The Foundation Certificate Course

Due to low enrolment numbers this year, the 2024-25 Kairos Foundation Course is being offered in a different format - through a series of video recordings of presentations, (released weekly) plus 22 hours of live small group support sessions held on Zoom (5 per term), every other week of the course.  We hope this increased level of personal support, guidance and individual chart work will add signficant value to the student experience.

And...the total cost is now only £795.00 (a £200 saving on the original offering)

Click on the enrolment link for the latest updated information and course dates. (the information further down this page may no longer be accurate).

What people are saying…

“John Wadsworth’s foundation course is one of the most enjoyable courses I have taken.  John’s clear love and deep knowledge of astrology, the night sky, mythology and history is profoundly articulated through his poetic and graceful teaching style.  A true pleasure to learn to integrate this ancient science into every day life.  I could not recommend this course more.” (Keri Lassalle)

"This foundation course has brought me so much more than I could have anticipated when I started this journey.  I thank you all for the different ways you all embody astrology, because for me that is the most important of all.” (Kristien de Winter) 

"I enrolled in the Kairos School because I sensed a supportive environment in which to deepen my understanding of astrology. The course exceeded my expectations, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the Foundation Course to everyone interested in learning astrology, or sharpening and honing their skills." (Franklin LaVoie) 

"John is a soulful, thoughtful, knowledgeable, enthusiastic teacher of astrology.  The lessons are varied in style which keeps the interest there and I can't recommend John and the support team (Tamsin and Gillian) enough.  I have enjoyed every moment of this celestial and inner journey." (Joumana Mobarak)

This comprehensive astrology programme will give you all the foundational skills you need to understand the language of astrology, to interpret a birth chart, and to understand the nature and significance of planetary cycles, transits and progressions. And we will be delivering that in a way that really brings astrology to life! In addition to the rich, deep material presented each week, you will also meet the signs, planets and aspects of astrology through mask, music and theatre and be invited to engage in an exploration of your own birth, including optional creative projects to deepen your learning.

The modified course is now being delivered through a series of video recordings, which include comprehensive presentations from me, interspersed with chart examples.  These recordings will be released weekly, and you will be able to access them all within the online classroom.  You will receive an email each time they are released.

In addition to the recorded content, you are invited to attend 5 live group sessions per term, where we will review the content of the classes, address any of your questions, and apply the material from the lessons to actual birth charts.  We will work with the personal charts of students during these sessions, and you can volunteer to have your own chart featured, should you desire this.

The course is supported in the background by the Kairos School support teachers: Gillian, Crawford, Melissa Gledhill & Tamsin St George.  They will be keeping an eye on your work throughout the year, will be involved the marking of your end of term assignments and available for supplementary support, should you feel the need for this. 

The 27 classes are spread over three terms.  Each class is around 2hrs in duration.  Ideally, you should aim to schedule the time to watch these recordings, plus another 2-4 hours per week to engage further with the material, attempt the weekly self-study assignments and attend the live zoom sessions. 

The course offers a journey of profound self-understanding and personal transformation, with the focus being on a study of your own personal birth chart.

There is a self-study assignment to accompany each of the 27 lessons, where you will be encouraged to apply what you have learned directly to your own birth chart. You will be assigned a course tutor, and encouraged to submit a piece of work at the end of each term for assessment and review. There is also the option to take small group mid-term tutorials with our tutors, where your specific questions can be addressed.

Course Structure

  • In the first term, we introduce the archetypal language of astrology and the structure of the birth chart with an introduction to the elements & quadruplicities, the zodiac signs, planets, houses, aspects, and planetary rulership.

  • In the second term, we go deeper into the interpretation of the birth chart, introducing the elements of house craft including house rulership, planetary strength and dispositorship. We also introduce the outer planets, Chiron and the nodal axis, as well as the minor aspects, aspect patterns and chart shapes.

  • In the third term, we begin to work with the ephemeris, explore retrograde planetary motion, and look into the evolving planetary cycles. We then focus on planetary transits, the lunation cycle, and secondary progressions. 

