Explore the major astrological turning points of life through the combined lens of Evolutionary Astrology and Gestalt psychotherapy. Tamika Dwight-Scott examines the Saturn Return, midlife transits and Chiron Return as opportunities for awareness, integration and transformation.

Explore the profound relationship changes unfolding through the Pluto–Juno conjunction in Aquarius. Join Daniel Sowelu for an evening of evolutionary astrology, psychology, and spiritual insight into love, commitment, and conscious partnership.

Discover the fundamentals of BaZi (Four Pillars of Destiny), one of the most sophisticated systems in Chinese Astrology. Join Lisa O'Brien for a practical introduction to the Five Elements, life cycles, and the insights hidden within your birth chart.

What does it mean when Fire, Earth, Air or Water is missing from a birth chart? Join Alice Portman as she explores elemental imbalance, hidden strengths and practical approaches to chart interpretation.

The Yod, often called the Finger of God, is one of the most powerful and misunderstood configurations in astrology. It creates a sense of pressure, as though life is asking for greater precision, alignment, and awareness. Marc Laurenson will explore how the Yod operates in the birth chart, why it often appears at pivotal moments of change, and how its intensity can be worked with to move from tension into clarity, direction, and purpose.

Horary astrology is often seen as the branch of astrology that provides clear answers to specific questions. But when a chart speaks, is it simply describing fate, or offering deeper insight into choice and possibility? In this SARs meetup, astrologer Josh Hancock explores the space where prediction meets counselling, examining how practitioners work at the intersection of symbolism, destiny and free will.

Using real chart examples from practice, Josh will show how horary can reveal the deeper dynamics of a situation and help clients navigate important decisions. Blending philosophy with practical technique, this talk offers a fresh perspective on how horary astrology can provide both precise answers and meaningful guidance.

The Fire Horse Awakens

with Gregory Clare

A new cycle begins.
Will you answer the call?

About Our Speaker

Gregory Clare’s connection to the stars began at sea. During 28 years as a commercial fisherman, he navigated by the constellations, igniting a lifelong devotion to astronomy and astrology.

A former President of both the Astrology Association of NSW and the Sydney Astrological Research Society, Gregory is a respected astrologer, teacher and author. He has lectured internationally, written for The Mountain Astrologer and the FAA Journal, and is widely regarded for his depth in Hellenistic and Classical astrology.

From the open ocean to the Himalayas, where he shared his knowledge with Tibetan monks, Gregory’s journey bridges lived experience with celestial wisdom. His work inspires others to navigate life with clarity, perspective and a deeper relationship to the stars.

Turning Point 2025: The Astrology of a World in Flux

with Gregory Clare

With global politics, economics and social systems in flux, the macro is pressing hard on the micro. Everyone is feeling the strain. No one is immune. So where is this all heading? And more importantly, what do the stars have to say about it? As we reach the end of 2025, we are inviting Greg back to help us make sense of it all. He will revisit the predictions he made at the start of the year, explore what has played out, and offer insight into what is still to come. Will the pressure ease? Are we on the brink of relief, or at the beginning of a greater shift? Join us as we close out 2025 with clarity, cosmic context and grounded foresight.

About our speaker

Gregory Clare’s connection to the stars began on the open seas. During his 28 years as a commercial fisherman, he navigated by the constellations, sparking a lifelong passion for astronomy and astrology.

A former President of both the Astrology Association of NSW (AANSW) and the Sydney Astrological Research Society (SARS), Gregory is now a respected astrologer, teacher, and author. He has lectured internationally, written for The Mountain Astrologer and the FAA Journal, and is renowned for his insight into Hellenistic and Classical astrology.

From the ocean to the Himalayas, where he shared his wisdom with Tibetan monks, Gregory’s journey blends practical experience with celestial understanding, inspiring others to navigate life through the stars.

The Universal 9 Year – Collective and Individual Shadow Work

As we move through the final months of 2025, we find ourselves in a powerful liminal space. This is the energetic Dark Moon of the collective nine-year cycle, a threshold between endings and new beginnings. We are about to shift from a Universal 9 Year into a Universal 1 Year. It is a moment similar to moving from the 12th House to the 1st House, when what has been hidden comes into the light and the process of renewal begins.

In this timely and thought-provoking session, Juliette will explore the deeper meaning of the Universal 9 energy and how it is showing up both globally and personally.

