The Foundation Certificate Course

This comprehensive astrology programme, available now exclusively as an online course, will give you all the foundational skills you need to understand the language of astrology, to interpret a birth chart, and to understand the nature and significance of planetary cycles, transits and progressions.

A new foundation course will begin on 18th April 2023. It can be taken as a whole year-long course, or in individual modules. There are three levels of access. You can choose the self-study route, and just go at your own pace in your own way. Or you can choose to join the live online tutorials and engage with our community forum. And, you can also add 1-2-1 support and assessment from our course tutors, and work toward accreditation with our premium access option.

Scroll down the page to see the dates and course structure below, with a summary of the material covered in each class…

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

The course is run over three nine-week terms or modules. The standard and premium access options includes a weekly tutorial (with Q&A) to accompany each of the pre-recorded video lessons. So you have the option to study at your own pace, and to participate in the live conversation as we go along. You will also have access to a moderated community forum, where you can post questions and insights about the material we cover in the course. There is also 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.  

All course members will have access to an online classroom, with new lessons being opened up for each week, giving you plenty of time to watch them as many times as you wish, prior to the live tutorials. The weekly tutorials are held on Zoom, and the course also includes ongoing support via the community forum.

The birth chart is an expression of wholeness, and the course is carefully crafted to reflect this. We build up the layers of interpretation each week, working systematically through the elements and crosses, signs, planets, houses, house rulership, aspects, nodes & eclipses, learning to work with an ephemeris, understanding retrograde motion, working with transits and progressions.

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 look into the evolving planetary cycles, planetary transits 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.

“ 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

  • 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 Release Date: Tues 18 Apr 2023

    Lesson 1 Live Tutorial: Tues 2nd May 2023

  • 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 Release Date: Tues 25 Apr

    Lesson 2 Live Tutorial: Tues 9 May

  • 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 Release Date: Tues 2 May 2023

    Lesson 3 Live Tutorial: Tues 16 May 2023

  • 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 Release Date: Tues 9 May 2023

    Lesson 4 Live Tutorial: Tues 23 May 2023

  • 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 Release Date: Tues 16 May 2023

    Lesson 5 Live Tutorial: Tues 30 May 2023

  • 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 Release Date: Tues 23 May 2023

    Lesson 6 Live Tutorial: Tues 6 June 2023

  • 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 Release Date: Tues 30 May 2023

    Lesson 7 Live Tutorial: Tues 13 June 2023

  • 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 Release Date: Tues 6 June 2023

    Lesson 8 Live Tutorial: Tues 20 June 2023

  • 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 Release Date: Tues 13 June 2023

    Lesson 9 Live Tutorial: Tues 27 June 2023

Foundation Course 2023

Module One:

The Archetypal Language of Astrology

18 Apr - 7 Jul 2023

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.

  • 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 1 Release Date: Tues 5 Sep 2023

    Lesson 1 Live Tutorial: Tues 19 Sep 2023

  • 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 2 Release Date: Tues 12 Sep

    Lesson 2 Live Tutorial: Tues 26 Sep

  • 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 3 Release Date: Tues 19 Sep 2023

    Lesson 3 Live Tutorial: Tues 3 Oct 2023

  • 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 4 Release Date: Tues 26 Sep 2023

    Lesson 4 Live Tutorial: Tues 10 Oct 2023

  • 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 4 Release Date: Tues 3 Oct 2023

    Lesson 4 Live Tutorial: Tues 17 Oct 2023

  • 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 6 Release Date: Tues 10 Oct 2023

    Lesson 6 Live Tutorial: Tues 24 Oct 2023

  • 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 7 Release Date: Tues 17 Oct 2023

    Lesson 7 Live Tutorial: Tues 31 Oct 2023

  • 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: 24 Oct 2023

    Lesson 17 Live Tutorial: Tues 7 Nov 2023

  • 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 Release Date: Tues 31 Oct 2023

    Lesson 18 Live Tutorial: Tues 14 Nov 2023

Module Two:

Going Deeper into the Birth Chart

5th Sep - 24th Nov 2023

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

Module Three

9th Jan - 29th Mar 2024

Transits & Progressions:

The Evolving Cycles of the Planets

Lesson 19: Introducing the Ephemeris & Retrograde Planets

Lesson 20: Planetary Cycles (1): Jupiter & Saturn (introduce the time-line)

Lesson 21: Planetary Cycles (2): The Outer Planets – Uranus, Neptune, Pluto & Chiron

Lesson 22: Transits to natal chart placements (1)

Lesson 23: Transits to natal chart placements (2)

Lesson 24: Moon Phases – The Lunation cycle

Lesson 25: The Progressed Chart & Progressed Lunation Cycle

Lesson 26: Progressions to Natal Positions

Lesson 27: Putting it All Together. Steps to follow in Interpretation

—-

Pricing for Module One

Basic Access (recorded material, online classroom, self-study assignments): £225 per module (£595 for the whole year) *

Standard Access (basic, plus access to live tutorials & community forum): £325 per module (£895 for the whole year) **

Premium Access (standard, plus assessment & accreditation): £375 per module (£1045 for the whole year)

* For those who order the basic access package, you can purchase access to individual live tutorials (at any point during the course) for £20 each per tutorial. End of term assessment can also be added a later stage for £65 per module.

