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Learn the Essentials of Astrology With Our Group Classes

The Nitty Gritty of Astrology: Courses 1, 2, 3 & 4

With Samuel F. Reynolds

These courses are designed to provide nitty-gritty, tried and true essentials that bring a chart to life with symbolic richness and clarity. No dead keywords or rote memorization. This is astrology that goes beneath the surface and fosters living and imaginative principles and practices for analyzing charts.

Which Level of Nitty Gritty Astrology is Right for You?

Nitty Gritty A1:
ABSOLUTE Beginners Astrology Class

TO ENROLL

Enrollment for 2025 Nitty Gritty A1: ABSOLUTE Beginners Astrology class is open for classes runningNovember 1, 2025 through December 20, 2025

$360 (USD) for the full course

Use this link to pay all at once

Payment plans available: You can pay in TWO or THREE-month automatic installments. $18o US over 2 months or $120 US over 3 months.

Write Samuel at unlockastrology@gmail.com to set this up with an invoice.

You can also contact Samuel directly about private one-on-one classes by exploring the private classes page.

REQUIRED TEXTS

The classes will use The Secret Language of Astrology: The Illustrated Key To Unlocking The Secrets of the Stars by Roy Gillett ($19.72) as the primary text, purchased independently by students.
The book will help round out the student's education. Samuel will also supply additional materials for the course. You can purchase the book here: https://amzn.to/4mZBWeg.
If you are unable to purchase the book, please write to me privately at unlockastrology@gmail.com.

CLASS DETAILS

SIX 2-hour, live Zoom classes that will be recorded to view at your own pace.
This is a class for beginners who want to learn the very basics of astrology — its history, planets, signs, elements, qualities, and modalities.
Weekly 1-hour Office Hours for the duration of the class for discussion and questions (Wednesday, 10 am-11 am MT (USA))
Conducted via Zoom (zoom.us)
Class on SATURDAYS, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. MT (USA)
Starting November 1. Classes on Nov. 8, November 29, December 6, 13, & 20. (Two week break in November due to scheduling conflicts.)

CLASS SYLLABUS

An assignment will be given after each class, and students will email their completed work three days before the next class (Wednesday evening). I will also place a recording of each class in a private community space for all enrolled students.

Since every registrant will get a recording of the class, whether in attendance or not, there are no make-up classes or monetary compensation for missed classes.

A virtual, weekly office hour for questions or concerns will be held on Wednesdays at 10-11 am MT.

Here's a list of the weekly classes, with a brief description.

Class 1

Intro into the histories and philosophies of Astrology

Class 2

Understanding the ten planets used in astrology and how to think about the newly discovered planets and hypotheticals

Class 3

Understanding the qualities (hot, cold, wet, and dry), elements, and modalities

Class 4

Meet the Zodiac and how to think about them beyond pop astrology

Class 5

Learning how to combine the planets with signs. Creative Assignment given to share next week

Class 6

Preview of Nitty Gritty Novice Astrology class, sharing a creative assignment with the class, along with discussion

Nitty Gritty A2:
NOVICE Astrology Class

TO ENROLL

Enrollment for the 2026 Nitty Gritty A2: NOVICE Astrology class is open for classes running January 3, 2026, through March 7, 2026

$550 (USD) for the full course

Use this link to pay all at once

Payment plans available: You can choose weekly or monthly payments for up to 3 months. Write Samuel at unlockastrology@gmail.com to set this up with an invoice.

You can also contact Samuel directly about private one-on-one classes by exploring the private classes page.

REQUIRED TEXTS

The classes will use On The Heavenly Spheres: A Treatise on Traditional Astrology by Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro ($39.95) as the primary text, purchased independently by students.
The book will help round out the student's education. Samuel will also supply additional materials for the course. You can purchase the book here: https://amzn.to/4p16pte.
If you are unable to purchase the book, please write to me privately at unlockastrology@gmail.com.

