2013 Retreat Tracks

Track 1. Beginning Astrology: Essential Principles that Form the Foundation of Astrology

Sandra-Leigh Serio

Planets, signs and houses are archetypal in their expression and evident in our daily experience. Whether you’re a newbie to astrology or someone who wants to deepen or review your knowledge of astrology’s infrastructure, this workshop will take you through planets, signs, houses, elements, dignities, modalities, ascendant profiles, chart mapping and major aspects. This workshop will be fun and interactive. You’ll learn to observe and identify experiences through an astrological lens and realize the secret, brilliant language astrology articulates.

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Track 2. Secret Messages in Astrological Practice

Michael Lutin

In every horoscope session between astrologer and client there are four conversations going on simultaneously: One conscious conversation as well as conversations on three other levels, neither individual is actually aware of. By developing the ability to unite astrological interpretations with these secret, unconscious messages, we achieve a deeper, more lasting and transformational effect that actually makes a permanent difference in someone's life.

Let's start this process at this retreat. This practical method joining western astrology with communicative psychoanalytic psychotherapy forms the basis of all my clinical work.

Currently published in English, French, Turkish, German and Korean, Michael Lutin is known as an astrological journalist, has written four books, five plays, and has spoken before the Harvard Business School Alumni and the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

michaellutin.com

Track 3. The Pluto/Neptune Sextile Generations - An Interplay between Fate and Freewill

Maurice Fernandez

Pluto and Neptune have been forming a sextile aspect with each other since the early 1940’s and will remain within range until the early 2020’s. During this OPA track immersion, we will explore the dynamics and complexities of this sextile, now shared by the great majority of people living on the planet, but with emphasized focus on the different signs that the sextile has progressed through: from Pluto in Cancer and Neptune in Virgo, to the current combination of Pluto in Capricorn and Neptune in Pisces. From theory to hands-on chart analysis practice, we will identify how Pluto and Neptune contacts touch the most fundamental existential dynamics: what we can and cannot change—the interplay between fate and freewill.

Website: Maurice's Website

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Track 4. Tracing our Evolutionary Journey Through the Chart, from past to Future Unfoldment

Chris McRae, ISAR.CAP, NCGR.CA, PMAFA

In astrology we all know the great advantage of looking ahead to see what influences we will be working with in the days and weeks before us. We also know by looking at astrological events that were in place at important past events in our lives can add additional insight and understanding many years later.  Techniques or tools used will trace back to an understanding of the natal chart dynamics; the art and nuances of progressions, returns and arcs; cycles that weave their way in and out of our lives; plus an assortment of other techniques gleaned from so many years of star-gazing and application. These are tools I use daily with my clients who invariably have a stressful issue they bring to the consultation that often reaches back to the natal chart patterns. Our  life here on planet earth with its many challenges is an evolutionary journey in tegrating with our soul pattern. Learn from Chris's 42+ years of working with clients and thousands of inquiring students who have passed through her semester-structured course. In this intimate group experience, you will be able to tap this bountiful resource.

Phone: 780-469-2974
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Website: http://www.astrologychrismcrae.com/

Track 5. Introduction to Financial Astrology

Grace K. Morris, M.A.

All you ever wanted to know about financial and business astrology. Everything from how to choose the best stocks in the best sectors to how to read an incorporation chart and a First Trade chart. Using the study of planetary cycles to predict the economy, real estate cycles, inflation/deflation. Astro Economics® uses astrology combined with fundamental and technical analysis and has an outstanding track record. We’ll look at the work of several financial astrologers who have the highest ratings by Timer’s Digest and Hulbert Financial Newsletter as well as the work of earlier Wall Street astrologers such as W. D. Gann, Barbara Watters, Ltd. David Williams, Louise McWhiter and many more. Bring your questions and be prepared to learn how to add to your bottom line.

Email: Grace Morris

Websites: Business Timing Trends | Grace's Website

Track 6. Timing Spiritual Transformation

Bob Mulligan

This workshop focuses on your path of spiritual development using your own birth chart. During the three days of work we will dive deeply into the foundation of your life and explore the various options for raising consciousness.

Day One:

We examine the situation in the world and how our lives fit into the larger picture of planetary transformation. Understanding the cultural context that we all exist in today is the first step in understanding how we can utilize our own birth chart for growth.

Day Two:

There are certain common features to everyone’s spiritual path, regardless of when and where we are born. After acknowledging these fundamental principles we will use your chart to find the most tangible forms of development for you. Isolating productive approaches to our own personal path requires facing our karmic liabilities, responsibilities, and strengths.