** For those who order the standard access package, end of term assessment can be added later for £65 per module.

  • Module 1: Basic Access

    Video recorded lessons (20+ hrs)

    Access to online classroom

    Self-Study Weekly Assignments

    Book Your Place for £225

  • Module 1: Standard Access

    Video recorded lessons (20+ hrs)

    Access to online classroom

    Self-Study Weekly Assignments

    Access to Live Weekly Tutorial

    Access to Community Forum

    Book Your Place for £325

  • Module 1: Premium Access (accredited)

    Video recorded lessons (20+ hrs)

    Access to online classroom

    Self-Study Weekly Assignments

    Access to Live Weekly Tutorial

    Access to Community Forum

    Assessed End of Term Assignment

    Book Your Place for £375

Pricing for the Whole Course

Basic (recorded material, online classroom, self-study assignments): £595 *

Standard (basic, plus access to live tutorials & community): £895 **

Premium (standard, plus assessment & accreditation): £1045

* For those who order the basic access package, you can still purchase access to individual live tutorials (at any point during the course) for £20 each per tutorial. End of term assessments can also be added a later stage for £65 per module.

** For those who order the standard access package, end of term assessments can be added later for £65 per module.

  • 2023-24 Foundation Course: Basic Access

    Video recorded lessons (60+ hrs)

    Access to online classroom

    Self-Study Weekly Assignments

    Book Your Place for £595

  • 2023-24 Foundation Course: Standard Access

    Video recorded lessons (60+ hrs)

    Access to online classroom

    Self-Study Weekly Assignments

    Access to Live Weekly Tutorial

    Access to Community Forum

    Book Your Place for £895

  • 2023-24 Foundation Course: Premium Access (accredited)

    Video recorded lessons (60+ hrs)

    Access to online classroom

    Self-Study Weekly Assignments

    Access to Live Weekly Tutorial

    Access to Community Forum

    Assessed End of Term Assignment

    Book Your Place for £1045

Meet the team

  • John Wadsworth

    FOUNDER & COURSE LEADER

    I am the founder and course leader of the Kairos School of Astrology. I became enchanted by astrology when was 21, after a profound experience of communion with the night sky that radically altered my worldview, and awakened my mind to the poetry of the cosmos. My approach is borne out of almost 30 years of professional practice, and is primarily a psychological approach, 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 also a great champion of ethical standards in astrological practice, and build this into the courses I teach, especially at diploma level. I set up the Kairos school in 2008 in Glastonbury, UK. I began running this two-year training in in 2011, and I turned this online in 2020, where it now runs. I am the author of ‘Your Zodiac Soul’, in which I present the zodiac as a twelve-stage journey of initiation, gateways to wholeness.

  • Tamsin St George

    TEACHING ASSISTANT

    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

  • Gillian Crawford

    TEACHING ASSISTANT

    For as long as I can remember, the utter beauty of a night sky glittering with stars and illuminated by a changing moon has fascinated me. In my 20s I learned to cast charts and tested those out on my family and friends, expecting the interpretations not to fit – yet they did! I’ve studied with Steven Forrest and completed the Kairos astrology diploma training in 2019. I enjoy writing about astrology, have had articles published and am a committee member of the Aquarius Severn Astrology group. I‘ve given various talks on astrology and created workshops on the synodic cycles of the superior planets but it's in helping clients on a one-to-one basis that I feel most fulfilled. I've been a primary head-teacher, taught children aged 7 to 13 for many years, supported various adult self-development workshops and also worked for an educational research consultancy, so I bring a wide experience of teaching and learning to the course as well as huge enthusiasm to share my love of astrology with students! My website is: www.via-astrology.co.uk

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.

  • You can upgrade your package prior to the start of the course, simply by paying the difference. If you book the basic package, you have the option to purchase individual live tutorials, or recordings of tutorials, during the course. If you book the basic or standard package, you can add-on the assessment option at the end of the module. If you book the premium access package and decide not to follow the assessment route, you can receive a refund for this (less a £10 admin fee).

  • With each class, you receive a self-study assignment, where you can apply what you have learned in each lesson. You can submit these as you go along with the course. For premium access students and those who choose to add-on the end-of-term assessment option, 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.

  • Live tutorials are held on Tuesday evenings, 6pm - 7.15pm (UK time) and we encourage you to attend live if you can. The live tutorials are also recorded so you can also watch them later.

  • Ideally you will be able to dedicate between 4-8 hours per week to the course, which includes watching the recording of the class, attending the live tutorial, and answering the self-study questions. You are also encouraged to do some (optional) background reading.

  • The live tutorials are Q&A based, and are designed to support your learning, so you can bring your questions to the tutorial each week. The standard and premium access packages include 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. 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. In the unlikely case that the course does not run, or has to be cancelled, you will receive a full refund.

  • We may offer payment plans on request.