Greetings, FCEA community! We are approaching the holiday season already and 2025 seems just around the corner. We hope that you take a look at our next year’s class schedule, now available on the FCEA website. We tried our best to plan a robust offering to support our ten cohorts (a cohort is made up of students who share the same classes throughout the curriculum). Thinking about joining a cohort yourself? Please observe on our website how the classes flow one after another and read about the topics we cover in the catalog entries for each class. 

As we get ready to wind up the year, I’d like to share some thoughts I have about the course assignments and requirements. It has to do with the ongoing evolution of our school and the kind of education we hope to generate for each and every FCEA graduate. 

Let me start with an astrological reference to illustrate what I would like to share. Here in the United States, we are about to have a presidential election. Now, don’t worry. I have no intention of diving into astrological prediction nor will I say anything in terms of the charts of each candidate. I’ll leave that for you to explore. There is certainly a lot out there in the astrology world already being said! Rather, I want to mention that in the days following the election, Mercury will be “out of bounds” in Sagittarius. In fact, it is at extreme declination until the end of the month.

We all know the low road of Sagittarius can include fixating on one’s beliefs, rather than using an open mind to question what is “true” or expanding into new territory to broaden our point of view. In what kinds of approaches does the universe ask us to stretch our intellect and think of the broader picture in unconventional ways? Let’s add the fact that Mercury enters its “shadow” November 7th, going over degrees the planet will cover when its retrograde period starts later in the month. An interesting time indeed.

Will Americans be asked to question their “truth,” to reconsider their cherished beliefs? We shall see. But let’s look at the birthchart of the FCEA. We have Sagittarius as the sign on our school’s descendant, with Jupiter at 22°30’ in “Sadge” as well in the 7th house. When Mercury stations retrograde on November 25th, it is at 22°40’, still out of bounds and tightly conjunct our school’s Jupiter. 

That 7th house Jupiter, called by some the “great benefic,” is a blessing I feel, though I’d say a “mixed” blessing and here’s what I mean. Our school attracts top-notch astrologers and hardworking folks who act as “teachers” to one another all the time. I can’t help but think of one of the Indian names for Jupiter, “Guru.” Aren’t our FCEA students so great at sharing wisdom, expanding the minds and skillsets of their fellow classmates? I love it! But I also caution us and ask us to consider the low road. As Steve might say, who is Jupiter as “trickster”?

Over the last few years since we opened our doors at the FCEA, I have been in awe of the high caliber of students we receive. And we are just about to graduate our second cohort! We are so pleased with their successful journey. Congratulations to the new class of master-certified graduates! More on this great news next month. But returning to my subject at hand, I also notice occasionally we have students who encounter obstacles when completing their assignments and discussion posts. 

When doing the basics of identification, some students simply rush too much. Others are so eager to include their Sagittarian wisdom (wise though it is!) without proofreading their work. We can’t have this, FCEA community! Of course, grasping the larger picture and practicing integration with an evolutionary perspective is the heart of our work. But it is critical to properly delineate signs, planets, and houses – in essence, you must get the A, B, Cs correct! 

So, I ask you all to consider the following questions during this upcoming time of Mercury reflection and Sagittarius enthusiasm and curiosity: Where do I need to slow down? Be patient as I correct my work? Do I use care when identifying glyphs and chart details? An essential part of an FCEA education is doing chart analysis carefully, and always, always double-check your submissions. We will insist that in order to be that Jupiter “Guru,” the details must be right! And let me add one more closing thought: Please, in turn, be gurus and help us proofread and correct any mistakes you catch in the FCEA curriculum. I am always grateful for your help. We all want the best education we can get.

Happy equinox, FCEA community! Time to shift into another season as we wind up 2024. Where I live in California, September means “back to school,” and at the FCEA, we, too, return to class. By early October, we will have twelve new classes open. At the start of Libra season, we focus upon the dance we do with others and how good counselors help us find peace and balance in our lives. As evolutionary astrologers, we all benefit from honing our Libra gifts, and what better way than through the counseling room with our clients or in the classroom with our teachers and tutors. With this spirit in mind and heart, I am excited to write to you about our two new tutors at the FCEA, Erin Fish and Shirley Waram. Some of our students may already know Erin and Shirley from their experience this summer in our FCEA 103 class, when they both began tutoring at our school. Let me share a little more about them and welcome them to our growing FCEA team.

