ethical considerations when offering consultations

    • Student Questions

    • Course Completion

    Lesson 27 Released: Tuesday 1st June 2027

    Live Class 15: Tuesday 1st June: 5pm - 7pm (UK time)

Course Fees

£995 for the whole course

(instalment payment plan option - term by term - to paid over three terms: £395 per term - total of £1185)

Places are limited. £395 deposit will secure your place.

Balance of £600 - due by 30 Sept 2026.

Course fees include:

  • Access to 27 recorded classes, run over three terms

  • 15 x live classes (every other Tuesday at 5pm UK time)

  • Access to the online classroom (until 30 Sep 2027). This includes:

    • Recordings of all 27 live classes

    • Recordings of all live sessions

    • Extensive (downloadable) course notes for each lesson

    • Self-study assignment for each lesson

    • Extra text & video resources

  • End of term assessment marked by a tutor with personalised video feedback

  • Access to community forum

  • Final assessment & end of course certificate

Enrol for the Foundation Course

FAQs

  • Yes, definitely. The main focus of the foundation course is on gaining a deep understanding of your own birth chart, so you learn a great deal about yourself through this process. The course really offers a profound opportunity for personal transformation and healing.

  • With each class, you receive a self-study assignment, where you can apply what you have learned in each lesson. These assignments are assessed by a Kairos school tutor, and you will receive 1-2-1 feedback direct from them at the end of each term. Upon successful completion of three assignments, you will be awarded the cert. KSA in Astrological Studies.

  • Ideally you will be able to dedicate between 4-6 hours per week to the course, which includes watching the recording of the class and answering the self-study questions. You are also encouraged to do some (optional) background reading.

  • The course includes access to a community forum, where you can ask questions and share insights. This forum will be moderated by the course leader, and another course tutor. You also get 1-2-1 support via assessment of your assignment at the end of each term. Should you feel the need for additional 1-2-1 support during the course, you can book a session with one of the tutors, on a £50 per-hour pro-rata basis.

  • Payments are non-refundable and non-transerable, unless there are exceptional circumstances why you cannot attend or complete the course.

  • We may offer payment plans on request.