ISAR Conference 2009

Astrology's Value to Society:
Astrology's Response to Media, Science, Religion and Academia

August 20 - August 23, 2009

Conference Schedule

Sunday, Aug. 16:

Evening: Consulting Skills Training

Monday, Aug. 17

All day: Consulting Skills Training

Tuesday, Aug. 18

All day: Consulting Skills Training

Wednesday, Aug. 19:

9:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Special Convening of Selected Professionals to Develop ISAR's Next Training Program

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Pre-Conference Workshops (choice of five)

8:30 PM: Special Pre-Conference Fire Dance (outside), Susie Cox

Thursday, Aug. 20:

10:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Opening Ceremonies

Three 25-minute presentations:

• Ray Merriman: Economics
  The Importance of What We Are Trying to Accomplish With This Seminar
  The importance of Astrology's value to understanding the economic and mundane (political) times we live in.



• Monica Dimino
  Who Are We?
  A recent informal survey reveals a general public that is clueless about astrology and astrologers. This presentation considers the difficulty we have within our own profession as astrologers struggle to define themselves. Without a definition, we are measured in every which way. Here's a proposal that attempts to bring us in from the fringes by outlining some core beliefs.



• Maureen Ambrose
  Two Faces of Astrology
  Being two-faced can be a real problem or it can be a distinctive blessing. Like the Roman god Janus, having eyes in the back of one's head has the advantage of seeing in both directions. What faces do we wear and are we able to move forward as respected, legitimate professionals with these faces of ours?

1:00 PM: Lunch

3:00 - 4:15 PM: Lectures:

1. Finance & Business
   Grace Morris
   Picking the Winning Stocks and Sectors for 2009-2010
   Choosing stocks to outperform the market begins with choosing the best sectors. Using fundamental, technical and planetary cycle analysis, the process develops toward successfully investing in the stock market with all the tools you'll need.



2. Political & Mundane
   Christine Arens
   Working with Eclipses
   This presentation will help you identify eclipse charts, as well as how to differentiate among the various types of solar and lunar eclipses. Material will include technical information as well as some historical documentation. Applications will include a review of current eclipses, as well as a few documented natal eclipse charts.



3. Relationships
   Sandra-Leigh Serio
   The Vertex: Your Connection to Relationships
   The Vertex, the so-called "third angle" in a birth chart, is a valuable tool in chart comparison and a powerful indicator of destined encounters. Its nature is best understood by viewing it through psychological and spiritual perspectives. This lecture will focus on all types of relationships, not just romantic ones, to see how the vertex connection brought people together and changed their lives, if they were willing to meet the challenge.



4. Vocation, Employment, Human Resources, Hiring
   Margaret Gray
   The value of Psychological Astrology in assisting individuals facing the loss of their job/career
   In this presentation, I plan to explore how Psychological Astrology can assist individuals facing the loss of their job/career through an understanding of the experience as a "Threshold Crossing." This is best described by the mythological framework of "The Hero's Journey," written extensively by Joseph Campbell. Astrologically, this is "the Solar Journey" and an opportunity to find one's true Vocation/Calling with the assistance of the Natal Chart.



5. Psychological & Medical, Self-Knowledge
   Carol Rushman
   Making Predictions the Right Way
   How your psychological profile affects your astrological predictions.



6. Research, Science & Technology
   Frank Piechoski
   Annoyingly Intelligent People
   This lecture examines astrological factors tied to intelligence. Using statistical research methods, hundreds of charts of people with Mensa-level intelligence are examined for common factors and the methodology explained. Individual charts will also be examined to show how the statically discovered factors operate for that particular person. This lecture will not be just boring numbers, but also a humorous look at what we regard as intelligence and how it relates to astrology.



7. Education, Culture, History
   Roy Gillett
   Astrology - Restoring the Science of Human Understanding
   The attitudes of the 17th/18th century "Enlightenment" created the conditions for the material benefits of the 21st century, but left our personal lives and social relationships barren. After exploring the astrological reasons for this, Roy will show how knowing today's transits can be used to restore a scientific balance that includes human as well as mechanical understanding. We can educate our children to have social values, based on a compassionate view of each other's needs.



8. Spirituality & Religion
   Eric Meyers
   Elements & Evolution
   The elements provide precise information on personality attributes and psychological characteristics. They can also reveal broader evolutionary themes. This lecture will offer a simple framework to understand how the elements interact in spiritually progressive ways -- a multi-leveled approach dealing with the evolution of consciousness.



9. Life Cycles
   Samuel F. Reynolds
   Understanding the Jupiter Return, from the Inside Out: Lessons in Growth, Understanding and Purpose
   Although there has been a significant amount written about the Saturn return, the Jupiter return, particularly the first adult Jupiter return between 23-25 years old, has not been honored enough for shaping and bringing to full relief the life lessons, beliefs and core principles that contribute to the individual development and manifestation of one's life's purpose. By exploring charts of key figures in recent history, Reynolds will show how important the first adult Jupiter return can be and how one can actively cultivate a better way to receive the impact of the Jupiter return.



10. Panel
    Astrology & the Universities: An uneasy alliance or a perfect fit?
    Moderator: Lee Lehman
    Panel: Cathy Coleman, Enid Newburg, Greg Bogart, Frances Clynes, Ralfee Finn.
    Like any other subject, astrology can be studied either as a practice (learning how to do it) or academically (examining its nature, culture, claims and context). Are universities a good home for one or neither of these aspirations? Listen to expert panelists and make your own views heard.

5:00 - 6:15 PM: Lectures:

1. Finance & Business
   Carol Tebbs
   Knowledge of Astrology Enriches Many Other Fields
   Astrology has much more to offer than the Sun Sign column of the local newspaper, and though many enjoy astrology as entertainment, it still has little respect as a serious field of study. That can change. The class surveys how knowledge of planetary cycles and phenomena can combine with and elevate specialized knowledge in other fields such as: financial trading, real estate investing, leisure and travel, clinical psychology, international relations, business and marketing.



