Strengthen Your Confidence. Deepen Your Impact. OPA’s Consulting Skills program is a three-day transformative experience for astrologers ready to enhance their client work. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a senior student preparing to launch your practice, this training will help you deliver more effective, compassionate, and empowering readings. Aug 30 - 12 -8 pm Aug 31 - 9 am - 5 pm Sept 1 - 9 am - 5 pm REGISTER HERE
Please join ISAR for a free afternoon program, sampling different aspects of astrology we support. Past “Taste” events have included panels, research presentations, interviews, small-group discussions, fun and games… all with a focus on building community among astrologers of all knowledge levels! This is a free event, all are welcome, no need to register. More info
Join OPA’s panel of leading mundane astrologers for a timely exploration of the political, climate, and financial forces shaping our rapidly changing world. What do the skies reveal about the challenges ahead—and the opportunities for hope? Each expert will share key astrological insights on global trends, followed by a dynamic Q&A and audience dialogue to inspire clarity, resilience, and proactive action. Free event, no registration required.
This class covers all the math needed to cast an astrological chart, including planetary placements, house cusps, ACD, and secondary progressions. Once registered, you will receive an email outlining what you will need to bring to class. *this event is not included with conference registration. Register HERE
AYA Org Day Events
Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor · Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor
Join AYA for our Organization Day at the United Astrology Conference, Sept 2nd. You can donate for both events or just one as your schedule permits. We will have a panel of astrologers talking about community and a sound bath with a local practitioner. https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/aya-org-day-at-uac-4852880
NCGR - Where Research Meets You: Exploring the Frontiers of Astrological Inquiry
NCGR (National Council for Geocosmic Research) invites you to become an active participant in astrological discovery. Here, we explore whether different research methods yield similar outcomes. Aligning with our organization’s mission of excellence in research with inclusion of various astrological methods and techniques, we present Where Research Meets You, an event that anchors our astrological inquiry in your personal questions. In this interactive free event, you’ll explore a wide range of methods and techniques—from Vedic astrology, merging tarot and astrology, Hellenistic timing techniques, and modern research frontiers. Led in a similar format to NCGR’s Special Interest Research Groups (SIRGs), each session offers a chance to observe, question, and engage with leading astrologers as they share how they approach their specialized fields. Bring your questions, your charts, and your curiosity. Together, we’ll compare systems, identify shared principles, and uncover distinctions that deepen our understanding of astrology’s many branches. This is where the spirit of collaboration and the rigor of research meet—the living laboratory of astrology in action. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or simply passionate about discovering how astrology evolves through inquiry, this event will connect you with NCGR’s dynamic community of thinkers, practitioners, and innovators. Experience the research. Join the conversation. Become part of astrology’s unfolding story. This is a free event, all are welcome, no need to register.
ACVA Open House
Kansas City Room - 5th floor, 5th floor · Kansas City Room - 5th floor, 5th floor
ACVA will have an “open house”, September 2nd, from 12-5pm. ACVA faculty and members will be on hand to meet conference attendees. There will be short talks and/or panel discussions on various aspects of Jyotish. Promotional materials for ACVA courses and certification exams will also be available. No advance registration is required.
Registration & Hospitality
Registration Booth - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA · Registration Booth - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA
OPA Live @ UAC: Thriving in the AI Era: Business Strategies for Astrologers
Step into the future of professional astrology with OPA’s expert panel on business, branding, and marketing in the age of AI. Discover cutting-edge strategies to elevate your practice, expand your reach, and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving world. Our specialists will share practical tips, innovative tools, and insider insights from their unique niches, followed by an open discussion where your questions take center stage. Free event, no registration required.
Registration & Hospitality
Registration Booth - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA · Registration Booth - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA
Market Place/Tradeshow
Chicago Ballroom - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA · Chicago Ballroom - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA
Birth Chart Analysis: Synthesis, Signatures and Strategies
Once you’re familiar with the essential components of a horoscope, the next step is to develop confidence in preparing and sharing your analysis. In this new workshop, Frank will help you identify the most significant themes of a horoscope as well as articulate its overall essence. He’ll then work with you to go deeper with interpretation and offer strategies to make the very most of a planet’s potential. Bring your charts – some will be used in this interactive day.