CLASS DETAILS

TEN 2-hour, live Zoom classes that will be recorded to view at your own pace.
This is a class for NOVICES who want to learn how to combine an understanding of the planets and the signs with learning about essential dignities, aspects, and houses to read a natal chart.
Weekly 1-hour Office Hours for the duration of the class for discussion and questions (Wednesday, 10 am-11 am MT (USA))
Conducted via Zoom (zoom.us)
Class on SATURDAYS, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. MT (USA)
Starting January 3, 2026, ending March 7, 2026

CLASS SYLLABUS

An assignment will be given after each class, and students will email their completed work three days before the next class (Thursday evening at the latest). I will also place a recording of each class in a private community space for all enrolled students.

Since every registrant will get a recording of the class, whether in attendance or not, there are no make-up classes or monetary compensation for missed classes.

A virtual, weekly office hour for questions or concerns will be held on Wednesdays at 10-11 am MT.

Here's a list of the weekly classes with brief descriptions.

Class ONE:
Deeper Truths about the Planets: Understanding Basic Essential Dignities—Understand how the signs, the doorways to the cosmos, work with the planetary keyholders.

Class TWO:

Explore speed and condition of the planets, i.e. retrograde or combust, cazimi, etc.

Class THREE:
Wheelin’ and Dealin’, Part 1—Understand how the relationships (or aspects) between planets crack open the code of a chart.

Class FOUR:
A CLASS PRACTICUM–Creative exercises, chart examples, and discussion on integrating an understanding of planets and signs.

Class FIVE:
Wheelin’ and Dealin’, Part 2 —Understand how the planets, their relationships, and important positions in the sky of heaven (in what are called houses) can reveal what happens on Earth.

Class SIX:

Incorporating Essential and Accidental Dignities--Learn the nuances of using essential and accidental dignities and fixed stars in a chart and reading.

Class SEVEN:
Toward a Method — Crystalizing a clear method with laid-out steps for how to read each house of a chart effectively.

Class EIGHT:
“Speed” Reading a chart —Using only 20% of somebody’s chart, i.e., the rising, moon and Sun sign, learn how to extract 80% of what you need to know about that chart.

Class NINE:
A CLASS PRACTICUM — Looking at various charts to test your chart-reading chops.

CLASS TEN:
LIVE readings by students of each other’s charts or willing volunteers.

COMING SOON!
Nitty Gritty A3 (NGA3):
Intermediate Group Astrology Class

TO ENROLL

OPEN Enrollment NOW for Spring Nitty Gritty 2: Intermediate Astrology Class (NGA3), classes BEGIN April 4, 2026. There are three modules:

Astrolocality: Four weeks

Two week hiatus

Synastry (Astrological Compatibility): Four weeks

Three week hiatus

Predictive Astrology: Seven Weeks

Total of 15 classes over 20 weeks.

You can also contact Samuel directly about private one-on-one classes, by exploring the private classes page.

You can either pay for the series of classes up front, or pay with a customized payment plan.

$789 total (Click Enroll to pay all at once)

For the payment plan, please write Sam at unlockastrology@gmail.com. I can do weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly plans. But payments MUST BE automatic AND completed by the end of the full course on August 22, 2026. No interest and no additional fees.

REQUIRED TEXTS

The classes will use Astrolocality Astrology: A Guide to What it is and How to use it by Martin Davis ($7.23--Kindle) as a key text, purchased independently by students or click on the link above to Amazon.

As well as Temperament: Astrology's Forgotten Key by Dorian Giesler Greenbaum ($39.95) as a key text, purchased independently by students or click on the link above to Amazon.

And...Astrology and the Authentic Self: Traditional Astrology for the Modern Mind by Demetra George ($14.49) as a key text, purchased independently by students, or click on the link above to Amazon.

Also back by popular demand! Synastry: Mastering The Astrology of Relationships by Rod Suskin ($9.99--Kindle) as a key text, purchased independently by students, or click on the link above to Amazon.

Samuel will supply all other materials for the course.

RECOMMENDED MATERIAL

The classes will use On The Heavenly Spheres: A Treatise on Traditional Astrology by Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro ($39.95) as a recommended text, purchased independently by students.

The book will help round out the education of the student, but is not essential for the course. This was the required text for Nitty Gritty 1.

CLASS SYLLABUS

The class runs from April 4, 2026 to August 22, 2026. There will be two breaks between modules: one for two weeks and the other for three weeks. The length and dates for the modules are below.