2. Political & Mundane
   Claude Weiss
   How Planetary Cycles Help Understand Past, Present and Future: What to Expect of 2010 and Beyond?
   After a Saturn/Uranus opposition, a Saturn/Pluto square is being formed in autumn 2009, a prelude to the Saturn/Uranus/Pluto T-square which characterizes late summer 2010 and is a symbol of deep crisis. At the same time, an important renewal is shown by the conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus crossing 0 degress Aries around June 2010. This junction of most important planetary cycles shows mankind at a turning point of its evolution. Different scenarios are discussed regarding the impact on 2010 and beyond.



3. Relationships
   Bob Mulligan
   Astrology for Couples
   Chart comparison is important, but there are dimensions of working with couples that goes beyond this exchange of chart information. We will explore ways of helping clients understand their natal potential for relationship, the correct use of timing, and understanding the current life experience of other people, using their charts. Other topics are: why people resist advice on their love life; how to bring changes in people's attitude; and rules for forecasting for couples.



4. Vocation, Employment, Human Resources, Hiring
   Michelle Gould
   Finding Purpose in the Chart
   Ideally, our vocation is more than a description of what we do: it's a reflection of who we are. In this seminar, we'll use multiple chart examples to demonstrate how to identify purpose in the nativity and discuss strategies for guiding clients toward more meaningful work.



5. Psychological & Medical, Self-Knowledge
   Tad Mann
   Essential Knowledge About Gestation
   We tend to ignore the fact that our life begins at Conception. During Gestation we are imprinted with our genetic inheritance and reincarnation histories while inside our mother. From here the events and psychological developments of our life unfold in sequence around the horoscope circle from conception to old age. Learn how to decode these earliest important influences in the horoscope as they directly affect your creativity, sexuality and relationships for the rest of your life.



6. Research, Science & Technology
   Karine Dilanyan
   Johannes Kepler Astrological Works and Russian Academy of Sciences
   Kepler's Scientific Archives were bought by Tzarina Katherine the Great and now are kept in the Archives of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Besides astronomical papers Kepler's Archives contain around 1000 horoscopes and astrological works. Russian academicians were influenced a lot by scientific and astrological ideas of Kepler and in the 20th century this influence gave birth to a new scientific field called heliobiology. Heliobiology was invented by an outstanding Russian scientist Alexandr Tchizhevsky and studies interconnection between Solar activity and events on Earth: biological, medical and historical.



7. Education, Culture, History
   Robert Corre
   Improving Interpretation & Judgment Through Structure & Work Habits
   Astrology is the study of Motivation and Drive. Our goal? Answer two questions: What may I expect during this lifetime and when? The primary obstacle to delineation? Becoming overwhelmed by the chart's complexity. How do we break through? Apply a structured systematic approach to unravel the horoscope's intricacy. Training ourselves to prioritize, simplify, and economize our thinking when observing and speculating perfects judgment. And using well-defined rules to measure the quantity and quality of planetary forces present dramatically improves interpretative skills. The result? An image of the desires that impel a living soul's destiny.



8. Spirituality & Religion
   Dr. Christoph Schubert-Weller
   Does God Speak Through Stars? The Difficult Relationship Between Astrology and Christianity
   The Bible brands astrology, Popes either made an extensive use of astrology or condemned it. The relationship between Christianity and astrology always was ambivalent and difficult. The lecture outlines these difficulties and shows how astrology and Christianity could coexist -- or even benefit from each other.



9. Life Cycles
   Maurice Fernandez
   Evolutionary Levels of Consciousness
   Understanding the evolutionary levels of consciousness explains why people who share the same chart do not necessarily act the same way. The overall chart pattern describes themes and energies that the person lives with, but how these themes and energies are addressed and used is completely dependent on his or her level of consciousness. To illustrate this dynamic, we will describe these different evolutionary levels and discuss examples.



10. Panel
    Astrological Profession: Who are we? What do we do?
    Moderator: Monica Hable Dimino
    Panel: Roy Gillett, Glenn Perry, Bob Mulligan, Gloria Star, Madalyn Hillis Dineen.
    This panel will gather viewpoints from six practicing professional astrologers. We will see the diversity of the profession as practiced by teachers, therapists, software providers, media mavens and spiritual advisors. Audience participation is welcome.

9:00 PM: Special Event

Friday, Aug. 21:

8:00 AM: Yoga

9:30 - 11:00 AM: Three 25-minute presentations:

• David Cochrane: Education
  The Future of Astrological Education
  David is Curriculum Director and an instructor at the Avalon School of Astrology. David has been involved in astrological education since the early 1970s when he taught astrology classes in the non-credit program at the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. He was also instrumental in developing ISAR's program for raising professional standards. David will discuss the point we have arrived at in astrological education today and how we can improve the way we provide education in astrology in the future.



• Dr. Christoph Schubert-Weller: Education
  The Devil Behind the Stars: How to Deal With Religious Criticism Against Astrology
  Astrology is "spiritual," but by no means a "religion." Nevertheless there are religious groups concerning astrology as a paganistic error and argue against religion. They believe the astrologer is in league with the devil or at least in a kind of occult contamination. This presentation shows meanings and arguments of fundamental Christian groups -- and how to deal with them in clarity, serenity and compassion on the part of astrology.



• Chris McRae: Media
  The Press Is Both a Gold Mine and a Mine Field
  It lays in wait to sensationalize a statement made by an unsuspecting interviewee eager for the publicity and attention. With over 40 years connected to the media in many different facets, I understands the pitfalls. I have fallen into many and even unknowingly created some by my own responses.

11:30 - 12:45 PM: Lectures:

1. Finance & Business
   Glenn Perry
   Financial Meltdown, Soft Tyranny, and Outer Planet Sign Positions
   The mutual reception of Uranus and Neptune has spawned an age of political correctness, soft tyranny, and excessive compassion that is grossly at variance with the tough love economics required by Pluto in Capricorn. Pluto's ingress into Capricorn in 2008 catalyzed a period of severe economic contraction in the wake of Sagittarian excess. Unless government relinquishes its utopian fantasies and adjusts to some harsh realities, we are collectively headed for a train wreck of global proportions.

