5 March: The Magic of Signification

Signification is a concept of such vital importance in astrology it is strange that little has been written about it. This talk seeks to correct this omission. Astrological Signification not only leads to the ability of the astrologer to see particular details of a person’s life from a birth chart, it also fortifies his confidence in foreseeing the future with accuracy. This talk, sometimes humorously, explores this most important concept of signification as well as providing ideas for cultivating it in practice. Using event-type, horary and birth charts we see signification come to life in clear and conclusive ways.

Richard Swatton’s astrology education began in 1976 when he learned traditional, horary, and Theosophical approaches to the subject. Later, he studied the work and system of Noel Tyl. Between 1985-88 Richard undertook the three-year diploma at the Centre for Psychological Astrology in London studying under Jungian Analyst and astrologers Dr. Liz Greene and Humanistic therapist Howard Sasportas. In 1992, Richard decided to train as a psychotherapist, moving his career path from music towards therapy and astrology. After already engaging various forms of psychotherapy from 1982 onward, it was during 1988-2002 he undertook a 14-year Jungian analysis as well as learning and practising various forms of mediation and spirituality.

As a therapist Richard has worked at St Thomas’s Hospital, Islington MIND the mental health charity, the Inner Way Consultancy, his own clinic – The City Psychotherapy Service – and the South Gloucestershire Council therapy services department. He is now in private practice in Bristol, online and face-to-face.

The Horary Process  – a book about the practice of astrological divination – is due in late 2025 in collaboration with Frank Clifford. Hobbies; mythology; chess, and poker.