FCEA’s Policy on Student Use of AI
Dean’s Update, July 2024
The FCEA’s Policy on Student Use of AI
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Dean’s Update
Happy Leo season, FCEA community! In the spirit of Leo the lion, let’s give a big shout out of appreciation to our advanced students finishing up FCEA 306: The Master Practicum. They all did outstanding work answering questions in the “hot seat” under the guidance of Steven Forrest. A hearty round of applause for a job well done! I have had the great honor of helping to run the 306 calls and learning from each one of our talented students. It has been such a gift for this busy Dean to share the classroom with them. Congratulations, 306 class!
For me, one of the most rewarding parts of attending the FCEA 306 class sessions is hearing each individual’s unique astrological voice and the love and passion they bring to their craft. This point alone makes writing this month’s Dean’s Update a bit easier. You see the topic of this article is our new policy addressing the use of Artificial Intelligence at the FCEA. Since Pluto’s arrival in Aquarius, extensive conversation has been taking place in astrology circles around the world. How do we best use this incredible new technology? And how do we hold onto the “human face” of our sacred craft and maintain the integrity of our work as a unique personal expression of our soul’s intentions and true talents? How do we use AI in supporting our education, while not derailing the important process of learning and developing our own voices as evolutionary astrologers?
Recently, our staff came together as a team with the assistance of Alan Egge, a recent FCEA graduate with a wealth of knowledge about AI and its various ins and outs. Thank you so much, Alan! As a team, we came up with a working policy, which I would like to share with everyone in this newsletter report.
Please take a moment to read the policy and “sign on” in agreement. We trust you will understand why we list each one of these critical points.
FCEA POLICY ON STUDENT USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Definition: The FCEA defines ‘Artificial Intelligence’ as any computer system, application or digital algorithm capable of performing tasks like those performed by a human being, including reasoning, decision making, complex problem solving, and writing (creative, comparative, persuasive, argumentative, etc.). Current examples include Open AI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and similar industry or user developed AI tools.
For all of our students, the ultimate aim of the FCEA is that armed only with their own knowledge and an astrological chart in front of them, they become capable of offering helpful verbal counsel to anyone.
We view Artificial Intelligence as a legitimate study tool, but not as a substitute for personally internalizing the principles of evolutionary astrology.
On the honor system, none of any student’s written submitted class work can be the work of Artificial Intelligence.
We understand that students could fool us, but in so doing they would also be fooling themselves, robbing themselves of the chance to really learn astrology or to find their own voice. Such students would not even be able to learn from their own mistakes.
In the 300 courses and in the 306 master class with Steven and Catie, students are expected to present extemporaneous verbal astrological analysis. If any have relied on Artificial Intelligence up to that point, this will be the moment of truth.
Positively, we recognize that Artificial Intelligence can play a helpful role in research as students prepare for a presentation in the school or for a session with a client. There is no shame in using it as a tool – that is, unless it becomes a crutch without which students cannot function in helpful ways depending only on their own intellectual and spiritual resources.
Given the policy points above, we claim the right to deny FCEA certification or continued enrollment to any student found in violation of them.
Now we ask each of you to let your heart open to the essence of each key point we include in this important policy. We know we can trust you and work together as a community and family to make the FCEA grow and flourish with AI, a good working relationship in an Aquarian age.
Finally, I would like to end with a special reminder. One of the best ways to move beyond the limits of AI is good, old fashioned face-to-face learning in person with Steven. And we know people have been missing these opportunities. I want to remind folks of Steven’s upcoming workshop in Athens, Greece, April 24-29, 2025. Lisa Jones, one of our FCEA tutors, and I will be leading a trip to sacred sites following the conference, April 29-May 7, along with Steven attending. I am so excited to share with you moments of conversation and quiet reflection as our group visits sacred astrological and historical Greek temples and museums. If you have not heard about the workshop and trip, please check out our website and brochure: https://forrestastrology.center/greece2025/ We would love for you to join us on this special journey with us!
Catie Cadge, PhD
July 2024
Jackie Johansen, an FCEA master-certified evolutionary astrologer, holds a Master’s Degree in Jungian Depth Psychology. She has been a mental health professional for over ten years. I have had the pleasure to work with Jackie throughout her studies and recently as she transitioned into tutorial instruction. Jackie brings such a loving, caring heart-centered approach to her work with students. Always gentle, always positive and encouraging, Jackie embodies the soul of a true teacher. We are so pleased to have Jackie expand her skills in mentoring by serving as an FCEA tutor. 
Sophie Salaniat is equally wise and talented and we are blessed to have her join our FCEA team. Sophie has had a passion for astrology for thirty years, bringing a practical skill set so important as a tutor. She, too, is an FCEA master-certified evolutionary astrologer, grounded in Steve Forrest’s methods. I have read Sophie’s nurturing and supportive feedback, always revealing a love and commitment to our FCEA students. We feel so fortunate to have her gifts of wisdom and her nurturing support in the difficult work of training choice-centered and caring evolutionary astrologers.