* * * Note: This is one of two lectures from this track in this time slot. * * *


2. Finance & Business
   Christeen Skinner
   Looking at Currencies
   Though there is much talk of the emergence of a new global currency, over the next few years the relationship of the U.S. dollar to the Euro and Sterling will be of interest to many. The techniques used to analyse their different relationships and the outlook for each for the next couple of years will be presented here
   * * * Note: This is one of two lectures from this track in this time slot. * * *
   
   
3. Political & Mundane
   Robert P. Blaschke
   The Jupiter-Saturn Cycle
   Every 20 years Jupiter and Saturn conjoin in the heavens and mark the beginning of a new cultural, political and economic era. At the opposition aspect within this cycle, world events reach a climax and global change occurs on a large scale. The Grand Conjunction cycle begun in May 2000 reaches its three oppositions between May 2010 and March 2011 and this period will mark the turning point of the current global economic crisis.



4. Relationships
   Dorothy Oja
   Venus Resonance Cycles
   Birth to present -- Do you know what Venus resonance cycle you are experiencing now? Learn this innovative method of assessing the influences of the three transformers: Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, and Jupiter and Saturn as sub-phases, to your Venus -- from birth to the present moment. What is the Venus planetary resonance phase you were born into? What happens when that phase repeats in your lifetime? We'll use a famous example to illustrate.



5. Vocation, Employment, Human Resources, Hiring
   Lea Imsiragic
   Choose the Right Career With the Help of Fixed Stars
   In order to choose the right career we should look many things in natal, as this is one of most complex questions. Certain Fixed stars are connected with special talents, abilities and professions and can help you to very quickly see the native's strongest talents and to narrow the choices for right career. This is Leo-Virgo lecture -- practical, with many examples and useful information.



6. Psychological & Medical, Self-Knowledge
   Karine Dilanyan
   The Gift of Melancholia: Marsilio Ficino, Albreht Durer, Richard Burton
   This lecture will cover astrological roots of melancholia and their reflection in the works of famous melancholic authors: Marsilio Ficino, the great Renaissance philosopher, in his "Three Books on Life"; Albreht Durer, the great artist, mathematician and geometer, in his ingraving "Melencolia I"; Richard Burton, the great thinker, in "The Anatomy of Melancholy." We will examine and decode astrological symbolism of the said works and influence of these outstanding people who tried to overcome predestination of their horoscopes and their works on art, science, philosophy, medicine and psychology from their times till our days.



7. Research, Science & Technology
   Mark Urban-Lurain
   Worldviews Collide - Astrology vs. Science
   What are the reasons for the clash between astrological and scientific worldviews? Why is the debate so rancorous? What are the implications of the conflict for both science and astrology?



8. Education, Culture, History
   Ralfee Finn
   What Teaching Astrology at Hunter College Taught Me About Astrology.
   What is astrology? Is it the superstitious artifact of ancient civilizations? A science? An art? A philosophy? Is it the ubiquitous sun sign column serving up a daily dose of destiny? How are we to define it? What is its basis? Most importantly, does astrology have value and meaning in a contemporary setting? These are some of the questions posed to students over the course of the semester. This lecture is about what their answers taught me about astrology's value in an academic setting.



9. Spirituality & Religion
   Jodie Forrest
   The Ascendant: Your Entry Vehicle
   The Sun is who you are, the Moon what you feel -- but what's the Ascendant? It's what you must embody, the territory you must cross, to be who you are and get what you need. In evolutionary astrology, it's the vehicle that drives the entire incarnation, and also the terrain you must explore and master during this lifetime. Your Ascendant is custom-designed, via its ruler, aspects and/or first house planets, for the territory you must navigate...



10. Life Cycles
    Monica Dimino
    Cycles and Seasons
    In contrast to the astrological zeitgeist which has us boxed into performing like fortune tellers, this lecture offers an alternate way of looking at our celestial science. From this perspective, we can bypass the pitfalls of predicting specific events and thereby create an intellectual climate that takes us into a deeper understanding of astrology's virtually limitless potential to enrich our lives.


Panel
There will be no panel due to there being two lectures under "Finance & Business."

12:45 - 2:30 PM: Lunch

1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunchtime Lecture Series

2:30 - 3:45 PM: Lectures

1. Finance & Business
   Naomi Bennett
   Thieves, Scoundrels and Rogues in Business
   Business has its share of shady business practices and the executives that direct, create and support them. A review of executive natal charts and the timing of events can shed light on the astrological patterns either with a personal characteristic or being swept up in the wave of trend of the times.



2. Political & Mundane
   Aleksandar Imsiragic
   Fixed Stars Guide to Incoming Events 2010-2020
   The all famous mundane prediction in history were made with a guide (help) of Fixed Stars. In incoming events from 2010-2020, they will be crucial signs for understanding the future events on global level and the causes beneath them.



3. Relationships
   Cathy Coleman
   Strengthening Parenting Skills Through Astrology
   Through this presentation she will share her experience teaching parents about their children and about their parent-child relationships through the lens of astrology.



4. Vocation, Employment, Human Resources, Hiring
   Pat Taglilatelo
   Job Matching
   Lack of job satisfaction is often a result of a poor match between a person's work preferences and the demands of the job. Whether you are a manager, an employee, a career coach or a job-hunter, you will achieve a better match between applicant and the job if you understand the work needs, interests and aspirations described in the chart and can determine whether they fit the job description.



5. Psychological & Medical, Self-Knowledge
   Michael Lutin
   Karma and Temptation
   The Inescapable Irony of Pisces in 2009



6. Research, Science & Technology
   Barbara Schermer
   Sedna: Intimations of a New Feminine Archetype
   Everyone alive has Sedna in Aries (before 1968) or in Taurus. Learn her role as an emerging archetype and what effects she activates in our charts. My research shows Sedna is prominent in the charts of many environmentalists (Rachel Carson, Jacques Cousteau, Al Gore) and repeats a narrative throughout the development of the global environmental movement (Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, First Earth Day). Hear and see her compelling message through an introductory dramatic performance piece.



