Dean’s Update, Late August 2025

In the spirit of Mars in Libra now, I am pondering about some ways I can be more proactive, have courage as Steven would say, in making the most of my closest relationships. How can I best work in collaboration to make the FCEA a better school? What creative strategies are possible? Who are my allies in support of our program of study? Let me mention first that I am so grateful for the hard work and dedication I see every day from my staff. We truly are a team and they are always there for me in loving support and wise insight. But when push comes to shove, a Dean’s job needs to entail some navigation and balance with all the brilliant minds and compassionate voices we have at the FCEA. Let me be bold in Mars fashion and take this stream of thought one step further.

We opened the doors of the FCEA in January, 2021, just following the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in Aquarius at the end of the prior year. We literally embodied these two critical archetypes by having a lot of Jupiter gumption and some hard work and discipline of Saturn. Phew! What a journey. We are so proud of producing a successful school, even with the need to “put out daily fires,” as Steven likes to say. We are so thankful for the dedication, devotion and patience of our students, members and staff. But I want to address what I see as a drawback. Something we are finally able to address as a growing school. 

Since 2021, we have received wonderful constructive feedback – a wealth of it! Great suggestions for improvement or new directions have been coming in over the years from caring hearts and enlightened minds. How we can do things better at the FCEA. This past week, I completed interviews for the new instructional assistant position, meanwhile Penelope and Paula worked hard to assess our needs and review work-study applications. I am thrilled by the ideas I am hearing from our candidates of new project proposals and ways to fine-tune our curriculum from a number of perspectives (Uranus in Gemini anyone?). What a gift!

I would like to expand upon the creative, collaborative energy that seems to be touching my world lately. I’d like to ask all of you out there reading my update to jump into the Libra dance we are doing at the FCEA and come in defense Mars-style by submitting your ideas to help us grow into our full potential as a “Jupiter-Saturn” school. Let’s claim Jupiter by making us more welcoming, caring, and wise, while also keeping the rigor and structure of Saturn to get the learning done. If you are game, please share your suggestions and reflections at feedback@forrestastrology.center. Consider these questions:

1. What works well at the FCEA? 

2. What methods of instruction or evaluation seem the most helpful? What would you like to see more of in FCEA classes?

3. What improvements would you like to see in the monthly Q and A calls with Steven?

4. What is not working for you as a student or member? How might we improve?

5. What new 400-level classes would you like to see offered? 

6.  What other suggestions for growth or improvement, in general, would you like to share?

If you have already submitted an idea, don’t hesitate to share it again. We look forward to hearing your input. We are here to listen. What exciting new revelations might come our way as Uranus moves through Gemini? The planet turns retrograde the first week of September. What a perfect time for the FCEA staff to dive into your creative insights, reflect and consider planning ahead in making innovative change happen. Thank you for your passion for evolutionary astrology and for your dedication to the FCEA!

Catie Cadge, PhD
Late August 2025