ABC of Astrology: A Roadmap for the Astro-Curious

New to astrology? Here are some tips for starting your astro-journey, featuring essential resources and wisdom from some of my favorite astrologers.

During the most recent Astro Bookclub I co-host at the Philosophical Research Society, a newcomer asked the group for advice: What’s the best approach to learning astrology? Books? Courses?

I had thoughts, but I bit my tongue to let the others speak. Their answers made me wish I hadn’t.

Aside from one student (bless her!) who mentioned Ali A Olomi’s Patreon, the consensus was: “The internet.” To be clear, they didn’t mean a specific site like Astrology Hub or Skyscript. Nope. Just the internet.

Which is like asking for grocery recommendations and having someone point you toward the open road. It’s just not helpful.

I understand the logic: astrology courses can be expensive, and it’s hard to see the value of a paid education when, technically, it’s all available for free. What’s the harm in stringing together an education from TikToks and random articles—just like this one?

The danger is that the internet is a minefield of misinformation, and astrology was meant to be learned as a system.

However you’ve stumbled upon this article, please linger a while. You’ve found a safe space to land. Below, I’ve curated my favorite resources for building a solid foundation.

And don’t just take my word for it. I’ve reached out to three of my favorite astrologers—Marval A Rex, Stephanie Marlow, and Larry Arrington—to share their wisdom, too.

1. Find A Mentor

“Try not to learn everything at once. Astrology’s history is far too vast for that. Choose a specific period and begin there. Books are usually a better guide than scattered TikTok/Google/AI searches, and a good teacher can make a real difference. Know, too, that astrology contains enormous variation and contradiction. Even within the same historical periods, authors disagree. Approach the study with curiosity rather than a demand for certainty. Expect complexity. This is a discipline you can study for a lifetime without ever arriving at final answers. Lastly, take time to marvel at the fact that you are engaging with a tradition thousands of years old, shaped by countless lives across cultures and centuries.”

- Larry Arrington

If you get serious about studying astrology, nothing beats one-on-one transmission. For now, find an astrologer who resonates with you and stick with their system until you’ve learned the basics. Once you have a foundation, you can start layering on other voices.

I’m not saying find person and hang onto their every word as gospel. Rather, find a voice you trust—be it a book or a series of online teachings—and take the time to understand their specific method. If they only use traditional planets, stick with that in the beginning. If they’re an “asteroid guy,” try that on for a spell. The same goes for house systems. Don’t try to learn multiple “astrologies” at once; it will only lead to confusion.

Having a personal connection to my teachers and fellow students was crucial to my own education. This is why paid subscribers of this Substack have the opportunity to connect with me personally twice a month and join a vibrant community of fellow seekers.

Here are some key resources for finding an astrologer who speaks to you:

NCGR (National Council for Geocosmic Research): Long before the digital explosion, organizations like the NCGR were the primary hubs for astrological education. This non-profit is a powerhouse dedicated to serious research. For $70 a year, membership grants you access to a massive archive of lectures, weekly webinars, and a global network of in-person events.

(For those already deep in the work, I co-facilitate a NCGR special interest group on annual profections, alongside my brilliant colleague, KristaLyn Sofia.)

The Astrology Podcast: Chris Brennan has created an invaluable library for students. He covers the technical fundamentals with rigor while introducing you to a wealth of astrologers through his interviews.

Nightlight Astrology: Adam Elenbaas was my first teacher, and his archive is an exhaustive resource for beginners and veterans alike. Like Chris, Adam regularly gives airtime to other astrologers through his speaker series.

Larry Arrington: My personal mentor and perhaps astrology’s best-kept secret. Larry has worked alongside masters like Kelly Surtees, Austin Coppock, and Demetra George, bringing a wealth of deep traditional knowledge to her work. For serious students, her small Patreon group meets weekly, offering robust teachings in an intimate, focused setting.

Start Layering: Astrology in Practice with Elections

Once you have the basics down, it’s time to put your knowledge to work. Whether you’re launching a business or planning a first date, Electional Astrology helps you choose the perfect window for maximum impact. It is also a great way to get to know the planets.

TimeLord TV: An astrologer and magician with over 20 years of experience, Micki Pellerano is my personal go-to for timing techniques. Through his Patreon, TimeLord TV, he shares curated monthly electional dates alongside personalized lunation rituals.

Finding these dates on your own takes years of study and and practice — with a lot of trial and error! Accessing Micki’s curated elections is not only convenient; it’s an education in its own right if this is a branch of astrology you want to pursue.