An assignment will be given after each class and students will e-mail their completed work about three days prior to the next class (Wednesday night or Thursday morning, at the latest). I will also put the recording of each class in our circle.so community. Since every registrant will have access to a recording of the class, whether in attendance or not, there are no make-up classes or monetary compensation for missed classes.

A public, weekly office hour for questions or concerns on Wednesdays at 10-11 am MDT, but only during each module.

Practicums are classes specially designated for practice or to dive deeper into the material covered.

Here's a list of the weekly classes, with a brief description. Names of classes subject to change.

Module 1: Astro-locality-Four Classes (April 4-25)

Introduction to Relocation charts ACG and ways to do it
Understanding Local Space and parans
Using Geodetics for understanding mundane and personal astrolocality
Synthesis Practicum

Two Weeks (Break)

Module 2: Synastry-Four Classes (May 16, 30-June 13, No class May 23 for NORWAC)

Temperament: Understanding Baselines
Davison, Composite charts and harmonic charts
Synthesis and practical ethical considerations
Practicum Exam

Three Weeks (Break)

Module 3: Predictive Astrology-Seven Classes (July 11-August 22)

Profections
Solar, Lunar, and Monthly Revolutions
Lunar, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and other Returns
Progressions and Solar Arc Directions
Firdaria
Untangling Transits and Synthesis
Class Reading: Students attempt to predict what may have happened to another student in their past based on data given, birth info, and techniques learned during the module.

Total: 15 classes/20 weeks including breaks

3. Nitty Gritty 3:
Advanced Group Astrology Class

TO ENROLL

Enrollment for SPRING 2025 Nitty Gritty 3: Advanced Group Astrology Class, STARTING JUNE 7, 2025, 10 am to 12 pm MT

ONLY 25 SLOTS AVAILABLE!

You can also contact Samuel directly about private one-on-one classes, by exploring the private classes page.

You can either pay for the series of classes up front, or you can pay over a period of 3 months.

Single Full Payment: $825

3 Monthly payments: $275 per month

REQUIRED TEXTS

The principal text for Horary will be Horary Astrology Re-Examined: The Possibility or the Impossibility of the Matter Propounded by Barbara Dunn ($40.00) Also available as a Kindle.

We will also use Works of Sahl & Masha'alla by Sahl ibn Bishr, translated by Benjamin N. Dykes ($36.00) as another key text, purchased independently by students.

Now a key text is Choices and Inceptions: Traditional Electional Astrology, translated and edited by Benjamin N. Dykes ($24.95)

RECOMMENDED MATERIAL

Recommended materials, meaning these texts are optional for purchase:

The classes will use The Horary Textbook: The Revised Edition by John Frawley ($28.11) as a recommended text, purchased independently by students.

Bonatti On Elections: Guido Bonatti's BOOK OF ASTRONOMY Treatise 7: On Elections, from the 1st English Edition, translated by Benjamin N. Dykes, PhD, $24.95

Samuel will also supply additional materials for the course.

CLASS SYLLABUS

An assignment, whether reading or otherwise, will be given after each class. Students will e-mail their completed work about three days prior to the next class (Wednesday night or Thursday morning, at the latest). I will also post a recording of each class to all enrolled students. Since every registrant will get a recording of the class, whether in attendance or not, there are no make-up classes or monetary compensation for missed classes.

A separate syllabus page will be used for this class as well.

A public, weekly office hour for questions or concerns on THURSDAYS at 10-12 pm MT.

Practicums are classes specially designated for practice or to dive deeper into the material covered.

Here's a list of the weekly classes, with a brief description. Names of classes subject to change.

Here's a list of the weekly classes, with a brief description. Names of classes subject to change.

Class 1

Horary Module #1: What is horary? History of Horary. Questions asked and not to be asked. Key terms used in horary.

Class 2

Horary Module #2: Review of houses as topics of questions, planetary rulerships, void of course moons, what are the considerations before judgment and how to use them.

Class 3

Horary Module #3: Mutual receptions, applying and separating aspects, timing and key points of crisis and development in a question.