A Leo Sun, Libra Moon and Gemini ascendant, Erin Fish first received the gift of astrology from her mother, who had 70s era astrology books in the house. Always interested in astrology, Erin started studying formally twelve years ago with Anne Ortelee and then discovered Steven Forrest nine years ago when she went to Lilydale to see him with several astrology friends. He was the first astrologer to bring a tear to her eye, something difficult for her SN in Capricorn in the 8th house. Steven’s teachings really touched her soul. She studied with Steven through his AP program and attended workshops at Omega Institute and Lake Como, Italy. Erin is retired from a 28-year career (Saturn cycle) as a military officer, as well as a career in state government. She has always wanted to teach and pass on the gift of astrology.  Last year, she completed her certification as an ISAR-CAP astrologer. Erin lives in Upstate New York and, when she is not tutoring, she is busy spending time with her daughter and granddaughter, traveling, playing pickleball, swimming, knitting or watercolor painting. Welcome, Erin! 

We continue to celebrate the Sun’s entrance into Libra with tutor Shirley Waram, a Libra Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Taurus ascendant with five planets in the 6th house in Libra! We are thrilled to have Shirley share with us her gifts of service and mentorship. Like Erin, Shirley was first exposed to metaphysical topics by her mom. But it wasn’t until her Chiron Return, at age fifty, that Shirley began serious study as a professional astrologer. She discovered Steven’s work in 2009 and attended many workshops through his Apprenticeship Program (AP) in North Carolina, North and Southern California, Oregon and Lilydale, New York. Shirley writes about her studies with Steven, “It seemed like the learning curve with this particular field grew the more I got to know about it, and despite – or likely because of – the challenge, I realized this was something I would never tire of – especially knowing that I could help others with it”! Shirley lives in West Lorne, a small town in southwestern Ontario, Canada, located between Toronto and Detroit. She has worked many years in office management and marketing. Now she reads charts professionally with a specialty in rectification. Welcome, Shirley!

Finally, if you have not read Steven’s Master’s Musings, please do! Steven and I are thrilled to be traveling to Greece in April and early May, 2025, and sharing evolutionary astrology together at Steven’s workshop, Astrological Odyssey in Greece, April 24-29, in Athens, and then visiting sacred sites, April 29-May 7, on a Sacred Site Journey. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear Steven teach in person in Greece, while also going on pilgrimage as a group. Please take a look at our page on the FCEA website and consider joining us on this magical trip!

Greetings, FCEA community! August is the time we set the calendar for the following year. It’s an exciting process of looking ahead and planning each class every month. We welcome a new cohort of students this coming September and then again in January, 2025. “Cohort” refers to a mini FCEA community of students entering the program at the same time and taking the classes in sequence until graduation. We have TEN cohorts on board for 2025! The highlight of their educational journey is the master class, 306, taught by Steven Forrest with myself as an assistant. Every student has a chance to sit in the “hot seat,” sharing their own insights into one of several fictitious clients’ charts. It takes three years to reach this point in the curriculum. Everyone is always looking ahead to this fun — and challenging! — opportunity. 

But we require rigorous study and hard work during the years leading up to 306. For those new members and students, let me review our program structure. Students start by taking our 100-level classes, some through a self-guided version at the very beginning in our introductory courses, 101 and 102. Or the guided classes, led by our talented team of tutors and teachers, 101B and 102B, taken simultaneously with the main 101 and 102 courses. Then all students join 103, a hands-on practicum with tutor support. This class makes a useful guidepost to a student’s skill set achieved so far. Focused upon the essential details of birthchart analysis, FCEA 103 forms the foundation for the advanced work students eventually master. In 2025, we have three 103 classes scheduled with about fifty-five students in each. 

After graduating from the 100-level, students enter the Craftsperson 200-level courses. Again, we provide a self-guided basic transit, progression and solar arc class, 201, with an option for the guided version, 201B. FCEA 202, a practicum similar to 103 but addressing the “changing sky,” gives every student hands-on practice. My personal favorite, FCEA 203, covering the “biopsychic script,” those key astrological events that occur like clockwork for every individual, follows 202. And then we end the 200-level with two courses, 204 (synastry) and 205 (the composite chart).

It is a lot to digest over a two-year period! Our monthly Q and A Zoom meetings with Steven are priceless. They provide a chance for students to ask any questions they may have for Steven to answer and a mini chart reading as well. Check out our indexed library of previous Zoom calls with Steven, which is available to students and members. Members are welcome to join these calls, bringing the whole FCEA community together. Don’t miss these monthly opportunities scheduled throughout 2025! We also offer learning labs, “Z” classes, small group Zoom sessions with a tutor at both the 100-level and 200-level. These “Z” classes are a great way to review the material in a live Zoom setting. At any point, a student can take a break from their path of study to hone their skills or reflect upon the learning process on their own time in more depth. 

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.

I want to wish everyone a joyful solstice celebration, FCEA community! Please join us on Zoom, Thursday, June 20th, at 5 pm Pacific time, when we come together just after the Sun’s entrance into Cancer. Steven shares a brief presentation on the importance of this season at the beginning of our monthly student Q and A call. This is an open invitation to attend our gathering. We welcome all to our celebratory call! Please see information on how to attend this event on Zoom.