7. Education, Culture, History
   Maureen Ambrose
   Who Was Niccolo Machiavelli and How Did Cesare Borgia Influence Him?
   What was the true character and nature of the man who has served as template for political cunning? A look at the charts of both men and the circumstances of the times that produced their reputations. An illustration of how astrology aids our understanding of the history of politics.



8. Spirituality & Religion
   Greg Bogart
   Astrology and Dreams
   In this workshop you'll experience how astrology and dreamwork can be combined into a transformative spiritual practice. Dream symbols closely reflect our natal and transiting planets. We'll consider the meaning of dreams occurring during particular transits and progressions, and how planetary and dream archetypes manifest in waking life. Decoding the messages of dreams and transits together generates a potent broth of upsurgent feelings, pressing tasks, and energies rising within us in conscious response to change. Participants in this process-oriented workshop will be encouraged to transform themselves in response to the spiritual lessons and directives revealed through astrology and dreams.



9. Life Cycles
   Kamala Melic-Akhnazarova
   Inspiring Limits: Saturn Cycle and Perception of time in Different Age
   Deals with different variations in interpreting Saturn transits and aspects of this planet for people of different ages, including the attitude to time measure in life from childhood to adolescence to adulthood and old age. What are the pros and contras of a traditionally tough planet in different life phases?



10. Panel
    Media Approach: Getting it Right for Contemporary Astrology
    Moderator: Chris McRae
    Panel: Frank Piechoski, Sandra-Leigh Serio, Michael Lutin, Gloria Star, Antonia Langsdorf.
    How do we deal with various factions of the press who try to diminish, demean and trivialize what we do? How do we prevent ourselves from feeling and being defensive? Panel members with many years' experience dealing with our public image will offer their insight. Your own experience will also be welcome.

4:30 - 5:45 PM: Lectures

1. Finance & Business
   Claude Weiss
   Successful Investment: How Knowledge of Astrology and Cosmic Cycles Makes the Difference. Outlook at 2010 and Beyond.
   Few economists think in terms of cycles. The ones who do speak about historical rhythms which correlate strongly with astrological cycles. The knowledge of these can therefore not only be used to explain the past, but also to forecast the future. Astrologers with good knowledge about economy and finances or economists with knowledge of astrology have therefore a great advantage when making recommendations for successful investments. This also applies to difficult situations when different cycles mix together like 2010 and beyond.



2. Political & Mundane
   Rick Levine
   2012: Real or Imagined?
   The Mayan Calendar describes 2012 as the end of a great cycle. Independently, using a mathematical model based on the I Ching, Terence McKenna claimed that the nature of time would change in 2012. What does modern Western astrology have to say about the 2012 phenomena? What issues might we be facing as Uranus squares Pluto? And how can we positively impact history in the current moment using what we learned from the past?



3. Relationships
   Claudia Rizzi
   The Davison Chart: How Does the Relationship Show in Society
   The Davison chart is the chart of a new entity in itself, the relationship born between two souls in middle time and middle space. As we get deeper understanding of the task that this relationship came to unfold in this special time of our lives, we can build a better and solid family and healthier bonds in society.



4. Vocation, Employment, Human Resources, Hiring
   Susie Cox
   Presenting Astrology at Health Spas and Resorts
   How can astrology come out of the back rooms and have value in society? One idea is to offer astrological services at health spas. Susie Cox has worked at Canyon Ranch Health Resort for 28 years and will share her ideas about astrology in the spa world. This lecture will explore the many ways astrology shows its value to society through service industries. Professional astrologers who are looking for a new clientele will love this talk.



5. Psychological & Medical, Self-Knowledge
   Brad Kochunas
   Astrology and the Underworld of Prison
   Pluto and his brother, Neptune, are said to have an affinity for penitentiaries. What kind of people live and work there? How do they serve these dark lords? What is astrology's value in this underworld? After 25 years of working in prison mental health, let me guide you through this shadowy realm and perhaps also, touch upon your own darkness.



6. Research, Science, & Technology
   Alphee Lavoie
   To Parallax or Not to Parallax the Chart
   In my extensive research I have discovered that parallax calculations can be key when predicting mundane events. Generally, astrologers calculate planetary positions as if we were born in the center of the earth. Parallax calculates the planetary positions to the natal latitude and longitude. In this lecture I will demonstrate the difference of calculating the new moon with and without parallax and using Asro map techniques you will see dramatic results using these important mundane tools. I will also show how the delineation of lunar returns drastically change when using parallax.



7. Education, Culture, History
   Mira Cosic
   Overcoming Language and Culture Barriers: With a Little Help from Mercury
   Learn how to share information and astrological experience to different corners of the world. Individual cultural differences abound, therefore your approach to the client's needs has must be very unique. Learn how to shift your views and respond in culturally appropriate ways if you have clients in different countries, over the phone, via internet, or if you write for magazines published in other parts of the world. Examples will be given for several different countries including government influence, taboos and limitations they impose.



8. Spirituality & Religion
   Bob Mulligan
   Timing Spiritual Transformations
   When you focus on your astrological tools and use them for your spiritual development rapid progress can be made on your path. This class focuses on the different methods of spiritual development indicated in the horoscope; the way that timing can be used as self-development; the hidden meaning of mundane events in the world evolution; and the basic unity of all paths which the cycles of astrology teach us.



9. Spirituality & Religion
   Roxana Muise, Ord., Bsc., CAP
   Astrology & Universal Law
   The essential structures and functions of all disciplines directly relate to astrology. Astrology acts as a master guide to understanding and using the realms of the seen as well as those of the unseen. The full spectrums of the physical and social sciences, and disciplines of the mind, body and spirit are all based on energy, and energy behaves in ways determined by simple, straightforward Universal Laws. Understand those Laws, and everything falls into place.



10. Life Cycles
    Donna Van Toen
    When It's Time for a Change
    The Mars Return chart is often a reliable indicator of changes in direction, activities, and motivation. Using this as a base, we will tie in other harbingers of change such as stations, eclipses, and major transits to get a view of where you're going.


Panel
There will be no panel due to there being two lectures under "Spirituality & Religion."

6:15 PM: ISAR Annual Meeting

6:30 PM - 10:30 PM: Silent Auction

8:30 PM: Special Event

Saturday, Aug. 22:

8:00 AM: Yoga

9:30 - 11:00 AM: Three 25-minute presentations:

• Gisele Terry
  The Value of Astrology to Psychology
  Astrology's contributions to clinical psychology are not the ones that are sometimes assumed. From the point of view of a psychotherapist, astrology's value appears in unexpected ways, in images that spontaneously emerge in treatment and stand as guideposts along the way.



• Glenn Perry: Science, Academia and Government
  Advocating for Astrology in Scientific, Academic and Government Communities
  Astrology constitutes the greatest unrecognized truth of modern times. What can we do to enhance its credibility and expand its usage? We must demonstrate the validity of astrology and apply it in ways that are conducive of the public good.



• Lee Lehman: Science
  Why the Treatment of Astrology is a Form of Discrimination
  And what can we do about it?

11:30 - 12:45 PM: Lectures:

1. Finance & Business
   Ray Merriman
   The Cardinal Climax 2008-2015: Investment Opportunities and Dangers
   We are now in a totally different investment climate than we experienced 1982-2008. Instead of "Appreciation of capital," the mantra is now "Protect your capital." There are many traditional areas of investment that simply will not work during this stage of the greater economic cycle. Yet there are some areas that will have a better than usual chance of success. This class will examine the historical, long-term geocosmic signatures that are present 2008-2015 and their correlation to various financial markets and investment opportunities.



2. Political & Mundane
   Zdenek Bohuslav, Ph.D.
   Hidden Texture of Towns
   Each naturally developing town is growing around some central point. This point is usually found on solstice line leading through traditionally sacred places and this line can also serve as division cardo - line from which zodiacal influences could be read. Zodiacal division and influence on twelve parts of the town obtained by that way is illustrated on Prague, Central European town where J. Kepler has found that planets orbit the Sun in ellipses, Rudolpine Tables were born...



3. Relationships
   Jeff Jawer
   The Search for Intimacy
   The desire for intimacy is the goal of most people and astrology has long played a part in describing the factors that support or inhibit a successful relationship. We will look below the surface of traditional compatibility to examine the factors that encourage and discourage the closeness we seek. Some of the traditional ideas simply do not work for many individuals; we will show how astrology can do a better job to nurture fulfilling partnerships.



4. Vocation, Employment, Human Resources, Hiring
   Maurice Fernandez
   Vocational Orientation in the Birth Chart
   A brand new perspective on identifying career potential in the natal chart. Maurice will present an overview of the different factors to analyze when assessing one's natural professional inclinations and the ways to tap into public needs. The challenge in a vocational choice is to merge personal creativity with collective needs! Maurice's use of the 12th House in the career equation has proven to be utterly accurate and precise.



5. Psychological & Medical, Self-Knowledge
   Noel Tyl
   Fifteen Indispensable Keys to Analysis
   Hemisphere emphasis, the Sun-Moon blends, Saturn retrograde phenomenology, the Lunar Nodal Axis, Pluto-Sun and Pluto-Moon, House rulership networks and developmental tension, Peregrinations, Mutual Reception, the Aries Point and Angularity, special Midpoints, Grand Trines, and Idealization! ... and how they all work together psychodynamically! All insight channels lead to deep analytical orientation within the horoscope. Highest creative synthesis comes easily into being. Chart examples galore!



6. Research, Science & Technology
   Mark Urban-Lurain
   Communicating Astrology's Value to Society: Scholarly Writing for Astrologers
   For astrology to demonstrate its value to society, astrologers must communicate in ways that are valued by society and display professional competence. Scholarly writing is a writing style used by experts in most fields of study to communicate with each other and advance the knowledge in their discipline. This workshop session introduces scholarly writing while providing practical guidance and suggestions for improving your astrological writing. Bring your ideas for your own writing projects.



7. Education, Culture, History
   Caroline Casey
   Trickster in the Realm of Dreams: The Path of the Compassionate Trickster as an Agent of Personal and Cultural Change
   Uranus in Pisces says strategic personal and collective advantage goes to those cultivating intimacy with the power of symbolic language, dreams, and metaphor. That would be us, Team! We will honor, animate and align with the conjoining of Jupiter and Neptune, the gods of story and metaphor, the rulers of Uranus in Pisces, in Aquarius. The memosphere is the realm of maximum cultural influence as we smuggle esoterica into mainstream.



8. Spirituality & Religion
   Verena Bachmann
   The Houses of Learning: An Evolutionary Approach to the Mutable Houses of a Chart
   Usually only the 3rd House (sometimes also the 9th) is connected with Learning. A closer look shows that each mutable House addresses a different type of learning and asks for a very specific evolutionary steps in consciousness. In this Lecture/Workshop we will explore in depth the learning processes of the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th houses and their meaning for our development.



9. Life Cycles
   Tad Mann
   The Mystery of Time in Astrology
   Time constrains us to certain ultimate rules that govern our life. Our life in time begins at conception; however our time sense changes as we age according to a precise and knowable pattern and mathematics. Our fundamental ideas about time are often incorrect and perpetuate the wounds we carry. In attempting to heal these wounds inflicted by time, we may discover the path which leads beyond time. But first, understand for the time of your life.



10. Panel
    Astrological Professionals in Religious Worldviews
    Moderator: Roy Gillett
    Panel: Dr. Christoph Schubert-Weller, Roxana Muise, Claudia Rizzi.
    How do astrologers relate to their clients' individual religious practice, as well as the churches they belong to? What about those who "believe" in atheism? Does astrology answer the debate between fate, free will and karma? Can it enlighten our spiritual path?

12:45 - 2:30 PM: Lunch

1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunchtime Lecture Series

2:30 - 3:45 PM: Lectures

1. Finance & Business
   Michael Lutin
   What's in It for Me
   How to find security in relationships and business in the midst of inevitable change.



2. Political & Mundane
   Roy Gillett
   Mastering Politics through Astrology and Compassion
   The nature of two 20th century world wars, the Middle East crisis, war in Iraq, British and US political leadership contests, indeed all political and social actions, are not merely explained by astro cycles. After revealing the connections, Roy will go one step further. He will show how knowing these cycles could enable us to assess the circumstances, choose the right people to follow, make wiser decisions and so live happier lives.



3. Relationships
   Kamala Melic-Akhnazarova
   Once More About Love
   Synastry of cross cultural marriages: the unconscious guard ring and collapse of standards -- does it work for benefit or does it harm?



4. Vocation, Employment, Human Resources, Hiring
   Cathy Coleman
   Using Astrology in the Workplace
   From her experience as a human resources director and non-profit administrator for 26 years, Cathy will share myriad ways that she has used astrology in the workplace through employee newsletters; teaching work groups about the personalities of different employees; electing dates for fundraising and other special events; counseling employees in life challenges; and helping employees move forward after termination. She will also share knowledge of others' use of astrology in traditional and non-traditional workplaces.



5. Psychological & Medical, Self-Knowledge
   Aleksandar Imsiragic
   How to Heal Challenging Aspects and Transform Them into Success
   There are no negative things, for they were not imagined in general creation, but there are only things that one does not know how to solve, since one is using just a certain potential of oneself. However, if one could be aware of a certain level of one's functioning, or to fulfill certain symbolics in a certain way, one could come into the situation to create an exceptional aspect out of every position.



6. Research, Science & Technology
   Madalyn Hillis-Dineen
   The Symmetry of Locality: Astro*Carto*Graphy and Beyond
   Learn how to integrate planetary pictures and hypothetical planets into Jim Lewis' traditional methods. We'll explore new techniques that expand the concept of oblique positions, the foundation of Jim's work in astro-locality. Midpoints, planetary pictures, local space and parans will be viewed on both maps and dials and explored from both a natal and dynamic perspective. Madalyn guides you to a new understanding of locality techniques and help you to integrate them into your work.



7. Education, Culture, History
   Frank Piechoski
   Language and Astrology
   Astrology permeates language to an extent even astrologers may not know. From everyday words to great works of literature, astrology is present. The chart itself can also be its own piece of literature, with different parts of the chart acting as parts of speech.



8. Spirituality & Religion
   Sandra-Leigh Serio
   Esoteric Astrology: What is Your Life's Purpose?
   What constitutes an old or young soul? What lessons are you learning and what talents have you mastered on a soul level? Are you on the right path? Are events predestined? Do you have choices? These and other questions regarding the evolution of your soul can be examined with a few basic techniques and an understanding of astrology's role in your life experience.



9. Life Cycles
   Gloria Star
   The Nine Most Important Cycles of Your Life
   Each life contains milestones and turning points that we think of as life-altering. In most instances, a cosmic convergence occurs that can be seen through specific transits, progressions, and other signposts. Join Gloria to discover your own key journey markers.



10. Panel
    Current Research and Promise for the Future
    Leader: Glenn Perry
    Panel: David Cochrane, Mark Urban-Lurain, Shelley Jordan, Debra Rozek.
    An overview of the current state of research in the field. Each panelist will give a 10-minute presentation on a research method, proposal, or project they think holds the greatest promise for contributing to astrological knowledge and demonstrating astrology's validity. Following the presentations, there will be a discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to astrological research.

4:30 - 5:45 PM: Lectures

1. Finance & Business
   Fran Rackow
   Trading with Planetary Lines
   W. D. Gann discovered that planetary longitude could be converted to price. The Fibonacci/Galactic Trader with F.A.R. Programs give you the tools to find and apply this information in any timeframe. Fran day trades the S&P E-Mini contract using these tools, and will demonstrate how this information may be useful for you, including a look at some investments which are moving up now.



2. Political & Mundane
   Caroline Casey
   The Art of Public Divination: Astrology's Opportune Cultural Calling to Provide the Strategic Cultural Meta-Story
   Caroline's Visionary Activist Astrology offers one definition of what it is to be human: as "to divine, discern and cooperate with evolutionary intelligence, the liveliest possibility available at any moment." In service to that possibility, her Coyote Network News profers the planetary mythological news of now, to expand our repertoire of possibilities both personally and collectively, that we may all be ever more effective players on the team of creation at this time of dire beauty.



3. Relationships
   Greg Bogart
   Synastry and the Art of Couples Counseling
   Astrology can help us sustain and enhance our relationships so that we flourish within them rather than wither and contract within them. This presentation is an introduction to synastry and the art of couples counseling, with an emphasis on lunar aspects as a means of understanding each person's capacity for emotional attachment. We'll pay special attention to how astrology aids us in working through relationships conflicts, anger, impasses, and shutdowns.



4. Vocation, Employment, Human Resources, Hiring
   Chris McRae
   Signals in Selecting a Fulfilling Career
   In today's complex society, with so many possibilities, this is often an important quest experienced by many. It is a common client question. In our charts it is so much more than the traditional houses 2nd, 6th and 10th. There are many additional clues gleaned from the whole chart, plus where one is at in different phases of life. Destiny or life purpose is also part of the equation.



5. Psychological & Medical, Self-Knowledge
   Jane Ridder-Patrick
   The Expert Patient
   Recently the notion of "expert patients," who take an active role in managing their own health, is becoming increasingly accepted and welcomed by health-care professionals. Astrology is an outstanding tool for facilitating self-knowledge about the inter-relatedness of mind and body which could have important positive economic and research implications. Case-studies will be used to show how we can all become expert patients or, better still, stay as healthy as possible.