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2. Listen to Podcasts

“Start with your birth chart as the cornerstone of your learning, and listen to as many reputable astrology podcasts as you can.”

- Marval A Rex

Podcasts offer an easy and accessible way to jump into the astrology conversation. Listen to any of the ones below, and you’ll start to learn astrology without even trying!

World of Rex: A dear friend and frequent LA Astro Fest alum, Marval is a master storyteller. His podcast, World of Rex, is my absolute “happy place”—he has a way of delivering profound astrological insights with a rare, effortless blend of humor and grace.

Anne Ortelee’s Weekly Weather: If you’re new to astrology, stop whatever you’re doing and listen to the Weekly Weather. A legendary, seasoned practitioner, Anne breaks down current transits and world events with unmatched precision and wit. You will thank me later.

Ghost of a Podcast: Speaking of icons, Jessica Lanyadoo is a triple-threat astrologer, psychic medium, and tarot reader. On Ghost of a Podcast, she puts astrology into practice through live readings, delivering grounded, practical insights that help her guests (and listeners) navigate life’s challenges with intention.

TALK TALK TALK by ART of the ZODIAC: I couldn’t make a list and leave myself out! This is where I explore the intersection of astrology and pop culture. While not every episode is strictly technical, the archive is full of deep-dive teachings and interviews with stellar practitioners—including this conversation with the iconic Jessica Lanyadoo.

3. Look At The Sky

“While astronomy and astrology are distinct practices, it’s important to remember that astrology is based on astronomical principles. By understanding astronomy, astrologers can more intuitively comprehend the foundations of astrological techniques, making them better equipped to evaluate what astronomical phenomena are relevant to astrology. Additionally, with light pollution causing us to lose 10% of our night sky every year, reclaiming our relationship with the cosmos has never been more important.”

- Stephanie Marlow

Go outside and look up! Feel into the difference between a full and new moon. Watch as Venus moves from rising in the morning to coming up after the sun goes down.

Find a patch of grass, get lost in the constellations, and remember that—despite all the ways astrology forces us to move inside—this is an art that ties each and every one of our individual stories to the vastness of human experience, reaching far beyond our earthly consciousness.

4. Read Books

It’s wild, but you can acquire an entire astrological foundation for under $30—or for free at that ancient, sacred space called the library. While the options are endless, I have one non-negotiable recommendation for you today: A Tiny Universe by Joy Usher.

What I love about this book is that it packs a massive punch while remaining remarkably accessible to a newcomer. It is the gold standard for understanding the mechanics of the craft.

Take your time with this one; we’ve spent the last six months dissecting it together in our Astro Book Club, and its depth is exactly why it’s a cornerstone of our curriculum.

Here are a few more essential titles to check out—each a perfect place to start your astrological journey:

Planets in Transit by Robert Hand: Go beyond your birth chart to understand what the sky is saying to you right now. This is the definitive “transit bible” and an essential for every astrologer’s library.

Cosmos and Psyche by Richard Tarnas: World history framed through a rigorous astrological lens. This masterpiece will fundamentally change your understanding of world events and cycles of time.

The Houses: Temples of the Sky by Deborah Houlding: An accessible yet profound journey through the twelve houses of the Zodiac. Gorgeously written, this book provides a foundation for astrology by giving a historical and philosophical breakdown of the “where” in a birth chart.

36 Secrets by T. Susan Chang: A decanic journey through the Minor Arcana. This is a must-read for every tarot reader looking to bridge their practice with the depth of ancient astrology.

5. Make Friends

Astrology can change your world and open your life to unforeseen opportunities. But it can also be a lonely, isolating experience—one that forces you to confront parts of yourself that might feel safer left in the shadows.

If you plan to stay on this journey for the long haul, finding friends who speak this language isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

For the Los Angeles locals: I host the Los Angeles Astro Salon on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Each session features a new guest astrologer and offers the perfect environment to sharpen your skills and find your community of seekers.

For my global community: Not in LA? You can join us from anywhere. By becoming a paid subscriber to this Substack, you gain access to Club Astro—my virtual sanctuary for ongoing astrological study, reflection, and connection.

Twice a month, I host Office Hours: an intimate gathering where we bring our questions to the table, share insights, and learn through real chart examples and collective conversation. This is where the “system” of astrology truly comes to life.

Looking For Personal Guidance?

This time of year has a way of slowing us down and asking better questions. If you’re feeling caught between what’s ending and what hasn’t yet taken shape, I’m offering a limited number of one-on-one readings. We’ll look carefully at your chart and place your current moment into a larger story.

Further Study