The whole course will provide you with a complete introduction to birth chart interpretation, with all the essential elements you need for a rounded appreciation of the whole chart, how to interpret it, and how to find meaning and significance in it.

Meet the course leader

Hello. My name is John Wadsworth. I am the founder of the Kairos School of Astrology, and its primary teacher. My approach is borne out of 33 years of professional practice, and is primarily a psychological appraoch, alongside elements of traditional and evolutionary astrology. I am known in the field for my experiential, embodied approach to astrological education, with an emphasis on healing and transformation. I’m a great champion of ethical standards in astrological practice, and build this into the courses I teach. I set up the Kairos school in 2008 in Glastonbury, UK, to run the two-year professional training. I have been running the foundation course (first year) and diploma course (second year) successfully online since 2020. I am the author of ‘Your Zodiac Soul’, in which I present the zodiac as a twelve-stage journey of initiation, gateways to wholeness. I am currently completing my second book, The 12 Sacred Wounds, which is due for release in early 2025. I am also a pilgrimage guide, and have been leading sacred walks in the Glastonbury landscape zodiac for the past ten years.

“ I highly recommend this course, whether you want to learn more about yourself or become a professional practising astrologer. Eternally grateful to John, and to Tamsin and Gillian – a really great team of supportive mentors to take you through this life-changing journey!”

Alison McPherson

Meet our team of course tutors

  • Melissa Gledhill

    COURSE TUTOR

    My journey with astrology started when I discovered Linda Goodman’s ‘Sun signs’ as a teenager and felt that visceral excitement that comes from discovering something that resonates deeply on the inside. I started formally studying astrology in 2019, first with the London Faculty of Astrology and then a diploma with the Kairos school. Astrology felt like a soul calling and it wasn’t long before I was reading charts for family, friends and the wider community and I am now a registered practicing astrologer seeing 121 clients on a regular basis. Prior to this, I worked for 20 years in marketing for the not-for-profit sector, managing large and diverse teams raising funds for children’s charities. Whilst that life is over, I recalled how much I enjoyed coaching staff, it felt so natural to me to support people develop their skills and talents so it felt very aligned to accept John’s offer to assist him on his diploma course and I am delighted to be able to support you in your astrological journey!

  • Tamsin St George

    COURSE TUTOR

    I was introduced to astrology around 20 years ago, and this was the start of a whole new way of living for me because I began to understand my own energy patterns more clearly and what I am learning through life. I became a practising Astrologer in 2011, seeing clients on a 1-1 basis. Meeting John in 2013, I was drawn to consolidate my learning with him and completed Kairos Astrology Advanced Training Course in 2016. During this time my passion for Mentoring students became apparent as it gives me a special delight to be supporting others in the connection and unfolding of their own astrological skills. Confidence was a major issue for me and now I’ve found my own I’ll spend the rest of my life helping others to feel empowered! This is why my teaching experience with Kairos, working as part of a team with John and Gillian, ticks so many boxes for me. In 2020 I qualified with MCS Astrology to the level of Astrology Consultant, becoming a Member of the Association of Professional Astrologers International (MAPAI) in 2021. My website is: www.eroditeastrology.com

  • Gillian Crawford

    COURSE TUTOR

    For as long as I can remember, the utter beauty of a night sky glittering with stars and illuminated by a changing moon has fascinated me. In my 20s I learned to cast charts and tested those out on my family and friends, expecting the interpretations not to fit – yet they did! I’ve studied with Steven Forrest and completed the Kairos astrology diploma training in 2019. I enjoy writing about astrology, have had articles published and am a committee member of the Aquarius Severn Astrology group. I‘ve given various talks on astrology and created workshops on the synodic cycles of the superior planets but it's in helping clients on a one-to-one basis that I feel most fulfilled. I've been a primary head-teacher, taught children aged 7 to 13 for many years, supported various adult self-development workshops and also worked for an educational research consultancy, so I bring a wide experience of teaching and learning to the course as well as huge enthusiasm to share my love of astrology with students!

