001. How to Begin Learning Astrology
Learning astrology can feel daunting. Whether you’re drawn to Western or Eastern traditions, getting started often seems so overwhelming that many people choose not to begin at all. While I won’t pretend that astrology is quick or easy to learn, modern astrologers have access to thousands of free resources - tools and teachings that earlier astrologers could only dream of. With the right approach, the learning process can feel far more manageable. This article is written for beginners who want a grounded, historically informed approach to astrology without the pressure to master everything at once. Here are five ways to make studying astrology smoother as you begin working with these ancient and enduring techniques.
Take it Slow
No astrologer will ever know one hundred percent of the information available within the astrological tradition. Do not expect yourself to understand everything right away. Astrology is a cumulative practice, and meaningful understanding develops through steady and intentional study over time.
If you are learning Western astrology, begin with the twelve zodiac signs and their fundamental qualities. Focus on element, modality, planetary ruler, and gender or polarity. Consider spending several days or even an entire week on each sign so you can fully absorb its nature and symbolism. This foundation will support everything you learn later, from personality analysis to predictive techniques.
Astrology offers a vast range of methods and applications that can take a lifetime to explore. Trying to rush the learning process often leads to burnout. Burnout frequently results in a loss of passion and curiosity for astrology as a whole. Everyone learns at a different pace, and forcing yourself to move faster or slower than what feels natural can disrupt your progress. Taking your time is not a setback. It is an essential part of learning astrology well.
2. Study the Origins
One of the most useful tactics for learning astrology is to look back at the origins and history of the practice. Far too often, new astrologers are left with the same question: why? Why do we refer to the twelve part division of the wheel as houses? Why do we call the relationship between planets aspects? These questions can feel never ending and, at times, impossible to answer. That is until we reflect on the origins of the practice. When we understand the culture and historical context upon which modern astrology is built, we can expand our understanding and begin to answer many of the questions that leave us asking why.
Some of the best astrological context comes from older texts such as The Anthology, written by Vettius Valens (Valens & Riley, 2022), or more modern works like Hellenistic Astrology: The Study of Fate and Fortune by Chris Brennan (Brennan, 2020). By training our minds to think the way ancient astrologers did, we give ourselves the opportunity to understand astrology on an entirely new level. For instance, when attempting to understand why the twelve houses are oriented the way they are, we can look directly to concepts such as angular triads, sect, and planetary joys. These frameworks appear to have been established prior to the formal development of the twelve-house system as we understand it today and provide context to how our understandings were established.
3. Consult with Other Students
Connecting with other students of astrology can be the factor that truly moves your studies to the next level. By engaging with others and sharing what you are learning, you reinforce what you already know while also uncovering areas that need further development. Exchanging ideas, study approaches, and learning resources is an effective way to continue challenging yourself beyond your current understanding.
Other students of astrology help support your growth and encourage you to refine your skills through ongoing discussion and collaboration. Remember that everyone was once new to astrology. More often than not, if you show genuine curiosity and respect, more experienced students of the craft are happy to engage in thoughtful conversation and share their perspectives.
Some astrology students may feel isolated, especially if the people around them do not believe in or understand the practice. In these cases, engaging with the astrological community in any way such as joining a public astrology group on Facebook or attending local astrology conferences can provide meaningful connection, support, and motivation to continue developing your skills.
4. Invest in Knowledge
If possible, invest money in books, courses, and astrology software that support your learning needs. Free articles and YouTube videos provide a wealth of information. However, they are often limited in their ability to explore a topic in depth in the way that books and structured courses can.
If you are able to set aside extra income each month, consider allocating some of those resources toward materials that will expand your understanding of astrology. Standalone courses, books, paid podcasts from reputable astrologers, mentorships, and one on one consultations are all valuable ways to invest in your education.
Receiving an astrology reading from another practitioner is also a powerful learning opportunity. As you listen, ask yourself which archetypes they are identifying and how they are interpreting different placements. Consider how you can use the information shared with you as a study tool for your own practice. Astrology software can offer similar support. Many programs provide archetypal keywords or basic interpretations for chart placements, which can be helpful reference points as you continue learning.
Free resources are excellent for beginners or casual learners. However, if your goal is to become a serious student of astrology, investing in your education in a more intentional and structured way can make a meaningful difference.
5. Keep the Joy
It is not uncommon for students of astrology to feel overwhelmed by the vast number of techniques and styles available. When this happens, curiosity can slowly give way to fear or self doubt. This is my strongest advice to you. No matter what you study or how deeply you explore astrology, the process should feel joyful and fulfilling.
If learning begins to feel overwhelming or the excitement turns into pressure, return to the first piece of advice and slow down. Apply new concepts gradually in a way that feels manageable rather than exhausting. Over time, you will be able to look back and see just how much understanding and awareness you have built.
Astrology is a tool for understanding the cycles of life, both the ones we recognize and the ones that operate quietly beneath the surface. Before anything else, find joy in learning how those cycles move and how they reflect your own experience. Astrology is best learned in conversation and experience. I often say to my mentees that book work accounts for only forty percent of learning astrology, while the remaining sixty percent comes from experience. Return often, study slowly, and allow your understanding to unfold over time.
Corey Neulieb, Founder of Pathway Light by Corey
Corey Neulieb is a traditional astrologer, astrology educator, and consulting practitioner who has been studying and practicing astrology seriously since 2020. His work draws primarily from Western and Hellenistic traditions, with an emphasis on historical techniques, foundational symbolism, and experiential learning.
In addition to teaching and writing, Corey offers astrology consultations that focus on practical application, clarity, and long-term understanding. His consulting work informs his educational approach, grounding astrological concepts in lived experience and repeated observation rather than abstract theory alone.
Corey’s teaching philosophy centers on the belief that book study forms only part of the learning process. While structured study is essential, meaningful astrological understanding develops through experience—working with charts, tracking cycles, and reflecting on how symbolism manifests over time. Through writing, education, mentorship, and consultation, Corey aims to support students and clients in building a thoughtful, grounded, and enduring relationship with astrology.