Class 4

Horary Module #4: Explorations of questions & topics for Houses 1-6.

Class 5

A CLASS PRACTICUM Practicum for horary questions concerning Houses 1-6 with practice charts.

Class 6

Horary Module #5: Explorations of questions & topics for Houses 7-12

Class 7

A CLASS PRACTICUM Practicum for horary questions concerning Houses 7-12 with practice charts. Horary exam given

Class 8

Horary Exam discussion and evaluation

Class 9

Introduction into Electional Astrology

Class 10

Electing conceptions, marriages, mass mailings, launches, and other various events. Choosing to create an election of some kind during the week. (Yes, even with challenging circumstances!) Students will attempt to elect some event that week.

Class 11

Learning about Lunar Mansions or Manzils

Class 12

A CLASS PRACTICUM and finer questions related to elections, including astrological magic and talismans. Commissioned to make an electional "masterpiece."

Class 13

Electional Exam discussion and evaluation

Class 14

Electional "masterpiece" sharing and discussion among students."

4. Nitty Gritty 4:

Special Astrology Class

TO ENROLL

Enrollment for SUMMER 2023 Nitty Gritty 4: Advanced Group Astrology Class, STARTING JULY 9, 2023, 9 am to 11 am MDT

You can also contact Samuel directly about private one-on-one classes, by exploring the private classes page.

You can either pay for the series of classes up front, or you can pay over a period of 3 months.

Single Full Payment: $285

3 Monthly payments: $95 per month

REQUIRED TEXTS

The principal text to use in class is Simply Math: A Comprehensive Guide to Easy & Accurate Chart Calculation ($39.95) as a key text, purchased independently by students.

We will also use The Michelsen Book of Tables ($19.95) as another key text, purchased independently by students.

Other materials can be obtained online in lieu of very expensive books. Here are three we will use:

https://www.latlong.net/

and

https://gps-coordinates.org/

and

https://www.timeanddate.com/time/zone/

RECOMMENDED MATERIAL

The American Ephemeris 1950-2050 at Midnight, Trans-Century edition, $29.95

But you can use this page for free: https://www.astro.com/swisseph/swepha_e.htm

Or an app on a mobile device.

Samuel will also supply additional materials for the course.

CLASS DETAILS

Intermediate class, but no need to have studied in Nitty Gritty 2 or 3.
ONLY 25 slots available!
Must be willing to work past math phobia, if you have one.
Prepare for the NCGR-I and ISAR exams.
FOUR weekly, 2-hour recorded WEBINARS to learn how to calculate a natal chart from scratch. Recorded office hour available for each week for review, practice and clarification.
CURRENTLY OPEN JULY 9, 2023, running until JULY 30, 2023. Four consecutive SUNDAY classes, 9 am-11 AM MDT (USA).

CLASS SYLLABUS

Key text to use in class is Simply Math: A Comprehensive Guide to Easy & Accurate Chart Calculation by Fowks and Sellon along with other worksheets provided. Assignments will be given related to additional required texts, worksheets and the Simply Math text.

Students will e-mail their completed work about three days prior to the next class (Wednesday night or Thursday morning, at the latest). I will also post a recording of each class to all enrolled students in a community on circle.so. Since every registrant will have access to a recording of the class, whether in attendance or not, there are no make-up classes or monetary compensation for missed classes.

A separate syllabus page will be used for this class as well.

A public, weekly office hour for questions or concerns on TUESDAYS at 10a-11a MDT.

Here's a list of the weekly classes, with a brief description. Names of classes subject to change.

Here's a list of the weekly classes, with a brief description. Names of classes subject to change.

Class 1

Math Basics and Calculating GMT and basic time principles. Lessons 1-3 in Simply Math book.

Class 2

Calculating latitude, longitude, Local times and key elements of time. Lessons 4-6 in Simply Math Book and additional worksheets.

Class 3

Calculating the planets and using interpolation for exact location based on an ephemeris. Lessons 7-9 in Simply Math book and additional worksheets.

Class 4

Calculating the Houses and putting it all together. Lessons 10-13 (with sample exam questions) in Simply Math book and additional worksheets. Exam given with feedback within three weeks.

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