Foundation Course 2024-25

Module One:

The Archetypal Language of Astrology

15 Oct - 17 Dec 2024

The Four Levels of the Birth Chart - Introducing the Signs, Planets, Houses & Aspects

Click on the + symbol next to the lesson title to find out more about the content, and to see the release dates and live tutorial dates for each class.

    • In this first class we cover the following:

    • A Brief History of Astrology

    • The Philosophical Context of Astrology

    • Introducing the Language of Astrology

    • An Introduction to the Planetary Archetypes

    • Introducing the Four Layers of the Birth Chart

    Lesson 1: Tuesday 15th Oct 2024

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class, we cover the following:

    • A Brief History of the Zodiac

    • A Journey Through the Twelve Signs

    • The Twelve Zodiacal Glyphs

    • The Seasonal/Ceremonial References for Each Sign

    • The Correspondences in the Body

    • The Ruling Planets of Each Sign

    • The Light & Shadow Aspect of Each Sign

    Lesson 2: Tuesday 22nd Oct 2024

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • Lesson 3: The Four Elements

    In this lesson we cover the following:

    • A Brief History of the 4 Elements & Temperamant Theory

    • The Qualities & Temperaments of Each Element: Fire, Earth & Air & Water

    • Understanding Each Sign Through its Element

    • How to Score Your Own Chart by Element

    Lesson 3: Tuesday 29th Oct 2023

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class we cover:

    • The Philisophy and spiritual understanding behind Three Prime Orientations of Life

    • The Crosses / Quadruplicities: Cardinal, Fixed & Mutable

    • Understanding Each Sign Through its Cross/Quadruplicity

    • How to Score Your Own Chart in terms of Cardinal/Fixed/Mutable balance

    Lesson 4: Tuesday 5th Nov 2024

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • What we cover in Lesson 5:

    • The archetype of the Sun in astrology

    • The archetype of the Moon in astrology

    • The Sun through the Signs

    • The Moon through the signs

    • The polarity between solar and lunar themes in astrology

    Lesson 5: Tuesday 12th Nov 2024

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • What we cover in Lesson 5:

    • The archetype of the Mercury in astrology

    • The archetype of the Venus in astrology

    • The archetype of the Mars in astrology

    • Mercury, Venus & Mars through the Signs

    • The polarity of Venus and Mars themes in astrology

    • Mercury as the overseer of the hemeneutic art of interpretation

    Lesson 6: Tuesday 26th Nov 2024

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • What we cover in the lesson:

    • The Jupiter archetype

    • The Saturn archetype

    • The Jupiter-Saturn polarity

    • How Jupiter and Saturn play different roles in society

    • How Jupiter and Saturn serve different functions within the family system

    Lesson 7: Tuesday 3rd Dec 2024

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class we introduce the following:

    • The Astronomy of the Twelve Houses & their Astrological Significance

    • The Rising Sign or Ascendant

    • The MC or Mid-Heaven

    • The Four Angles (AC, DC, MC, IC)

    • The Hemispheres

    • The Four Quadrants

    • The Six Axes

    • The developmental themes of the twelve houses

    Lesson 8: Tuesday 10th Dec 2024

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • This is what what we covered in Lesson 9

    • Revise the Dynamics of the Zodiac & The Divisions of the Circle

    • Introduce the five classic aspects: Conjunction, Opposition, Trine, Square & Sextile

    • Introduce the Concept of Orbs

    • Use chart examples to explore the experience of each aspect.