Day Three:

Other people play a role in our spiritual unfoldment. Seeing the role that relationships play in our lives through the natal and progressed chart, we are able to design a course for personal development. This process of finding the right pattern of relating rounds out our course of personal transformation.

Bob Mulligan Phone: 239-261-2840
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Website: The Astrology Company

Track 7. Relationships Through the Lens of Astrology

Dvora Weil, PhD MFT

This track will focus on the role of  others in our personal growth as reflected in the horoscope.  We will explore “the other”  as a messenger for developing awareness, work to embrace the lessons set out in our charts and  acknowledge the places where we “kill the messenger.”  Participants will practice using these techniques to help both themselves and their clients get the best out of relationship.

www.DrDvora.com

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Track 8. Advanced Chart Interpretation

Monica Dimino

This three day presentation will go beyond basic chart interpretation. 

Day One: After a brief focus on the philosophy underlying chart reading, we will work with natal charts.  The work begins with framing the horoscope, a necessary step, one which enables us to navigate charts comfortably.

Day Two: Adding the moving parts to the picture we've framed. First transits, then progressions which inform us of current trends and issues to consider.

Day Three: Weaving the components into a narrative. Adding loose ends. Simplifying our work.

We will use the participants' charts to illustrate these steps. The level of proficiency is intermediate. Students with the basics will be able to follow. Astrologers with advanced skills will find new ways to handle the tools in their toolbox.

Track 9. OPA Certification - Participate in OPA's Groundbreaking, Trademark Peer Group Work

Alexandra Karacostas

Most astrology certification programs rely exclusively on external criteria for measuring and eventually passing astrologers into certification. OPA's approach is entirely different. The certified group leader is responsible for passing/failing/giving suggestions to each participant. The virtue in this is that it allows greater latitude for each participant to express their own unique style, while at the same time, measuring in a much more precise manner, the skills, talents, attitudes and procedures that we are really interested in evaluating. This program will make anyone who participates in it a finer astrologer!

Friday each person will present a case history using an anonymous example chart for a previous session with a client.  This should be a session that that left you with some question or uncomfortable feeling.  Others in the group will offer suggestions and a group discussion will ensue.  The time allotment should be about an hour per person.  This becomes very rich when the exploration goes deep enough to explore new territory as you participant in a group process.

Saturday is the day devoted to chart readings.  Everyone will get a chance to be the astrologer, the client, and the observer.  You will have the opportunity to get real information from your chart from another astrologer as well as comments from the group. You will be given a chart from a member of the group on Friday and will need to give a real session to this person on Saturday.  You will need to demonstrate both astrological knowledge and also the ability to deliver the information to the client and to start and maintain a dialogue.  Members of the group will ask questions and make comments.

Sunday is the day for sharing our plans for the future. When we see our clients, we assume that they are better prepared for their futures by virtue of having a session with us as an astrologer.   Now, are we able to adequately do this for ourselves?  You will need to spend time writing on this before coming to the retreat.  You will need to describe: 1) your current situation; 2) what you want; 3) your strengths and assets; 4) your market or target audience; 5) how you will reach your market; 6) time line and capitalization 7) long term outlook.  This can be a formal business plan or just a list of ideas.  Your chart will be used as a backdrop to evaluate your stated goals.

Track 10. Astrological Writing Track

Arlan Wise

During our three sessions together we will learn basic journalism techniques while we use fun exercises to practice "translating" astrological events and symbolism into plain English. We write various size pieces on astrological topics, read our work to each other, discuss the pieces of writing without criticizing, and help each other discover and gain confidence in our writing strengths. We encourage each other to start/continue/finish our personal writing projects. The goal for the track is that by the end of the conference we will each have an article to submit for publication.

The Winter 2011 and Winter 2012 issues of the Career Astrologer have detailed descriptions of the writing workshop.

Comments from past participants:

"We owe our group success to Arlan Wise, one of the best group leaders I have ever had the privilege of working with. She was direct, inspiring, and articulate. I hope she continues to have the writing track in the future...I now know I chose the correct track for myself and am certain I will leave here a better writer."

"I could feel Arlan's encouragement and enthusiasm for my writing as it has been improving while at OPA. My fellow group mates also assisted as we all cheered each other on and began to write."

“While Arlan may appear to be a taskmaster with her galley of pupil slaves, Arlan is a kind, gentle and patient writing coach... I strongly recommend Arlan’s writing workshop to develop your writing style. A style that will grab, inspire and captivate your readers.”

Arlan Wise’s writing workshop is limited to 8 participants.

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www.arlanwise.com

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