In this session, you will discover:

• The deeper symbolism of the Number 9 and how it reflects the collective shadow work unfolding right now
• How this transit activates personal karmic patterns and echoes from past lives and early childhood
• An introduction to the numerological technique of Pinnacles, with a focus on the 1st Pinnacle. Juliette will show you how to calculate and interpret your own
• Why this final stretch of the 9 Year offers a unique window for healing, integration, and soul reclamation

This is not a time for spiritual bypassing. It is a time to meet the shadow directly and do the inner work. As Juliette will share, anything unresolved in this cycle is likely to carry into the next one, potentially holding us back from stepping fully into our soul potential and collective evolution.

Juliette draws on the wisdom of Marianne Williamson, who reminds us:
“Things have to come up in order to be released. Once we have asked to be healed, then our unhealed places are forced to the surface.”

This session offers insight, practical tools, and deep spiritual support to help you meet this pivotal moment with courage and clarity.

About Juliette Valentina
Juliette Valentina is a passionate astrologer and numerologist devoted to the sacred languages of symbolism, myth, and archetype. With an Aquarian Sun and Mercury in the 8th House and a Pisces Moon in the 9th, her path has always been guided by a deep call to esoteric wisdom. Known for her rich, soulful teaching style, Juliette weaves together astrology, numerology, dreams, and sacred story to help others awaken their innate gifts and live soul-led lives. She is the founder of Soul Weaving, a platform dedicated to sharing the wisdom of the archetypal realm through one-on-one work, teaching, and public speaking.

Aspects to Eris: Transforming Shadow to Light

In this insightful and provocative session, Marc Laurenson will guide us into the astrological influence of the dwarf planet Eris and its aspects in the natal chart. Known as the sacred disruptor, Eris represents the soul's confrontation with chaos, rejection, and suppression. These energies often sit buried beneath the surface, waiting to be transformed.

During this talk, you will:

• Discover how Eris aspects highlight the soul's push to reclaim its voice and confront deeply buried anger

• Explore the outsider archetype as a source of strength and sacred rebellion

• Learn how experiences of marginalisation can be transformed into empowerment and authenticity

• Understand how these inner tensions can become catalysts for deep soul growth and lasting self-awareness

Marc will show how Eris can serve as a turning point in the soul's journey, guiding the transition from fragmentation to wholeness and from shadow into light.

BIOGRAPHY

Marc Laurenson is the founder and principal teacher of Sydney Astrology School, a vibrant online astrology school established in 2007. With a foundation in Evolutionary and Psychological Astrology, Marc has cultivated a global community of students drawn to his practical, compassionate, and insightful approach.

Raised in Balmain, Sydney, Marc discovered astrology at a young age and has been immersed in the symbolic language of the stars ever since. He began his professional practice in 2007 and soon developed a reputation for clarity and depth in both readings and teaching.

Marc holds a Diploma in Astrology from the Federation of Australian Astrologers and is an Accredited Astrology Teacher (AAT). His achievements include the Gold Medal for Excellence, the Allan Johnson Award, and the Doris Greaves Award.

He has presented at international astrology conferences including the FAA, ISAR, OPA, Synchronicity University, and Breaking Down the Borders. Marc’s articles have appeared in Wellbeing Astrology Magazine, Sage, Use Nature, Super Living, and the FAA Journal. He has also contributed as an astrology commentator on Channel 10 News.

The Consultation Chart: A Tool for Working Astrologers

Zoom only this month

Set up for the exact moment a consultation begins, the Consultation Chart reveals the *real* reasons behind a client’s visit and contains information about their past and present circumstances, as well as future possibilities. Starting a consultation with it can help to break the ice and gain a client’s trust. Join Frank to learn how to use and decode a remarkable tool that reminds us that every moment is fascinating and full of meaning.

