2010 RESIDENTIAL COURSES in Abbey House, Glastonbury

The Outer Planets and Other Bodies 8 - 12 March 2010 (from 4pm on the Monday till after breakfast on the Friday)

The Outer planets and their relationships to the rest of our chart describe those things about us which make us stand out from the rest of the crowd. Whilst these are also the planets that link us with the collective and enable us to speak for a wider audience, mismanaged they can signify feelings of alienation, abandonment and bewilderment. To the Outer planets we go to find many of the ills in society such as addiction, murder, rape, corruption and much else. Thus our greatest creative gifts and most far reaching problems can be laid at their door. They are also the most significant bodies in forecasting terms; after experiencing major transits from Uranus, Neptune or Pluto (or Progressions/Directions involving these planets) life is never quite the same. During this week, we will examine how these planets operate in general and specifically in natal charts (those of participants and from the world at large) by sign, house and aspect and then go on to explore them in forecasting terms. We will also look at Chiron and other more recently discovered bodies - what do we know or suspect about these seemingly weird energies?

Suitable for all levels of ability, the course is designed to help students gain confidence and fluency in interpretation and forecasting. We will look at a variety of charts and have fun doing hands-on astrology. There will be ample time for students to work on their own charts - should they wish to do.

The Accommodation

Built in the 1830s, Abbey House is now dedicated as a retreat House and overlooks the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey. Its rooms have wonderful views over the ruins to the Quantock Hills beyond. The garden has its own direct access to the Abbey grounds – outside the times when the ruins are open to the public.

Accommodation is simple but comfortable – the 17 single rooms and 8 twin-bedded rooms are located on the first floor and all have wash basins. Participants will each have their own room. Bathrooms are nearby and plentiful (7 bathrooms and 3 showers). For those wishing to travel by car, there is ample car parking space available.

The peaceful setting on this most ancient of English Christian sites has been sensitively preserved by the Abbey Trust. All meals are prepared in their kitchens and seasonal vegetables are fresh from the garden. Vegetarian and special diets are catered for on advance request. Meals comprise: breakfast which is continental style, lunch; soup, salad, fruit etc with dinner as the main meal in the evening. All meals, including morning and afternoon tea and coffee are included in the price. Facilities are also available for guests to make their own drinks as and when required.

As this is a Retreat House and not a Hotel, guests are asked clear tables after each course and, at the end of the meal, to return cups to the trolley. Also, to make beds at the end of their stay.

Glastonbury

Glastonbury is a small town set between the Mendips and the Somerset levels, just 5 miles from Wells and about 23 miles from Bath and Bristol. It boats many historic sites, shops and a 40 acre park. By car, Glastonbury is easily reached from the M5 (exit 23) and the A303. There is an hourly bus service from Bristol and a 2 hourly one from Yeovil and Taunton. Travel details will be provided on enrolment.

Glastonbury is steeped in history and legend and for centuries has been a site of pilgrimage. The monastic abbey – now in ruins – thrived for six centuries and was amongst the richest and most beautiful in the land. It is said that on the slopes of Glastonbury Tor (a landmark for miles around and topped by a 14th century church tower) Joseph of Arimathea (Uncle of the Virgin Mary) buried the chalice used at the last supper – the Holy Grail. That when, on a nearby hill Joseph thrust his thorn staff into the ground, it took root to produce the distinctive Glastonbury Christmas and Easter white flowering thorn tree. Here he built a church of daub and wattle and made the first conversions to Christianity in Britain. The wattle church later became the site of St. Mary’s chapel, which dates from 1186 and forms part of the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey. A later legend says King Arthur and Queen Guinevere lie buried in the Abbey.

Costs: £445 fee inclusive of all accommodation (own room) /full board and tuition. Go to the LSA website for more details/to book. Save money by booking early. The earlybird fee is £425 if paid in whole before 31/12/2009