* * * Note: This is one of two lectures from this track in this time slot. * * *


6. Psychological & Medical, Self-Knowledge
   Gisele Terry
   The Moon and the Relational Nature of Growth
   This presentation provides an interdisciplinary context for understanding human development. Because the meanings and sequence of the signs of the zodiac closely parallel developmental stages in early childhood, it is possible to form a unique hypothesis about human growth that dissolves apparent contradictions between nature vs. nurture and fate vs. free will. In merging astrology with developmental psychology, the Moon, representing the relational nature of growth, becomes the symbolic bridge between the two.

* * * Note: This is one of two lectures from this track in this time slot. * * *


7. Research, Science, & Technology
   Richard Smoot
   The Antiscia Horoscope -- New Research: Aligning ourselves with the "Shadow"
   This discussion presents partial original research and a fresh new understanding of the "shadow" horoscope as described by Ptolemy in the 2nd century. Exploring the use of the "shadow" through time, this examination indicates that the word "shadow" may actually be the origin of "premonitions," "unseen motivation or instinctual responses," "intentions of the Universe," and the key to Carl Jung's writings on the archetypes of the "shadow."



8. Education, Culture, History
   Dr. Christoph Schubert-Weller
   How to Design Worldviews by Astrology
   Usually a "worldview" seems to be fixed by science, by philosophy and by religious tradition. Astrology is not only a means of self-knowledge. Astrology helps to understand reality and how the world goes round. Astrology invites users to be creative philosophers and mystics and to create models of worldviews up to "theories of everything." The lecture shows how it works and gives ancient and modern examples of astrological worldviews.



9. Spirituality & Religion
   Brad Kochunas
   Elemental Spirituality
   In spirituality and spiritual astrology the predominant imagery is of light and ascension, reflecting the elements of fire and air. This elemental lopsidedness not only fractures the wholeness of spirituality but imperils the way we understand astrology as a spiritual tool. This presentation focuses upon rejuvenating earth and water as ways for coming back to our senses and adding substance and depth to our spirituality and to our astrology.



10. Life Cycles
    Hakan Kirkoglu
    Time Lords and Time Cycles
    In this talk, we will look at how to expand the individual meaning of progressed lunation cycle with a major time lord techniques, Firdaria of Persians. With the combination of these two distinct approaches, life cycles can be seen as a tapestry of both cosmic and individual patterns. We are going to scrutinize the psychology of lunation cycle in terms of different planetary periods with examples.


Panel
There will be no panel due to there being two lectures under "Psychological & Medical, Self-Knowledge."

7:30 PM: Banquet and Awards Ceremony

9:30 PM: Live Band and Dance

Sunday, Aug. 23

8:00 AM: Yoga

9:30 - 11:00 AM: Three 25-minute presentations:

• Roy Gillett: Religion
  Time for Astrologers to Take a Proactive Stand
  Politely yet firmly we should move on from merely answering our media and academic critics to asserting astrology's great potential value as a vital descriptive tool that can help us find answers to our world's social and spiritual problems.



• Claude Weiss: Media
  Potential and Limitations in Forecasting Economic and Political Trends
  Often, astrologers are pushed by the media to make definite statements which go beyond the scope of what can sensibly be claimed, thereby damaging the public image of astrology. How to cultivate the strength and rigor to avoid this, how to make sure that all comments are not being distorted by the media and how the astrological community can react.



• Aleksandar Imsiragic: Education
  Common Standards of Education
  Astrology by itself covers a huge area of knowledge and being so astrology deserves to establish a proper education. The first step in doing so is to create a common standards for schools of astrology throughout the world. We need to develop good standards that can meet the needs of students in all schools, to have respected astrologers who constantly develop good standards in astrology and to support respected organization that provides certificates and maintain the standards.

11:30 - 12:45 PM: Lectures:

1. Finance & Business
   Alphee Lavoie
   Techniques for Market Predictions
   In this lecture I will show the pros and cons of using different astrological techniques to predict the market. We will examine various methods such as tertiary minor progressions, new moon charts, planetary phases, aspects, etc., and you will discover that some of these techniques work extremely well to predict major moves in the market.



2. Political & Mundane
   Alexandra Klinghammer
   Successful Decision With the Help of Astrology
   In earlier times, astrologers were regularly consulted for political and socially important decisions. Even today, politicians, economists and scientists would be well advised to seek astrological expertise for important decisions and projects, as this would allow to avoid many risks or wrong options. In this way, astrology could help to save money, nerves and even life. Suggestions are made how this could be done.



3. Relationships
   Verena Bachmann
   Creative Use of Composite Charts: Understanding Systemic Dynamics in Relationships
   The Alchemy of a relationship is evident in the composite chart. In this lecture we will use a systemic approach to look at the dynamics of a composite chart and show how to find possible roles and experiences of the respective partners. Further we look at specific transits to the composite chart and their implications for the relationship.



4. Vocation, Employment, Human Resources, Hiring
   Darri Low-Murphy
   Astrological Vocation in Regard to Health Care for Clients
   Many books have been written about medical astrology, yet people are more than their disease or physical condition. First, this class delves into navigating the health care process as seen through the houses with a focus on illuminating health care professionals and their work arenas. Then, a look at signs to determine how a client may best seek this care and what preferences they work with. Finally, a look at the planets and aspects to determine who the caretakers or providers are and how the health care process functions for an individual.



5. Psychological & Medical, Self-Knowledge
   Noel Tyl
   The Magic of Solar Arcs
   The dramatic basis for Solar Arcs, supporting how quickly we can see them developing and the principles of their grand messages. See development in time instantly. Learn how Arcs and Transits and the Secondary Progressed Moon work together to predict changes and growth. See how Arcs are quintessentially important within Rectification methodology. Learn the interpretive premise for all 1,130 possible Direct Arcs and Midpoint Pictures!



6. Research, Science & Technology
   Richard Schulz
   The TAO -- Technical Aspect Oscillator
   The TAO (technical aspect oscillator) is an objective (100% mathematical) variable that is derived strictly from the angular separation of selected and weighted planetary pairs. It is theorized to be a measure of global human psychology. One practical application of the TAO 2 is its correlation with the Dow and SP 500 stock indexes to greater than 1:10,000 against chance. The numerical TAO aspectarian, combined with the positive TAO 2 correlations, verifies traditional astrological aspect interpretations.



7. Education, Culture, History
   Eric Meyers
   May We Live in Interesting Times : Today's Remarkable Astrology
   We are in the midst of an incredible astrological time frame, one of immense historical and cultural importance. This lecture will review our current zeitgeist and what's to come. Also, we'll explore previous eras to understand similarities and differences.



8. Spirituality & Religion
   Kim Marie
   Speaking the Language to Be Heard
   Speak above someone's understanding and they get angry or frustrated. Speak below them and they get insulted or bored. How do we speak astrology and reach the public or a client? This lecture looks at expanding circles of human consciousness and how it changes the language of astrological archetypes. Learn to speak the language and actually be heard by clients and the public.



9. Life Cycles
   Claudia Rizzi
   Chiron: Four Moments in Life to Understand Our Collective Mission
   Chiron, the wounded healer, is the bridge between Saturn and Uranus. Understanding what this planetoid has to tell us, we can deeply understand the kind of self we need to develop in order to live healthier and happier lives. There are four critical moments in our lives when Chiron teaches us important lessons and these lessons are useful to better serve society as Chiron has to do with collective karma.



10. Panel
    Ethics for Astrologers: Questions and Answers
    Moderator: Dorothy Oja
    Panel: Monica Dimino, Maureen Ambrose, Chris McRae, Regina Gerstman.

12:45 - 2:30 PM: Lunch

1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunchtime Lecture Series

2:30 - 3:45 PM: Lectures

1. Finance & Business
   Grace Morris
   Working with Businesses
   Grace explains how to work with large corporations and small start-up businesses and how to help them succeed. She shares her over-25 years of experience in handling the challenges and rewards of an astrologer working in the business and corporate world from her office in Oak Brook, IL.



2. Political & Mundane
   Jeff Jawer
   2010, 2012 and Beyond
   Much attention is being paid to the potential for dramatic change in 2012, yet 2010 may be even more significant. The alignment of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto in the early degrees of Cardinal signs marks a shift that could radically alter the nature of our collective experience. This lecture will address the unique opportunities astrologers have for not simply reporting a potentially dangerous period of time, but to act as positive catalysts for constructive transformation.



3. Relationships
   Rick Levine
   Making Sense of Relationships in the Modern World
   Ram Das once called relationships "the yoga of the West." Yoga has a long tradition yet the rules of relationships have changed dramatically with the advent of digital communication, the rise of new relationship paradigms, and the increase of freedom in modern life. We will explore an astrological model of relationships, using examples to illuminate common difficulties and offering concrete ways of handling some of the problems that commonly arise as two humans come together.



4. Psychological & Medical, Self-Knowledge
   Jane Ridder-Patrick
   Sickness: The Big Seven
   According to a recent study, seven chronic diseases -- cancer, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, pulmonary conditions and mental illness -- have a total impact on the US economy of $1.3 trillion annually. In this lecture we will examine the astrological signatures of some of these conditions and look at possible preventative measures, by addressing the underlying psychological predispositions and their physical correlates.



5. Research, Science & Technology
   Carol Tebbs
   Rectification: How to Correlate Life Events to Accurate Birth Time for Precision Forecasting
   Knowing a client's exact time of birth is crucial for an accurate astrological chart interpretation. A variance of just a few minutes can lead to incorrect positions of the angles and the Moon. The workshop shows how to rectify questionable or unknown birth times using modern astrological techniques. Learn to spot close aspect patterns in the chart, "aspect hooks," and correlate them with the client's most dramatic life events, "event hooks." By aligning the timing of "aspect hooks" with life "event hooks" one can determine an accurate birth time.



6. Education, Culture, History
   Joe Polise
   The Stellar Code of the Watchers
   The four "Royal Stars of Persia," also called the Watchers, (Aldebaran, Regulus, Antares, and Fomalhaut), are also related to the zodiac's fixed signs. This class is a look at this stellar motif throughout history. The scope of their role in astrology, religion, and mythology is traced back through time through primary source perspectives, specifically the Zoroastrian creation myth the Bundahish, the Judeo-Christian Book of Enoch, and others. This lecture also highlights the role of the Royal Stars in astrological tradition. The themes of each star shine through selected charts.



7. Education, Culture, History
   Susie Cox
   The Value of Doing a Darn Good Reading!
   What is the value of an excellent reading to the client? It's priceless. The way clients look at themselves changes forever. The trick to giving a good reading is finding the theme in the chart. Susie Cox will give practical tips on how to look at a birth chart and quickly find the story. Bring your birth chart for all of us to look at and interpret. You will find reading charts much easier after this lecture.



8. Spirituality & Religion
   Patricia Walsh
   Astrological Lessons from Past Life Regressions
   Using charts and people's actual past life experiences as recalled through regression therapy, the archetypes will come to life in a way you have not seen them before. Pluto and the nodes are used as the baseline to understand "karmic imprinting" and the "actual" past life stories compared to the astrological chart will show how they work together. This material is drawn from several thousand case studies. One chart and past life story will be presented for each archetype (Aries-Pisces).

* * * Note: This is one of two lectures from this track in this time slot. * * *


9. Spirituality & Religion
   Beatrice Boucher
   The Moon and the Sun
   Where do we come from and where are we going to?

* * * Note: This is one of two lectures from this track in this time slot. * * *


10. Life Cycles
    Dennis Harness
    The Karmic Code: The Predictive Planetary Periods of Vedic Astrology
    The Vimshottari Dasha system is a 120-year progression system that is a cornerstone of predictive techniques in Vedic Astrology based on the natal position of the Moon. Come and explore this profound system of forecasting our developmental life cycles which reveal our karmic DNA in relationship to health, career and spiritual growth. We will use Albert Einstein's chart as we demonstrate the accuracy of this ancient technique and its application to the modern Western world.

4:30 - 5:45 PM: Closing Panel and Closing

Monday, Aug. 24

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: ISAR Competency Exam

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Post-Conference Workshops (choice of five)