The Brighton Astrology Circle warmly invites you to our 2026 Winter-Spring programme of Wednesday evening talks, held online via Zoom.
7 January: The William Lilly Soap Opera
A Virtual Talk with Chris Mitchell
When many astrologers today hear the term “horary”, they immediately think of William Lilly, the 17th-century English astrologer. Lilly was a fascinating character who practised during the Civil War, and was often caught up in the politics of his time. In this talk we will have a look at William Lilly the man, and take an astrological look at his fascinating relationship with some of the astrologers of that period.
Chris Mitchell is a certified geek, and since childhood has had a fascination with obscure languages, whether human languages (he’s learning Welsh), computer programming languages, or the mysterious symbols and language of astrology. He was therefore astonished to learn that he could actually get paid enough for writing computer programs to pay the bills, and was allowed to do a PhD in medieval astrology which opened doors allowing him the right to wander through hidden basements of ancient buildings and magical libraries poring over arcane medieval manuscripts written on parchment. He is on the board of the Astrological Association and is their local groups coordinator, and he is the author of “England’s First Astrology Book”.
21 January: Saturn Transits: Growing Up and Growing Down
A Virtual Talk with Carole Taylor
Saturn encompasses both the heaviness of lead and the clarity of crystal. It can bind and trap us through depression, fear or envy, but equally it can bring focus, maturity and discernment. It reminds us of mortality and the passage of time – and yet the lead can also transmute into precious gold, slowly revealed through our labours. We will explore the meaning of Saturn, via myths, alchemy and the Hermetic tradition. We will then turn to the Saturn cycle and the transits of Saturn, which encourage the ripening of our gifts and the unfolding of our mature sense of achievement and purpose in the world.
Carole Taylor has been a full-time astrological consultant and teacher since 2000. A former President and Director of Studies at the Faculty of Astrological Studies, she is founder of the Centre for Astrology, Myth & Symbol and co-founder of Asteria Teaching. She is also a tutor for Astrology University and for the Centre for Relationships & Astrology. Carole has an MA in Myth, Cosmology & the Sacred from Canterbury Christ Church University, and taught for several years on the MA in Cultural Astronomy & Astrology at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David.
www.caroletaylorastrology.com www.astrologymythsymbol.com www.asteria-teraching.com
4 February: Childhood Matters
A Virtual Talk with Faye Blake
Astrology provides a unique framework for examining time and cycles. Initial triggers in childhood to important chart points set deep imprints, leading to important patterns in later life. Faye will discuss Inner Child theory and examine planets near the Ascendant to clarify these patterns. One astrological technique has proved invaluable for this work. The Huber Life Clock offers a really clear way of pinpointing where conclusions about life are formed. Once you understand these conclusions it can help you create healing strategies that can lead to a better future. Faye will discuss client examples and also discuss some from the audience . So bring your charts with Koch houses and include Ceres.
Faye Blake, founder of the Amsterdam School of Astrology, holds an MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology. She is an astrologer, therapist, business consultant and writer. Her free monthly blog, which she has published since 2006, can be found on her personal website. Faye is a noted speaker at international conferences, and her book, Vocational Astrology, forms the basis of her Vocational Apprenticeship program. Apart from encouraging personal development, her other passions include Ceres and the Huber Life Clock. She trained with the Hubers in Switzerland and has a background in Inner Child work, which she combines with astrology in her practice.
www.fayeblake.nl Faye’s other website www.asastrology.nl offers some free material for astrologers and shows upcoming astrological events.
18 February: The Karmic Meaning of Retrograde Planets
A Virtual Talk with Giorgia Pecora
Why do certain patterns in our lives feel so familiar, as if echoing through time? In this webinar, we’ll explore the karmic dimension of natal retrograde planets—astrological indicators of past life themes, inner rewinds, and lessons still in motion. Often misunderstood, retrogrades can reveal where the soul is revisiting unresolved stories, inner conflicts, or forgotten wisdom. We’ll unpack how to interpret them with nuance and how to work with their energy consciously—so we can stop repeating and start integrating.
Giorgia Pecora is a psychological astro-consultant and teacher whose work lives at the intersection of astrology, lineage healing, and the body. She specializes in karmic dynamics, shadow work, relationship astrology, and astro-genealogy, weaving in influences from theosophy, somatic practices, and shamanic work. She holds an MA in Astrogenealogy and is certified in Psychogenealogy through the International School of Psychogenealogy, giving her a unique ability to map ancestral patterns and emotional inheritance with precision. Since 2017, Giorgia has taught over thousands students with a style that’s clear, warm, and unmistakably Italian (yes, the hand gestures are part of the method).