    • Introduce the Ptolemaic Order of Rulership & Aspect Quality

    Lesson 9: Tuesday 17th Dec 2024

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • Introducing he different House Systems

    A Revision of the Topics of Each House

    Angularity & The Angular Houses

    The Succedent & Cadent Houses

    Identifying Planets in Houses with chart examples

    Interpreting Planets in Houses with chart examples (in breakout groups)

    Lesson 10: Tuesday 7th Jan 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class, we cover the following:

    • Exploring Uranus & Neptune through their mythology & archetypal function

    • Meeting the planets through the astrological theatre

    • Looking the sign & house positions of Uranus & Neptune

    Lesson 11: Tuesday 14th Jan 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this lesson we cover the following:

    • A Revision of Planetary Rulership

    • Clarifying House Cusps

    • Planetary House Rulerships

    • The Landlord/Tenant Distinction

    • The Ruling Planet or 'Lord' of the Chart (AC Ruler)

    • Intercepted Signs & Planets

    • Dispositorship & Mutual Reception

    Lesson 12: Tuesday 21st Jan 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • This is what covered in lesson 13.

    • A Revision of Planetary Rulership

    • Clarifying House Cusps

    • Planetary House Rulerships

    • The Landlord/Tenant Distinction

    • The Ruling Planet or 'Lord' of the Chart (AC Ruler)

    • Intercepted Signs & Planets

    • Dispositorship & Mutual Reception

    Lesson 13: Tuesday 28th Jan 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • What we cover in Lesson 14:

    • Planetary Dignity (Rulership & Exaltation)

    • Planetary Debility (Detriment & Fall)

    • The Significance of Angularity in assessing planetary strength

    • The Significance of Dispositorship in assessing planetary strength

    • The 'Final' Dispositor

    • The Significance of Mutual Reception, Interception, Retrograde Motion, in assessing planetary strength

    • Hard Aspects to Saturn & Outer Planets in assessing planetary strength

    Lesson 14: Tuesday 4th Feb 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • What we cover in Lesson 15:

    • Red, Blue & Green Aspects

    • The Semi-Sextile Aspect (30˚)

    • The Inconjunct or Quincunx Aspect (150˚)

    • Different Chart Shapes

    • The Grand Trine & Minor Grand Trine

    • The T-Square & Grand Cross

    • The Kite

    • The Mystic Rectangle

    • The Yod

    • The Great Learning Triangle

    • Intro to Special Harmonic Aspects

    Lesson 15: Tuesday 18h Feb 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • What we cover in the lesson:

    • What are the Moon's Nodes?

    • Solar & Lunar Eclipses

    • The Meaning of the North Lunar Node

    • The Meaning of the South Lunar Node

    • The Karmic Perspective of the Nodes

    • The 'Bendings' of the Nodes & the 'Skipped Step'

    • Analysis of the Twelve Lunar Axes wth Chart Examples

    • Identifying an Eclipse in the Chart

    Lesson 16: Tuesday 25th Feb 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class we introduce the following:

    • Introducing Chiron through Its myth & archetypal function in the psyche

    • Exploring the shifts of the cultural zeitgeist coincident with Chiron's discovery

    • Exploring the nature of woundedness

    • Chiron's position by sign & house

    • Planetary aspects to ChironLesson 8 Release Date:

    Lesson 17: Tuesday 4th March 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • This is what what we cover in Lesson 18.

    • Taking the birth chart as whole - how to approach it

    • An Overview of Steps To Follow in Chart Interpretation

    • Preparing a Case Study

    Lesson 18: Tuesday 11th March 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

Module Two:

Going Deeper into the Birth Chart

7 Jan - 11 Mar 2025

The Outer Planets, Chiron & Moon’s Nodes, development of house craft, aspects, & planetary strength.

Module Three

15 April - 17 June 2025

Transits & Progressions:

The Evolving Cycles of the Planets

  • In this lesson we cover:

    • Introducing the Ephemeris

    • Understanding the Planetary Tables

    • Identifying Planetary Ingresses

    • Identifying Moon's Last Aspects & Void of Course Moon

    • Identifying the Moon Phases & Eclipses

    • Identifying Planetary Retrograde Periods

    • Retrograde Planets

    Tuesday 15th Apr 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class, we cover the following:

    • Introducing Planetary Returns

    • Sun, Moon & Personal Planet Returns

    • Focus on Return Cycles of Jupiter

    • Focus on Return Cycles of Saturn

    • The Saturn & Jupiter Cycle Time Spirals

    Lesson 20: Tues 22nd Apr 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this lesson we cover the following:

