Chairman Victor Olliver has great pleasure in announcing the Brighton Astrology Circle 2025 Summer term programme of Wednesday evening talks via Zoom.
16 April: The Great Escape: Looking at Everyday Addictions Using the Horoscope
A Virtual Talk with Faye Blake
We all have our bad habits. Do you ever see yourself…needing a couple of drinks to feel more at ease in a social situation? Looking constantly at your phone? Eating more chocolate than feels good? It is only human to try to avoid what we see as the more painful or negative aspects of ourselves or of life. However, when this avoidance becomes habitual and especially when we find we can’t do without alcohol, sugar or our phone to feel better, then we begin to feel guilty and trapped and our feeling of self-esteem decreases further.
Faye’s belief is that addictive tendencies are covering up genuine needs and longings. By discovering the needs behind the addiction and accepting them, we can regain our self-respect and a sense of authenticity. Faye will look at case studies and if time permits discuss your charts – so bring your Neptune and discover if there is a talent hidden in an addiction!
Faye Blake was born in New Zealand and moved to Europe in 1984. Her study of astrology began in the 1970s and after many other astrological studies, she gained a Master of Arts in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology in the UK in 2004. She currently lives and works in Amsterdam as an astrologer, therapist, teacher and writer. www.fayeblake.nl and www.juxtaposition.nl. Branding using astrology is done through www.strutyourstuff.nl. Her book, Vocational Astrology: Finding the Right Career Direction, arose from her experience of teaching astrologers to work with all forms of career related questions.
7 May: The Astronomical Ceilings of Dendera & Temple Alignments of Ancient Egypt
A Virtual Talk with John Wadsworth
The astronomical ceilings that decorate the Temple of Hathor in Dendera, Egypt, offer us a source of rich astronomical information that not only tells us much about the way the Ancient Egyptians engaged with the night sky, but which also provides a lot of historical, religious and mythological context for the development of astrology.
In this richly illustrated talk, John will explore in detail both the circular Zodiac of Dendera (the original of which is now housed in the Louvre in Paris), and the spectacular Pronaos astronomical ceiling that adorns the Hypostyle Hall of the temple. John will also explore the more ancient context for these late kingdom designed star maps, with reference to the 18th dynasty tomb of Senenmut which depicts the earliest known star map of the ancient world. And, as part of a broader discussion, John will also refer to the specific alignments of certain Egyptian temples to the heliacal rising and culmination of particular stars, which demonstrates a sophisticated ancient understanding of the Precessional Cycle.
John Wadsworth has been practising as an astrologer since the early 1990s and has been running the (APAI accredited) Kairos School of Astrology since 2010. He is the author of the book Your Zodiac Soul, and is the founder of The Alchemical Journey, a zodiac mystery school based in Glastonbury. John is also an experienced tour guide of sacred sites: he regularly leads pilgrimages in the Glastonbury Zodiac and, inspired by his long-term passion for all things Egyptian, he has recently begun leading tours of Ancient Egypt, focussing on its ancient star-lore.
The Kairos School of Astrology: www.kairosastrology.co.uk.
21 May: A Practitioner’s Perspective on Astrological Health
A Virtual Talk with Steve Judd
Having been an ‘outsider’ to most of the astrological community for 40+ years, Steve has learnt his own techniques as opposed to reading books or being taught by others. In this time, he’s done over 30,000 readings, many brief and some very long. He has developed his own forms of astrological diagnosis relating to physical, emotional and mental health, and he would like to share these with you. None of this is evidential – it is all experiential, born of both diagnostic astrology and large amounts of feedback from clients.
Steve Judd is one of the ‘stars’ of the astrology world. He has 119,000 subscribers to his Steve Judd Astrology channel on YouTube. In July 2005, he was awarded the MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology from the Sophia Centre at Bath Spa University, the eleventh person in the world at that time to hold this qualification. Steve’s ability to define and explain past situations from an impersonal and objective perspective gives him the potential to expand on current situations and then explore and project into possible options for the future. For more information, visit: www.stevejudd.co, and www.astrobabbleproductions.com.
4 June: In 2025, How to Harness your Solar Power!
A Virtual Talk with Lindsay Gladstone
The 2025 Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere takes place on the 21st June at 03.43 hrs BST. This annual event is a global cultural phenomenon celebrated by millions, but how much attention do we pay to our own individual spark of divine light? Tonight, we will ponder on the wondrous philosophies honouring this life-giving star and consider simple astrological techniques that can consciously enhance our awareness of this life-giving essence.
Lindsay Gladstone is an astrological consultant and workshop leader. She has a Diploma of the Faculty of Astrological Studies (DFAstrolS), as well as an M.A. in Myth, Cosmology and the Sacred. For a number of years, she was a tutor for the Faculty of Astrological Studies, as well as Registrar for the Faculty’s prestigious Summer School. Her journey has evolved into Axis Mundi Astrology, giving client consultations, curating in-person workshops, as well as lecturing in the UK and abroad. Website: https://www.axismundiastrology.co.uk.
*** Save the date – Summer Term Special ***
Saturday 14 June: In person Astrology Day – The ‘Magic’ of Astrology
Held at the Cornerstone Community Centre, Church Road Hove, East Sussex BN3 2FL.
ALL WELCOME
“The ‘Magic’ of Astrology”
Book your place asap. Limited space.
Astrology has mathematical rigour but it also has a divinatory (or ‘supernatural’ or spiritual) element which is not easy to define. Our two esteemed speakers will talk about their respective techniques and explain the magical side. You could describe this Workshop as a bit of a mystery tour. Join us on the voyage. Audience interaction is most welcome.
Details to follow very shortly.
Morning
10.00 am to 12:15 pm (with a short tea/coffee break)
The Magician Journey – Follow the Stars
With Pam Carruthers
In this talk Pam weaves together various connections that astrology has with magic. According to the Internet, “Astrology and magic are two concepts that have been around for thousands of years. While astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial objects, magic refers to the use of supernatural powers or beliefs to influence or control events.” Astrology is not considered magic. However let’s look at the definition.
“A magician, also known as a magus, magic-user, spellcaster, enchanter/enchantress, sorcerer/sorceress, warlock, witch, or wizard, is someone who uses or practises magic derived from supernatural, occult or arcane sources. Magicians enjoy a rich history in mythology, legends, fiction and folklore.” Merlin is just one example.
Astrology is steeped in mythology and is often referred to as occult. The magical journey began with the Magi, the three Wise Men who were astronomers and astrologers who followed the stars, the alignment of the Jupiter and Saturn conjunction in Pisces in 7 BC. This was a rare conjunction visible in the night sky.
Pam will show the chart for the Birth of Jesus.
The tarot is linked to astrology, magic and divination and Pam has used it for over 20 years.
She will examine the Kabbalah, the Tree of Life with its connection to the planets and its influence in the Aura-Soma Colour system. Pam will end her talk and take you on a journey with The Inner Guide Meditation by Ed Steinbrecher. This connects you with the 9th house in your birth chart, so please bring it with you.
Pam Carruthers is a qualified professional Vedic and Western astrologer. She holds the Certificate with the Faculty of Astrological Studies since 1994 in Western Astrology and the Associate of Arts in Jyotish (Vedic Astrology) in 2001. She qualified as an NLP Practitioner in 1998. She teaches and has lectured with the International Conference for the British Association of Vedic Astrology and her local astrology group since 2003. An experienced Life Coach and Trainer, Pam helps clients discover the hidden patterns that are holding them back in their lives. She works from a spiritual perspective and is a student of A Course in Miracles. A consultation with her is a life enhancing and healing experience. Based in the UK, Pam has an international clientele. She works extensively via Zoom. Contact her via her website: www.healingstars.com
Afternoon
1:15 pm to 3:30 pm (with a short tea/coffee break)
Astrological Magic: Medieval Technology for the 21st Century
With Marcos Patchett
In this talk, celebrated medical and horary astrologer Marcos Patchett discusses his personal experiments with astrological magic over the past 15 years – what can it do? Did it work? Is it all made up? Expect numerous charts and details of what happened afterwards, plus some pondering on what this work suggests about belief systems and the nature of reality.