Meanwhile, I have some other important news to share this month. We are at the beginning of our yearly official process of choosing scholarship recipients. Whether you are a new student looking to start the FCEA Program or a seasoned student already enrolled, and you are in need of financial support for your studies, why not apply? Current students can start by applying award money to the next classes they take (a scholarship isn’t retroactive, but it will help you continue). Perhaps transiting Jupiter in Gemini is asking you to take a chance on your next step in your educational journey. Or maybe Neptune is asking, do you have a vision for your life? We only have a limited number of awards, but we try our best to be fair and supportive. We do encourage all interested to apply!

I can’t believe it is mid-May already, FCEA community. It seems like yesterday we were starting our new classes of 2024. We celebrate the FCEA 103 graduating class and the hard work they have done these past several weeks in finishing the practicum. Congratulations, apprentice graduates! We want to acknowledge your effort and achievement. And let me also say how impressed we are with the dedication and love all our students are showing as they advance through the FCEA curriculum. The path is not an easy one! But we are certain the rewards of being actively engaged and completing homework and posts will pay off in the long run. Don’t give up! Be stubborn as Taurus the Bull and focus upon calming down and finding a rhythm and peace with daily practice and study. 

As I write to you, the Sun, Venus, Jupiter and Uranus form what we like to call a rolling conjunction, all in Taurus. But with the newsletter’s publication in a few days’ time, we enter Gemini season with the excitement and curiosity of what is to come with Jupiter’s arrival in the sign of the twins. But meanwhile, I can’t help but wonder what little babies born now, with this metaplanet in Taurus, might make as a high road in response to such a fixed, Earth energy in a sign ruled by Venus. Creative juju perhaps? Authentic and radical artistic expression? Or maybe we will see innovative souls seeking radical opportunities to save Momma Earth. Some may grow up to serve as counselors or healers enlightening the people they serve as they strive to find a Taurus sense of inner calm and peace. We shall see. I know for myself, the planets fall in my second house, so I have been asking, what is it in my current life that I truly value? What resources or gifts do I have or need to develop? What perhaps do I need to let go of? By synchronicity, my process of training and hiring new FCEA tutors seems to echo some of these questions I hold inside myself. Let me explain.

This month, I am happy to announce the FCEA is still growing at a healthy pace. Following the equinox in March, we opened a number of new classes at the school and we are in the process of training and hiring six new tutors in the months ahead. Wow! We have a lot to celebrate. But April began in a reflective mood Mercury turned retrograde in Aries. I have been spending some time turning inward since the month began. I wanted to give some deep thought to where, as Dean, I need courage to lead and take the school into its next chapter of development.

There are so many possibilities. I am looking ahead to Jupiter’s ingress into Gemini when the “king of the gods” crosses the FCEA’s Ascendant. Where do we need fresh perspectives? How might we adapt and be flexible in seeing what opportunities could unfold for our school? We also were in eclipse season with a total solar eclipse in Aries happening April 8th. Steven always stresses the power of a New Moon at such a time. What’s in store for us to initiate in fiery Aries fashion? How can we boldly go where no one has gone before and move deeper into our study of evolutionary astrology? These are questions for all of us to ponder. I hope some of you were fortunate to catch a view of the eclipse, and if you were lucky enough to be close to the eclipse path, that the clouds obeyed!

When I consider our FCEA Gemini rising sign, I am thankful to have such a diverse and talented group of teachers and tutors. Each one brings a unique skill set. All together, we are blessed with a multiplicity of tutor voices and teaching strategies sharing the same methods of our beloved master teacher, Steven Forrest. In this newsletter article, I wish to briefly share with you just a thought, an inner reflection to hold in your heart, during Mercury retrograde now.

The FCEA’s growth always seems to be accompanied with our fair share of adjustments and challenges. We know that sometimes students wrestle with our Moodle platform, stumble through the necessary changes in our scheduling, or express disappointment with the assignment of a particular tutor. I am so grateful to all of you for your patience and commitment, especially when it comes to the slow process of addressing your concerns as best as we can. I also want to thank our phenomenal staff, teachers and tutors for working overtime in getting the work done! Please realize we listen to you when you reach out. Every question and every concern helps to steer our school in a better direction.