Discover more at www.visionaryastrology.org.
4 March: Intercepted Houses
A Virtual Talk with Patricia Godden
In some house systems, signs, called intercepting signs, fall entirely within houses. Intercepting signs are often thought of as presenting frustrations but they offer the soul opportunities to develop its own way of expressing the energies of those signs. Interception also modifies the interpretation of any planets that fall within intercepting signs. In addition, the presence of intercepting signs means that other signs fall on two house cusps, again offering specific opportunities for soul growth.
Patricia Godden was a scientist in academia and then industry. A developing interest in spirituality led her to study astrology with the White Eagle School of Astrology. She now teaches, gives talks and is a consultant astrologer. Patricia has written three books: Housing Your Planets, Astrology, Crystals and Spirituality and Seeking the Soul. Each book gives spiritual insights into facets of astrology.
*** Save the date – Winter-Spring Term Special ***
Saturday 14 March: In person Astrology Day
Brighton Astrology Circle would like to invite you to join us on Saturday, 14 March 2026 for our in-person workshop of two parts.
Traditional Astrology Workshop
This introductory workshop is suitable for everyone and presents traditional astrology in a clear and accessible way. You’ll learn to view your horoscope from a fresh perspective, following a few simple steps that show how traditional techniques work in practice. Trav will keep things straightforward by using whole sign houses and the seven traditional planets.
Working mainly with your own chart, we will explore the use of sect, planetary dignities and debilities, and derived houses. While a few example charts will be shown, the focus of the day will be on participants’ charts. Handouts will be provided, and you will be asked to submit your birth details in advance so Trav can prepare your chart. All information received will be treated as confidential.
Date: Saturday 14 March 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 04:00 PM (GMT)
Location: In Person. Cornerstone Community Centre, Hove, East Sussex
Fee: £40 | Early bird £35 before 1 March
Morning Session (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
(with a short tea/coffee break)
- The Ancient Universe
- Traditional and Modern Astrology – the differences
- Whole sign houses
- Simplified Sect and your chart
- Dignities and debilities and chart
- Derived houses and your chart
Afternoon Session (13:30 PM – 4:00PM)
(with a short tea/coffee break)
- Question and answer session
- Attendees charts – applied techniques from the morning session
- Put it all together – a total stranger’s chart
After you book, please submit your birth details to Trav so your chart can be prepared (travtravers@icloud.com). All information will be treated as confidential.
About the Speaker
Trav Travers has been running his traditional astrology group “The Astrological Explorers” for several years. His interest in astrology started in childhood. A devotee and advocate of traditional astrology since 1990. He is a qualified Horary Practitioner and Medical Astrologer from the School of Traditional Astrology.
ALL WELCOME
BOOK HERE
18 March: Beyond Venus & Mars: Why the Moon and Mercury Are the Real Priority in Relationships
A Virtual Talk with Margaret Gray
For years, Relationship Astrology has prioritized the importance of natal Venus and Mars. Yet, all our close relationships rely far more on the Moon – our emotional needs and Mercury – our style of communication. Join me in exploring how these two planets and aspects to them, impact our ability to share emotional intimacy and mutual understanding, as well as their combined impact on Emotional Intelligence.
Margaret Gray has been a consulting and teaching astrologer for over 30 years. She is currently based in her native Dublin, although part of her heart remains in Hawaii! Margaret offers birth chart readings to clients internationally, as well as presentations at astrology conferences worldwide. Margaret’s work is grounded in a Jungian based psychological approach. She is passionate about the Astrology of Relationships and is the co-founder and director of The Centre for Relationships and Astrology, which offers certificate courses in the Astrology of Relationships. Margaret also set up and co-runs Astrology Ireland. She is a practicing psychotherapist and works extensively with couples.
Website: astrologypsychological.com
1 April: Astrological Tarot for Astrologers: When the Stars meet the Cards!
A Virtual Talk with Fernanda Paiva
What happens when the Stars meet the Cards? Astrology and Tarot are two symbolic systems that speak in archetypes, imagery, and storytelling, but when woven together they can create an even richer language for insight and guidance. In this talk we will explore how Tarot can become a powerful companion to astrological practice via three powerful themes: Imagery, Dialogue, and Guidance.
Fernanda Paiva is a Tarot reader, certified astrologer (London School of Astrology), with a BA in History, a Masters’ degree in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology (UWTSD) and a certified Highly Sensitive Practitioner (The Highly Sensitive Human Academy).
She is also the head and heart behind the Hitchhiking Stars blog and YouTube channel, as well as the resident astrologer for the Witches of Instagram (@witches.of.insta). She has been published by Flare UK and at the astrodienst website, amongst others.