Marcos Patchett is a herbalist, medical and horary astrologer, and head of the Plan*tarium school teaching medical astrology to therapists of all kinds. He is formerly clinical supervisor at Middlesex University’s Western Herbal Medicine BSc & MSc courses (2013-2018), Westminster University (2021-2022), and Heartwood online herbal medicine programmes (2020-2023). He teaches at Kepler College (USA), QHP, and the Academy of Astrology (UK). His first book, The Secret Life of Chocolate, was released in 2020.
At both workshops tea and coffee will be provided. Please bring your horoscopes for discussion and interactive exercises
Date: Saturday 14 June 2025
Venue: The Loft – Top Floor Room, Cornerstone Community Centre, First Avenue, Hove BN3 2FL
Time: Start at 10am-13:300pm. Please arrive after 9.30am for the 10am start
To Book Your Place: The fee for the day is £35. Early bird until 8 June £30.
18 June: Zeus on the Loose: Jupiter’s Impact on Childhood Development and its Impact on Adulthood
Unleash Your Inner Thunderbolt
A Virtual Talk with Alex Trenoweth
‘Zeus on the Loose’ offers a fresh, insightful look at childhood development and its impact on adulthood through the lens of astrology. Perfect for astrologers, educators, and curious minds alike, this lecture will explore how Jupiter’s placement reveals learning style, motivation, and its unlimited potential. With practical guidance and rich symbolism, it bridges astrology and education to support the next generation’s growth and brilliance.
Alex Trenoweth is a distinguished author, educator, and award-winning astrologer renowned for her unique integration of astrology into educational contexts. She holds an MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology, a diploma from the Faculty of Astrological Studies, the ISAR CAP and she was awarded with an honorary PhD from the Krishnamurti Institute of Astrology for her groundbreaking research on adolescent behaviour and lunar phases. Trenoweth’s dedication to astrology and education has taken her across the globe, lecturing at conferences, workshops, and local astrology groups. Her work has been translated into several languages, including Farsi, Mandarin, and Hindi, reflecting her commitment to making astrology accessible to diverse audiences.
2 July: A New World for Astrologers: Through the Eyes of Juno
A Virtual Talk with Lianne McCafferty
Frequently underestimated and commonly referred to as merely symbolising the ‘committed partner’, planetoid Juno has so much more to offer. In this talk we will dive into the rich astrological potential along with a delve into 2025-2026 from Juno’s perspective. So, whether your astrological interest is natal, mundane, synastry, medical or spiritual, a rich tapestry of meaning awaits to deepen your perspective. Welcome to the wonderful world of Juno!
Lianne McCafferty holds the Mayo Diploma (Distinction) in natal & mundane and is one of its long-standing tutors. She is author of Juno, More Than Meets The Eye and numerous articles published internationally. She speaks regularly at conferences and is on the Scottish Astrological Association Board. Formerly a professional sportsperson prior to transitioning into martial arts, and now Second Dan Black Belt, she also uses astrology to enhance sport performance, mental and physical wellbeing. Website: https://liannemccafferty.com/.
16 July: Medical Conditions and the Art of Decumbiture
A Virtual Talk with Wanda Sellar
‘Decumbiture’ is the name given to a chart drawn up when “sickness invades the infirm”. It is basically an event chart with certain designated rules, which are quite easy to follow, though like all astrology charts, it is up to the practitioner to put it all together. Such a chart can be drawn up in any situation where something needs to be known about a medical condition, such as the time of feeling ill, of course, or a doctor’s appointment, or a fall, or waiting for the results of a medical test. A Decumbiture chart was frequently erected by medieval and 17th century astrologers when recourse to a doctor wasn’t always possible by the infirm. The chart would suggest the type of medication – usually herbs – to be administered as well.
Wanda Sellar is President of the Astrological Lodge of London. She is also its programme organiser and co-editor of the Astrology Quarterly magazine. She edits the Astrological Association’s Astrology & Medicine Newsletter. She has taught in Europe and Japan and has several books on astrology to her credit. One is on the subject of Decumbiture, though her most recent is Chart Shapes: the Code to Interpretation. Wanda holds a Diploma from the Mayo School of Astrology and is a Qualifying Horary Practitioner. She has also trained as a counsellor and Regression Therapist.