So here is what I am asking of you all. On April 20th, we experienced the exact conjunction of Jupiter and Uranus in Taurus, an event I know many of you had been anticipating for months. For a quick look at Steven’s insights into how to best use the conjunction, have a look at his current website newsletter at forrestastrology.com. I also wrote a longer reflection about the conjunction you can read at caraevolutionaryastrology.com. The coming together of the two planets fell in the FCEA’s 12th house and formed a lovely trine to the school’s Saturn, Pluto and south node conjunction in Capricorn, 9th house. The element of Earth speaks to making something real and grounded about our higher learning and knowledge that builds off a compassionate awakening to what we truly value as a mystical school of wizards. What helps us calm down, be at peace and put in the necessary hours of study? Hard work requires discipline, effort, and, well, constructive criticism too. I hear mostly rave reviews of our tutors from students. Again, I am so thankful for our team! But I also know some are sensitive to the critical comments of a tutor in class. In such times, please remember that in each FCEA course, you will be guided by different tutors, different FCEA voices. So, dear students, members and staff, when a task or an assignment seems too long, a tutor’s comments too harsh, or feedback too demanding, certainly communicate to us your concerns! But let’s also see such moments as one step in a long Capricorn 9th house climb to being the best evolutionary astrologers we can be. Critical insight and correction can be good things!

Greetings, FCEA community. March is always a special month for me, because it marks the anniversary of so many important Piscean moments in my life’s journey. Bear with me as I explain my deeply personal connection to this watery, mystical time of year. I promise I will connect all of this back to the school! But first and foremost, I hold in my heart my dear Mom, Anne. Her birthday falls in the first week of March. Unquestionably, she was the most important Pisces soul in my life, always loving, always playful and always compassionate in supporting her Capricorn daughter’s ambitions, imagination and dreams. I miss her so. 

My mother passed away just four months prior to my meeting in person Steven Forrest, whom I met for the first time on my Mom’s solar return, March 7th, in 2014.  I had studied Steven’s writings since I was a young woman in the 1980s, and even though I had heard him speak in person prior, I never actually spoke with him directly, until the transformative year of my Chiron Return, when Pluto by transit formed a conjunction with my south node and transiting Jupiter my north node. How appropriate I should meet Steven on my Mom’s birthday, when in spirit she was so close and near to me.

About this time every year, the Sun at mid-Pisces lines up with my Ascendant. March 6th and 7th seem to be two days that carry a lot of emotion and meaning for me. As many of you may know, March 6th is the day we first officially started planning the FCEA in 2019 and so we consider it the school’s birthday. Now this year, in 2024, Saturn by transit conjuncts my 12th house Chiron and my Ascendant as the FCEA turns five (we opened for instruction early 2021, so we count three years of actual live classes). How fitting a time for the FCEA as we plan for the very first graduating class this March 6, 2024. How ever Saturn is asking me to “mature” as a Piscean Dean, I do hope sincerely I “get it right.”

But enough about me. Let me say how thrilled Steven and I and our wonderful FCEA team are about the successful completion of our program of fifteen highly talented and gifted evolutionary astrologers. We are so proud of their accomplishment! The word “impressed” does not fully capture what I feel, when I hear our master grads speak the archetypes and dive deeply into carefully-crafted chart analysis with loving, caring words and guidance. 

I always find January to be such a busy month at the FCEA. Students are slowly returning to class after the holidays. Our tutors and staff are all abuzz with new classes opening every week. We have eleven new classes opening just this month! I am thrilled to see a lot of student interest in our 101Z and 201Z classes. Please take a look at our new catalog entries for them on our website. These two Zoom-based offerings add another way for us to build community and address student needs. I hope everyone is enjoying their return to school and that you all are excited about the topics covered in your next FCEA course.

I personally feel a sense of accomplishment as I have been working with Steven on fine-tuning our new counseling course this winter with the support of the class teacher, Joey Paynter. Holding two master degrees in Clinical Psychology and Depth Psychology and a PhD in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, Joey brings a wealth of constructive and creative insight into FCEA 401: Sacred Counsel. Joey was one of the very first tutors on the FCEA staff. I’m so happy to see her return to teach this important course. 

FCEA 401: Sacred Counsel marks the completion of the master certificate program, six years of curriculum development for Steven and me. It’s been a lot of work and I am proud of what we have created! But the day-to-day workings of the school continue to change and expand in fresh directions. Let me share with you some of these new developments.

Solstice is upon us! For those of us in the northern hemisphere, we enter the season of increasing light. I can’t help but think of Jupiter and the hope the planet brings us as we look ahead into 2024. Steven’s recent lecture about the upcoming Jupiter and Uranus conjunction next spring reminded us to “think big” but also not “TOO big.” In other words, we need to claim Jupiter’s gumption but use logic and strategy as well. One never knows when Uranus is involved! It was a pleasure to see so many of you on our recent holiday gathering on Zoom, when Steven spoke about the conjunction. With this timing in mind, let me share with you our FCEA dreams for growth in the year ahead. And, of course, some of the perpetual growing pains we anticipate too.

We have two new projects we will be starting after the New Year: