Horary acts as an entry point to many branches of astrology, and this comprehensive course will challenge, stretch, and greatly enrich your understanding of astrological philosophy and symbolism generally – as well as horary specifically.
Benefitting from more than 30 years of development, supported by thorough research and continuous refinement, the STA’s Practitioners Level Horary Course has earned its outstanding reputation – both for the uniqueness of its syllabus and for the clarity with which it explains fundamentally important astrological principles that are seldom addressed elsewhere.
Although traditional techniques lie at the heart of the study, the course is fully focused on the consulting needs of the modern astrologer, with the aim that everyone who completes it will gain confidence and competence in this important and powerful branch of judicial astrology.
This course is carefully designed to make the most of online learning. Each week delivers a themed session through a blend of detailed course notes, media presentations, interactive tutorials, and structured assignments. While sessions are released weekly, students can work through the material at their own pace and on their own schedule – always with direct access to tutor support and the benefit of active study-group discussion.
A typical session includes the following components:
Tutors guide each week’s content and are readily available for questions and clarification at any time. Weekly assignments are generally straightforward – many are instantly graded with automated feedback – but they build in complexity as the course progresses. Later sessions involve judgement exercises that are assessed individually, with personalised critique and tailored tutor commentary. Students are also encouraged to engage in group discussion via the course forums and informal chart discussion sessions – hosted regularly in the latter part of the programme.
Check the detailed Prospectus of each individual course to see the full schedule of live tutorial dates and times.
Details of the tutors and lecture times/dates are provided in the course Prospectus for each course (see table below for available start dates). The course also provides an active forum for group discussion and several 'student-chart' meetings which provide further opportunity to engage in horary practice and exploration. Our course has gained a great reputation for its excellent level of tutor interaction and student engagement, and no one will miss the opportunity to have their questions addressed in a timely manner by one of our expert tutors.
For details of tutors and tutorial dates/times, see the Prospectus linked with each course – the table entries below lead to fuller information on upcoming courses.
| Format | Zones/location | Start | Language | Main Tutor | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-wk online | Americas, Europe | 18 Oct 2025 | English | Deb Houlding | Fully booked |
| In person attendance | Melbourne, AUS | 8 Nov 2025 | English | Eve Dembowski | Enrolling: View info › |
| 20-wk online | Spain, Latin America | 22 Jan 2026 | Spanish | María Blaquier | Enrolling: View info › |
| 20-wk online | Greece, Europe | 21 Feb 2026 | Greek | Vasilios Takos | Enrolling: view info › |
Click a course link for details on cost and booking conditions. Places on our courses are limited to ensure friendly, supportive study groups and personal attention for each student.
Our next English-language online course is fully booked; we will run it again in early 2026. For guaranteed early notice when dates are fixed and registration opens, please add your name to the waitlist.
Early booking is recommended — this course fills quickly
The course material was written by Deborah Houlding and is supported by a world-class tutorial team, featuring some of the most experienced and internationally respected horary astrologers. (Click the names below for more details of our main presenters.)
Deborah Houlding, founder of the STA, has worked as a consultant astrologer since the 1980s. A well-known writer, researcher, conference speaker, and creator of the Skyscript website, she is the author of The Houses: Temples of the Sky (Wessex, 1996), co-author of Soru Astrolojisi: Horary Astrology (with Oner Doser, 2015), and editor/annotator of several reprints of classical texts, including William Lilly’s Christian Astrology Vols. I & II.
Deb has taught horary for over 30 years. Her commitment to deepening understanding of its techniques has been recognised with multiple awards, including the Marion March Regulus Award for Advancing the Theory and Understanding of Astrology (UAC, 2018), the British Astrological Association’s Charles Harvey Award for outstanding achievement and excellence in astrology (2010), and the Jayavidya Cultural Association’s International Award for sustained contributions that enhance respect for the field of astrology (2012).
Wade Caves, based in New York, USA, is an astrological consultant and educator specialising in horary, electional and classical astrological technique. Wade was certified with honours from the Mayo School of Astrology in London and the School of Traditional Astrology, and has expert knowledge of both traditional and modern psychological methods of chart delineation. Wade’s passion is in understanding the historical and philosophical origins of astrological symbolism, whilst finding new and reliable ways to put this information to use in a consultation setting. He is the editor and annotator of the 300th anniversary edition of William Lilly’s History of his Life and Times (Rubedo Press, 2015).
Wade received his certification as a horary practitioner from the STA in 2013, and now serves as a faculty member. He began tutoring for the STA in October 2015 and delivers the Practitioners Level Horary Course as an intensive attendance program and online. He also serves as principal of the STA’s Astronomy for Astrologers program.
Wade publishes his work on world astrology at Skyscript’s In Mundo publishing desk and hosts the World Astrology Summit, a conference dedicated to the advancement of mundane technique for diverse audiences. Wade’s personal website is at www.wadecaves.com. In Mundo: www.skyscript.co.uk/inmundo Wade can be contacted via email at wade@sta.co.
Eve Dembowski runs her astrological practice in Melbourne, Australia. She has trained as a musician, flower essence therapist, and astrologer. She was one of the founding members of the Flower Essence Foundation of Australasia, (serving as its president in 1999–2000); and in 2009 and 2010 she was one of the conveners of the Regulus Traditional Astrology Conference, held in Australia.
Eve first became fascinated by astrology at the age of 11. She has 20 years’ experience as a practising horary astrologer and has been tutoring for the STA since 2013, being the first of our tutors to develop the course into a format for online delivery. In addition to her Master’s Level Diploma from the STA, Eve studied medieval astrology with Robert Zoller and her astrological qualifications include diplomas from Astro-synthesis and the Federation of Australian Astrologers (FAA), in which she was awarded the silver medal of excellence for the Interpretation exam.
Eve consults, teaches, and frequently presents workshops and lectures on traditional astrology and astrological philosophy. She has had many articles published in the FAA journal, The Mountain Astrologer and Astrolog. Eve presents STA courses through classes with small study groups in Melbourne, over distance as part of the online tutorial team, and as residential intensives.
Eve’s personal astrological blog is at astrologicalmind.wordpress.com. She can be contacted via email at eve@sta.co.
Jupiter Lai teaches astrology in Hong Kong, China and Malaysia. She is the co-founder, along with Rod Chang, of the Academy of Astrology, which was founded in 2008 with the aim of promoting Western Astrology to Chinese speakers. Jupiter lectures on a wide range of astrological subjects and also incorporates Chinese astrology, I-Ching and Feng Shui into her own astrological practice. Through the work of the Academy, Jupiter has helped to introduce many international speakers to Asia, where they have shared their astrological insights to local students.
Jupiter began her formal study of astrology with the Faculty of Astrological Studies, and later received certification as a horary practitioner from the STA in 2013 after becoming enthralled by the philosophical principles and techniques of classical astrology. Jupiter’s personal website is at www.magiclife.com.hk. She can be contacted via email at jupiter@sta.co.
2008年跟台灣占星師魯道夫成立「Academy of Astrology國際占星研究院」，為華人提供正統專業、有系統的占星教育。學院提供香港、台北、中國的現場課及網絡課程，學生來自各地區的華人。本學院亦多番邀請不同的國際級占星大師來亞州講課，提升學生之占星學問至國際水平。 Jupiter主要於香港授課，以及不定期往不同城市如深圳、吉隆坡、台北講課。Jupiter先於英國占星學院Faculty of Astrological Studies修讀，其後於英國STA School of Traditional Astrology獲取卜卦占星證書，並成為其認證導師，獲授權翻譯其教材並教授STA之卜卦占星師證書課程。同時亦跟隨STA創辦人及國際著名占星師Deborah Houlding作古典占星之研究。
Jupiter於2014年開始翻譯STA卜卦占星師課程的教材，並於2016年開始於香港教授相關課程。
個人網站 Personal Website : www.magiclife.com.hk Email : jupiter@sta.co.
Vasilios Takos, who resides in Greece, has pursued a fascination with astrology since an early age. He has a long-standing interest in researching ancient Greek astrological texts (including the works of Ptolemy, Dorotheus, Theophilus, etc.), with a particular interest in exploring how the techniques in these works continue through to later Persian and Arabic astrological texts (such as the works of Ibn Ezra, Masha’allah, Abu Ma’shar, etc.).
Vasilios (also known as ‘Bill’) is an astrology teacher and he, also, runs a multi-lingual astrological consultation service in Greece. Vasilios teaches the Practitioners Level Horary Course, on behalf of the STA, in English as well as his native Greek language. He graduated from the following astrology schools: Highest honor graduate of Master’s Degree Certification Course by Noel Tyl, Hellenistic Astrology by Chris Brennan, Horary Practitioner of School of Traditional Astrology by Deborah Houlding, Horary DipH of School of Traditional Astrology by Deborah Houlding, Medical Practitioner of School of Traditional Astrology by Lee Lehman.
Vasilios Takos is the author of the brand new Principles of Basic Astrology course, which is now available in English! For more information visit vasiliostakos.com/basic_astrology_course.php. Vasilios has his personal website at vasiliostakos.com and and his Greek website vasiliostakos.gr and can be contacted by email at bill@sta.co
María Blaquier, born in Argentina, has been involved with astrology since 1987. She is the founder of the online astrology school Academia de Astrología Avanzada MB (at www.mariablaquier.com).
Maria is a graduate of the the STA’s Advanced Level Horary Diploma Course, and Medical Astrology Course and teaches the STA’s Practitioners Level Certification in Horary in both English and Spanish. Her broader astrological studies also include the fields of Psychological, Draconic, Hellenistic and Medieval Astrology. Her publications include numerous articles in various international journals, including The Astrological Journal, Stellium, IAMINFINITY, MidHeaven, astro.com; a book on Traditional astrology and Time Lord techniques (Astrología tradicional: Técnicas predictivas de los Señores del tiempo: ed. Kier, Bs. As.); and YouTube tutorials.
Maria teaches the STA horary course in the Spanish speaking world, and is part of the Spanish Speaking Satellite at OPA.
A French native now based in the USA, Morgan has been involved with astrology since 2011. His main focus is on traditional techniques, with an emphasis on Medieval and Renaissance astrology.
With Venus conjunct Mercury, and his lord of the 10th house in a water sign, you will often find him working his calligraphy, lettering and watercolor skills. Aside from his passion for art, he also has a debatably sick obsession for Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and languages (he speaks 3 so far… French, English, Mandarin Chinese and dabbles in Spanish and Japanese). In the little time left in his week, he also translates ancient astrology texts from Latin to English, and from English to French.
Morgan started reading tarot and interpreting the I-Ching pretty young, but quickly focused most of his time studying astrology. He took the STA’s Horary Practitioners Level course in 2017 and now holds the Masters Level Horary Diploma. In addition to his horary learning, he also studied psychological astrology with Maison 9 (a French online astrology school), traditional delineation and predictive techniques with Helena Avelar and Luís Ribeiro (Academy of Traditional Astrology), magical elections with Christopher Warnock and later with Nina Gryphon, medical astrology with Dr. Lee Lehman and primary directions with Dr. Martin Gansten.
Morgan can be contacted via email at morgan@sta.co.
Texts Grads Forum Testimonials
Although the course material is comprehensive and fully self-contained, many students ask about additional reading. These two titles are highly recommended for horary astrologers and are referenced throughout the course. They’re widely available through international Amazon sites.
The classic text of traditional horary astrology, published in 1647. A full PDF of this work – reset in modern type and annotated with explanatory notes by Deborah Houlding – is available as a free download on the Skyscript website. A hard copy is well worth obtaining at some point – you’ll rarely read anything on horary that doesn’t refer to this work.
A practical guide to the originating theory and working use of house meanings in astrology. Written with the needs of horary practitioners in mind, this book is especially valuable for understanding the symbolic depth of house interpretations and the rulership principles attached to them.
The principles taught in this course provide a firm foundation for exploring other branches of astrology, including natal, medical, electional, and mundane work. As a qualified horary practitioner, you will be well prepared to undertake further studies on these topics, and will also receive access to our private STA Graduates Forum. This secure forum site was set up in response to the desire of our delegates to keep in touch with each other. It allows qualified astrologers to share experiences and collaborate with fellow practitioners and professionals – safe in the knowledge that client charts can be discussed in confidence, without public exposure of sensitive details.
The STA’s Practitioners Level Horary Course has been undertaken by many of the world’s leading astrologers, who frequently recommend it as an essential part of professional training. Our students range from emerging astrologers to established practitioners, and we consistently receive exceptional feedback on the depth, clarity and value of this course.
With hundreds of verified five-star reviews, the STA holds an Excellent rating on the independent review platform Trustpilot. Below is a recent, unsolicited review from a course participant, shared here in full. It offers a candid and thoughtful perspective on the experience of studying horary astrology with us. We invite you to explore more reviews on Trustpilot to see what other astrologers have said about their experience of the course.
One of the best decisions you can make if you want to learn horary astrology
If you want to learn traditional horary astrology, signing up for the STA Horary Practitioners Level Course is one of the best decisions you can make. Let me tell you why.
Three years ago, I finally decided I wanted to learn traditional astrology. The subject has fascinated me for over twenty years, but each time I opened a book, I felt intimidated by the sheer amount of material to absorb. This time, however, I decided to take the plunge.
In the months and years that followed, I bought more books than I’ll be able to read in a lifetime. The result: I was completely overwhelmed, and more than once I threw those precious books into a corner. What’s even worse: I developed a fear of sitting down and actually reading a chart. I don’t want to be an ‘armchair astrologer’ – but where do I start? When and how do I apply concept X or technique Y? The STA course helped me tackle these problems.
Both the study materials and online classes are very well structured and of high quality. You’ll learn all the key concepts that lie at the basis of horary astrology and traditional astrology in general. Even more important, you’ll learn to apply those concepts as tools to delineate a chart with detail and objectivity.
Parallel to gradually familiarising yourself with the theory behind the art, the course is designed to make you learn by practising. The exercises start at a comfortable level, and with each session you’ll find yourself climbing higher up the carefully designed scaffolding. This is done through a well-thought-out structure of (1) example charts with delineations by the tutors – learning by example – and (2) delineating charts yourself, adding newly learned concepts and techniques as you go – learning by trial and error. Constructive feedback by tutors helps you retrace steps and correct mistakes you might have made.
The flame of my initial enthusiasm has been rekindled, and I’ve gained enough confidence to put everything I learned into practice. The course has ended, but my journey has only just begun. I’m looking forward to revisiting the course materials and doing chart work for people who are in need of advice. I’ll probably stumble in the beginning, but with all that I’ve learned at the STA, I’m confident I’ll stand up again and reach the goal I’ve set for myself.
Do you want to learn traditional astrology? I’ve pointed you the way. May you fare well with the stars as your guide!