BIOGRAPHY

Frank Clifford has built an eclectic, 35-year career as the writer of a dozen books, a consultant astrologer and palmist, a publisher/editor, a researcher of birth data, and the Principal of the London School of Astrology, which has branches in China and Japan. In 2012, he was the youngest recipient of a lifetime honour from the Astrological Association for his contribution to astrology, and a writing award from ISAR and various ISAR and Regulus Award (UAC) nominations have since followed. In mid-2025 he relaunched the Mountain Astrologer magazine as a multi-media publication. www.londonschoolofastrology.com

The Mysteries of Conception to Birth: Tracking the In-Utero Journey in the Birth Chart

It was the visionary astrologer Tad Mann who first proposed in the 1980s that the in utero journey is mirrored in the birth chart, with the last four houses representing this journey and the ninth house cusp marking the point of conception. Around the same time, Daniel Sowelu was training in primal therapy with Australian pioneer Dr Graham Farrant, a student of Dr Arthur Janov—renowned for developing primal scream therapy. This ground-breaking approach enables clients to access deep cellular memories of their conception, gestation, and birth.

During this intensive training, Daniel and his fellow trainees began to retrieve these early imprints, and he was able to identify clear correlations with their birth charts. This discovery led him to create a unique synthesis of primal therapy, spiritual midwifery, and experiential astrology—offering workshops where clients could consciously engage with their earliest influences and reclaim these foundational experiences.

In this talk, Daniel will share how to identify significant in utero experiences within individual birth charts, drawing on powerful case studies from his pioneering work in this field.

BIOGRAPHY

Daniel Sowelu BSc, Dip.Ed, is a therapeutic and experiential astrologer, multi-skilled therapist, group facilitator, and sacred tour guide. Now in his 41st year of practice, he is a global leader in experiential astrology and a passionate advocate for the reclamation of the sacred feminine within astrological practice

Astrology Behind the Tarot – The Creation of the Rider–Waite–Smith Deck

Step into the esoteric origins of the world’s most iconic tarot deck in this immersive and enlightening session with astrologer Natta Jain.

Discover the astrological story behind the Rider–Waite–Smith Tarot as we decode the natal charts of Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith, explore the synastry that shaped their creative magic, and examine the cosmic transits surrounding the deck’s mystical 1909 debut.

Natta will also unveil the Golden Dawn’s astrological correspondences—zodiac signs, planetary rulers, and decans—that form the hidden architecture of the tarot and continue to influence modern spiritual and magical practice.

Whether you're a tarot reader, astrology lover, or student of the occult, this talk will deepen your understanding of how the stars shaped one of the most beloved mystical tools of our time.

About Natta Jain: Astrologer, storyteller, and esoteric educator, Natta's work blends mythology, psychology, and symbolic wisdom. A lifelong student of the mystical arts, she began her journey with tarot at age 11. Today, she shares her insights through her role at Esoteric Technologies, creators of Solar Fire and Astro Gold, and brings astrological knowledge to life on their official TikTok channel.

Medical Astrology in Practice: Translating Astrological Insights into Everyday Health Solutions
With Dr. Danielle Ashley

How can astrology support real-world healing?

In this insightful and practical session, Dr. Danielle Ashley will explore how medical astrology can be combined with integrative medicine to alleviate illness and optimise health. Through real client case studies and chart configurations, Danielle will share how the wisdom of the stars can be translated into tangible, everyday health strategies. Whether you're a seasoned astrologer or simply curious, you'll walk away with fresh perspectives and tools to apply in practice.

About Danielle:
Danielle is a practising Chinese medicine doctor, nutritionist, and professional astrologer with over three decades of experience. Introduced to astrology by her mother 35 years ago, she now blends natal, predictive and medical astrology with acupuncture, nutrition, Chinese herbal medicine and sound healing. Based in the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne, she consults, mentors, and teaches both in person and online.

We are looking forward to welcoming Dr Danielle Ashley to SARs!

The Mysteries of the Water Houses

Are you ready to unlock the emotional and spiritual depths of your astrological chart?

Join us for a powerful and illuminating journey into the Water Houses (4th, 8th, and 12th)—the most mysterious, emotionally charged, and soul-revealing parts of your horoscope. In this immersive and insightful session, you’ll:

🌊 Gain a deeper understanding of your emotional blueprint – Discover how the Water Houses reflect your inner emotional world, family imprints, and soul-level memories.
🧭 Navigate the undercurrents of transformation – Learn how these houses guide endings, healing, and emotional integration across this lifetime.
🪞 Unlock hidden family patterns and karmic themes – Uncover the generational and ancestral stories that shape your current experience.
🌀 Strengthen your intuitive ‘swimming skills’ – Build confidence in working with subtle emotional energies, psychological insight, and spiritual growth.
✨ Experience a renewed connection to the soul’s journey – This is a chance to bring stillness and clarity to the deepest, most transformative areas of your chart.