Finally, I welcome Lidia Ranieri as she joins us as a tutor in our FCEA team. Lidia has a wealth of professional experience as a counselor and coach, having earned a Master’s Degree in Coaching Psychology. Lidia is an FCEA master-certified evolutionary astrologer talented at integrating the details of chart analysis, while also bringing to her work the heart of a loving counselor. A former AP student of Steven Forrest, she is thoroughly grounded in his methodology. I have been most fortunate to follow Lidia’s work as a student and tutor and I am very excited to have her wisdom and skills in the FCEA classroom.
But first, a graduation ceremony is in order and what better day than March 6th to celebrate our initial cohort’s graduation? For those curious about chart details, we recognize February 14th, at 1:00 pm Pacific time, as the official time of graduation for the “class of 2024.” But given the special significance of March 6th for the FCEA and for Steven and myself, we are holding a celebration on Zoom at 10 am Pacific time that day. The event is open to the public —
Another positive project we are implementing is making course reading lists and requirements available to students in advance through an expansion of our Student Resources tab on our website. Right now, you can use the Student Resources page to access links and information about student calls and join the 103 waiting list for those who have completed 101 and 102. We are compiling information from each course, so that you will be able to look ahead and plan the time needed for your studies before the class opens. Of course, all of our courses clearly state course completion criteria in the course, as well, at the top of the Moodle course and, if an exam is part of the requirements, at the end of the Moodle course. Please read the course material closely. But this new forthcoming feature on our website will also help you look ahead and consider the work in store for your next FCEA course. We hope to have these new additional resources up for you soon.
Greetings, FCEA community! The holidays are here and solstice is almost upon us. 2024 is just around the corner. We are excited for a new year of growth and expansion of the FCEA program in the year ahead. I feel so blessed to have all of you as my friends and colleagues. What a pleasure to work each day with fellow passionate evolutionary astrologers, learning and practicing Steven’s methods and sharing wisdom. 
Fern Vuchinich and I met through the Southern California apprenticeship program (AP) with Steven prior to the opening of the FCEA. I am so happy to have her working for us. Fern began walking the “astrological path” over 30 years ago after receiving her first professional astrology reading in college. Around this time she also met and started learning from her first mentor Asata Gabriel. Artist, astrologer and all-around wise woman, Gabriel taught Fern over the course of 25 years about astrology, intuition, technology, plant medicine and so much more. In 2006 Fern joined Steven Forrest’s Southern California AP, which she returned to several years in a row. She received Forrest certification as a Master Astrologer in 2018. Fern has been a practicing counseling astrologer and teacher since 2003. She has published widely, specializing in Ancestral Astrology work. Fern has also received advanced training and degrees in many modalities of healing including: acupressure, essential oils, energy healing, flower essences and bodywork (eastern and western). She has been a teacher for all ages and holds an M.A. from Sonoma State University and a teaching credential from San Francisco State University. As a Virgo Sun, Libra Rising with Venus in Cancer she enjoys gardening, making herbal remedies and nesting. She resides with her partner and dog family in the mountains of Northern New Mexico.
I learned about Harry Farmer’s skills from our tutor, Ryan Evans, who knew Harry from the Northern California AP with Steven. A lifetime resident of California, astrology entered Harry Farmer’s life in his mid-late 20’s, soon becoming a source of deep understanding of his life’s journey, as well as providing support and clarity during very challenging times. And while for many years he had a quite active astrology practice, serving clients, writing columns and articles, and doing a daily radio cosmic weather forecast, other professional opportunities have needed to be addressed over the years, from working in a mental hospital for the criminally insane, to many successful years as a disc jockey/interview host, gardener and environmentalist, to currently serving on the Board of Directors of the local Water and Sewer Services District. He also shares daily walks in nature with his current special canine companion Chiron. His first love continues to be astrology, assisting others in having a greater awareness of themselves and their own unique life purpose, providing insight, encouragement, and healing energy, especially in redefining times of crisis as opportunity. He also has very fond memories of many years attending Steven’s Apprentice Workshop in Calistoga, California, sharing joyful and enriching times with fellow astrology students while learning from Steven. Harry is an 11th house Leo, a Capricorn Moon and has strong Virgo placements. A hardworking and passionate teacher, I look forward to working with him.
Vernon Robinson and I have crossed paths over the years first through Steven’s AP, then at numerous conferences. I am excited to have Vernon sharing his many skills with our students. He has been studying astrology for over 30 years and involved in Evolutionary Astrology for the past 20 years. Vernon has been counseling clients for 15 years. He has a Masters Certification in Evolutionary Astrology from Steven Forrest. He attended the last public class taught by Jeffrey Wolf Green in Boulder, Colorado in April, 2004. Vernon has presented at Rocky Mountain Astrology (ROMA), Denver Astrology Group, Northwest Astrology Conference (NORWAC) and the San Francisco Astrology Society (SFAS). He is currently working on research for a book about the astrology chart of the First African Slave Ship coming to Hampton, Virginia in 1619. Vernon is an 8th house Capricorn Sun with a Pisces Moon in the 11th and Taurus ascendant. Surely, he will take FCEA students to a deeper level in their studies with his hard work and caring soul.
Lisa Jones is last to be introduced, but certainly not least! Lisa and I met “down under” in the Australian AP in 2016 and I immediately sensed Lisa’s passion for evolutionary astrology and Steven’s methods. She shared with me that “she is really thrilled to be part of FCEA world; it is a real honor and is super exciting to be supporting and sharing astrology wisdom with everyone.”