    • The Uranus Return Cycle

    • The Neptune Cycle

    • The Pluto Cycle

    • The Chiron Return

    • The Nodal Return Cycles

    • Adding These Return Cycles to the Time Spiral

    Lesson 21: Tuesday 29th Apr 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class we cover:

    • How to 'Read' a Transit

    • The Meaning of a Transit

    • How to Prioritise Different Transits

    • Transiting Aspects

    • Transits of Jupiter, Saturn & the Outer Planets to Personal Planets & Angles

    • Timings of Transits

    • Which Houses to Consider for Transits

    Lesson 22: Tuesday 6th May 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • What we cover in this class:

    • Transits of the Planets through the Houses

    • Which houses to consider with Transits to Natal Planets

    • Chart Examples

    Lesson 22: Tuesday 13th May 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this lesson, we look at the eight phases of the lunation cycle, how to calculate them from the birth chart, and how we interpret each one:

    What we cover in this class:

    • how to recognise the different moon phases in a birth chart

    • how identify which phase you were born under

    • the signature themes associated with each lunar phase

    Lesson 24: Tues 27th May 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • What we cover in the lesson:

    • An introduction to secondary progressions

    • Interpreting the Progressed Chart

    • Differences between transits & progressions

    • The progressed lunation cycle

    Lesson 7: Tuesday 3rd June 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • In this class we cover the following:

    • The 'Progressed to Natal' Chart

    • Differences in Interpretation Between the Progressed Chart & 'Progressed to Natal'

    • Some 'Progressed to Natal' chart examples

    • The Journey of the Progressed Moon Through the Natal Houses

    Lesson 26: Wednesday 10th June 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

  • This is what we cover in this final class:

    • Review of what we have covered this year

    • Next steps: should I offer consultations?

    • Ethical considerations when offering consultations

    • Student Questions

    • Course Completion

    Lesson 27: Tuesday 17th June 2025

    5pm - 7pm (UK time)

Course Fees

£995 for the whole course

(instalment payment plan over three terms: £375 per term)

Places are limited. £375 deposit will secure your place.

Balance (£650) due by 30 September 2023.

Course fees include:

  • access to 27 live x 2-hour classes, over three terms (Tuesdays 5pm UK time)

  • access to the online classroom (until 30 Sep 2024). This includes:

    • recordings of all 27 live classes (including Q&A sessions)

    • extensive (downloadable) course notes for each lesson

    • recordings of all three mid-term tutorials

    • optional self-study assignment for each lesson

    • several hours of extra video recorded material of astrological play theatre

  • access to (3 x 90 min) mid-term tutorials

  • personal tutor (includes end of term marking, plus 2 x 30 min 1-2-1 support call)

  • access to interactive community forum

  • Final assessment & end of course certificate

FAQs

  • Yes, definitely. The main focus of the foundation course is on gaining a deep understanding of your own birth chart, so you learn a great deal about yourself through this process. The course really offers a profound opportunity for personal transformation and healing.

  • With each class, you receive a self-study assignment, where you can apply what you have learned in each lesson. These assignments are assessed by a Kairos school tutor, and you will receive 1-2-1 feedback direct from them at the end of each term. Upon successful completion of three assignments, you will be awarded the cert. KSA in Astrological Studies.

  • Ideally you will be able to dedicate between 4-6 hours per week to the course, which includes watching the recording of the class and answering the self-study questions. You are also encouraged to do some (optional) background reading.

  • The course includes access to a community forum, where you can ask questions and share insights. This forum will be moderated by the course leader, and another course tutor. You also get 1-2-1 support via assessment of your assignment at the end of each term. Should you feel the need for additional 1-2-1 support during the course, you can book a session with one of the tutors, on a £50 per-hour pro-rata basis.

  • Payments are non-refundable and non-transerable, unless there are exceptional circumstances why you cannot attend or complete the course.

  • We may offer payment plans on request.