Whether you’re a seasoned astrologer or a passionate explorer of self-awareness, this session will offer essential insights to help you work with the waters of life—rather than be overwhelmed by them.

The President's Astrologer: The Influence of Joan Quigley on the Reagan Presidency

Astrology has guided rulers for centuries, shaping the decisions of emperors, kings, and world leaders. Yet, one of the most compelling modern examples of astrology in politics remains largely overlooked: the influential role Joan Quigley played in President Ronald Reagan’s administration.

Join astrologer Josh Hancock as he explores the profound impact of Quigley’s work—how her meticulous astrological timing and strategic guidance helped Reagan navigate crises, maintain public favour, and earn the moniker ‘The Teflon President’.

Through a detailed analysis of Quigley’s chart examples and historical records, we will examine the sophisticated techniques she employed and the remarkable extent of her influence on one of the most pivotal presidencies in modern history.

🔥 Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Astrology in the Oval Office – The depth of Joan Quigley’s influence on Reagan’s key political decisions.
2️⃣ The Power of Timing – How precise astrological planning kept Reagan’s presidency resilient amid challenges.
3️⃣ A Legacy That Lives On – What Quigley’s work reveals about the ongoing relationship between astrology and leadership.

This will be a fascinating presentation about one of astrology’s most important contemporary figures.

Welcome to 2025, the year of the wood 'snake' and World year 9!

We’re excited for the year ahead, with so much happening astrologically. This year, we’re prioritising more in-person gatherings to better support our members. Community is vital—not just for learning, but for connection too.

Our first meeting will be in person and feature Gregory Clare, who will join us virtually to share insights into the key transits and astrological shifts for the year ahead.

Afterward, we’ll head to the pub to continue the conversation and deepen connections.

We’d love for you to join us and reconnect with the community. Becoming a member is the most cost-effective way to stay involved and ensure you don’t miss out!

Discover how to uncover key life patterns and prepare for future challenges through the astrological technique of Profections. Mari Garcia will guide us in understanding how Profections works to illuminate the themes and events likely to emerge each year by advancing the chart one sign annually. It’s a powerful lens for navigating difficult times and reveals the planetary influences shaping each stage of life.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Learn the Basics of Profections
   Understand how the Profections technique moves your chart forward each year and highlights the central themes and areas of focus in your life.

2. Identify Challenging Patterns and Opportunities
   Discover how Profections can pinpoint difficult and challenging times, helping you recognize the patterns that impact your journey.

3. Gain Tools for Facing Life’s Challenges
   By understanding the planets involved, you’ll gain insights and strategies for navigating obstacles and preparing for future developments.

Sydney Astrological Research Society inc. https://www.sydneyastrology.org/

We’re back in person for our October meetup as we gather to talk about the depths of the Essential Dignities, those special allocations of planet energy. Intrinsic to classical and medieval Astrology, the ‘domicile rulers’ and ‘exaltations’ are our prime focus. The planetary gender of masculine and feminine signs tells a fascinating story when viewed through the lens of Dignities. Rather than the cultural skews that typify the minefield which is human gender, dignities are extremely democratic. Alternation rules!

BIOGRAPHY

Christine feels immensely grateful to have found Astrology as a vocation, having shifted from an academic career nearly forty years ago. Since Astrology interfaces the mysteries of birth patterns and planetary cycles, it is endlessly fascinating. Her three passions are one to one astrology readings, teaching, and writing.

Christine writes the Stargazing Column for Australian WellBeing magazine and the Travelling Astrologer column for NZ’s AFI journal. She has presented at the Sophia Centre Conference in Bath, UK and published in their Celestial Magic Issue of their Journal.

In recent years, soul-path awareness has been a theme in her work.  This influences her astro-mentor program, workshops, and Retreats. While Australian, her official home is New Zealand. She comes back to Sydney for a few months twice a year, and offers Retreats in both countries. 

The outer planets play a vital role in the rich and complex journey of our souls in this lifetime, but understanding them doesn’t have to be complicated! Each of us has chosen not only our natal placements but also where we call upon these cosmic forces as we grow and evolve—predestined at our soul's request.

The transits of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are not random; they are carefully selected to align with our unique paths. These transits are super important because they show up exactly where and when we need them, guiding us through the challenges and opportunities that promote our growth. Each planet has our best interests at heart, and we are always prepared for what they have to offer.

Join Lisa as she guides you through the Evolutionary lens, helping you connect the dots and understand what the gods are ready to offer you on your next cosmic adventure.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Personalized Cosmic Influence: The outer planets' transits are uniquely aligned with your soul’s journey, showing up exactly when you need them.

2. Support for Growth: Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto guide you through challenges and opportunities, ensuring you are always ready for what life presents.

3. Evolutionary Insights: Learn how to connect with these planetary energies to gain deeper insights into your current path and future possibilities.

Sydney Astrological Research Society inc. https://www.sydneyastrology.org/

Relationship Astrology is the theme of our SARS meetup, which this time is available virtually only. Our esteemed speaker is Elena Sottolana, also known as 'The Relationship Astrologer.' Elena will be diving deeply into the complexities of relationships, and what better relationship to dissect than a ‘celebrity’ one?

Join us as Elena focuses on the astrological charts of some famous couples who have stood the test of time. She will identify the ‘longevity markers’ that set these enduring relationships apart from the non-committing situation-ships trending now in a world where online dating becomes the norm. Elena’s insights will shed light on how astrological compatibility and specific planetary alignments contribute to long-lasting partnerships.

In this session, you will learn:

Astrological Indicators of Longevity: Discover the key astrological factors that contribute to enduring relationships. Elena will highlight the aspects and placements that indicate strong, lasting bonds.

Case Studies of Celebrity Couples: Gain insights from the astrological charts of well-known couples. Understand what makes their relationships resilient and how these principles can be applied to your own relationships.

Contrast with Modern Dating Trends: Explore the contrast between traditional long-term relationships and the fleeting situation-ships common in today's online dating culture. Learn how astrology can offer guidance in navigating modern relationship dynamics.

BIOGRAPHY

Elena Sottolano ‘caught Astrology’ as she likes to jokingly say as it coincided with the beginning of 2020, when she decided to take Astrology seriously by enrolling at Sydney Astrology School. She hasn’t stopped studying since, by embracing her gemini ascendent to obtain her accreditation with the Federation of Australian Astrologers Inc in July 2022. She has continued her studies adding traditional techniques by completing the practitioners level horary astrology course with the School of Traditional Astrology. And has just recently completed a short course with Jodie Forrest in Rectification which very much made Elena embrace her virgo side to balance out her dominant right brain; being a Pisces sun in the 8th.

Sydney Astrological Research Society inc. https://www.sydneyastrology.org/

We’re back in person for our July meetup as we gather to talk Asteroids with Georgina Sierra.

Do you use Asteroids in your readings? Well if not, you’re not alone. Asteroids are new to astrology, and only a handful of astrologers use them in their work. But this number is growing as astrologers learn how to use them with clients.

The asteroids lie in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter in the solar system. Four major asteroids take prime importance in astrology. One of these is Vesta. Vesta represents the principle of the self, how we relate to others and how we find our purpose in our lives.

Join Georgina and the SARs committee to discover how Vesta’s placement in your chart can help you embrace what you need to embrace your true self. This is going to be an amazing session. Do join us in person if you can make it to Sydney. If not, join us via Zoom using our new, super secure link.

BIOGRAPHY

Georgina is a professional astrologer based in Sydney. Astrology inspires her, and she loves transferring that inspiration to her clients. She is also a clairsentient and an angel tarot reader.

After graduating from Sydney Astrology School, she obtained an internationally recognised diploma in astrology (FAA Practitioners Diploma) and a qualification in Consulting Skills from OPA. She is a member of the Federation of Australian Astrologers (FAA) and the Organization of Professional Astrologers (OPA). Georgina is also the recipient of the 2023 OPA Mentorship Program.

Georgina also holds a Master of Science degree. Before finding her life purpose, she worked as a research scientist in chemistry, with stints in aviation, theatre, and music. Between seeing clients, Georgina enjoys raising her young Aquarian and Leo family.

We are back in person for our April meeting! Join us live as Christina Stargazer dives deep into the lives and charts of some of the most known, and not so known, astrological Sun sign columnists of all time. Find out what, if anything, they have in common and if you too could keep the astrological Sun sign writer’s pen from being extinguished.

Followed by drinks in the pub! Can’t wait to see you there.

We will have a zoom link for those who can’t make it in-person.

Click here for more details.