The rays of light that planets emanate play a much larger role than simply modifying the expression of planets in aspect. These rays are also critical components of understanding planetary and house condition, empty houses, all kinds of rulership relations, the master of the nativity and length of life, and various time lord procedures. This presentation will be set in the context of Empedocles’ optical theory, Aristotle’s form and matter, and Al Kindi’s stellar rays.
The meaning of the birth chart must be translated into the life experience of the client; understanding the nature of projection and the important insight that astrology is not real, but you are! Mark provides a clear technical strategy for understanding the natal chart including: A model for understanding the nature of aspects, hemisphere emphasis and chart shapes, understanding the personal, social and transpersonal planets and the nature and power of the moon’s nodes.
Prioritizing the Principles of Electional Astrology
Clark Room - 4th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA · Clark Room - 4th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA
Electional astrology allows us to look ahead to select the best moment to begin something important (while also having a fascinating ability to expose strengths & weaknesses in our plans). Electional techniques can seem complex, but practice is greatly eased by prioritizing core principles around the concept of radicality. This workshop explores the history & philosophical basis of this ancient branch of astrology and demonstrates its value through various case histories
The Lunar Nodes, Health and Medical Astrology
Addison Room - 4th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA · Addison Room - 4th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA
Discover the hidden key to whole body wellness through the wisdom of the Lunar Nodes. Explore their profound connection to your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual lessons, and discover how to support your healing journey. With practical insights, chart examples, and astrological tools, you'll learn to work with both natal and transiting nodes to align yourself with your nodal energetics and natal blueprint.
The U.S. stock market has well-defined cycles ranging from 2-3-week micro cycles to 72-year long-term cycles. Each of these cycles correlate to various geocosmic factors, ranging from lunar ingresses of 2-3 days, the Lunar Nodal 18.6-Year Cycle, to the 45-year Saturn/Uranus cycle and its quarter cycle phases. This lecture will outline which geocosmic and market cycles are underway now, when they are due, and strategies to employ.
OPENING CEREMONY
Grand Ballroom - 7th floor, 7th floor · Grand Ballroom - 7th floor, 7th floor
Chani Nicholas - The Future Is Collective: The Pluto in Aquarius Era
Grand Ballroom - 7th floor, 7th floor · Grand Ballroom - 7th floor, 7th floor
What does astrology look like when it’s rooted in a sense of purpose and radical possibility? In this opening keynote, Chani Nicholas — New York Times best-selling author and renowned astrologer — charts a path toward astrology’s future. With Pluto in Aquarius reshaping our world, this keynote calls us to reclaim astrology as a powerful tool for collective revolution.
Meet & Greet for those New to UAC
Grand Ballroom - Salon I - 7th Floor, 7th floor · Grand Ballroom - Salon I - 7th Floor, 7th floor
Are you a UAC newbie? The good news is, you’re not alone, and you shouldn’t be. No matter whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, siderealist or tropicalist, pragmatist or theorist, we want to meet you. Make a date to mingle with our tribe of starry-eyed fellow astrologers. UAC’s Meet & Greet: Thursday Sept 3rd @ 9:30 pm, Halsted Foyer, Marriott 4th floor. After the Opening Ceremony, there’ll be a no-host bar (non-alcohol included) in Halsted Foyer where you can meet other newcomers. There are moments in your life when anything could happen, and meeting new people is one of them, especially when they speak your language – astrology.
Awaken and restore with mindful movement at the United Astrology Conference! Sessions will include a mix of yoga, somatic practices, breathwork, and meditation to support your body and nervous system for a fulfilling conference experience. Led by Ashley Katzakian, a yoga instructor, Ayurvedic practitioner, and intuitive astrologer based in Portland, OR; Ashley's holistic approach blends Eastern and Western traditions to guide healing, self-discovery, and transformation. *yoga mats are not provided.
Registration & Hospitality
Registration Booth - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA · Registration Booth - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA
Market Place/Tradeshow
Chicago Ballroom - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA · Chicago Ballroom - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA
Rectification Solves Birth Time Dilemmas for Accurate Delineation and Forecasting
At least 40% of the world's population does not have a precise birth time. Hospital recording and daylight savings time are inconsistent. Accuracy for natal delineation and forecasting is based on correct birth time. Planets applying within 1 degree of a major aspect to the natal angles, or angles applying within 1 degree of a major aspect to natal planets point to significant changes in the person's life. Rectification can derive a precise birth time.
Secondary Progressed Mercury, Venus and Mars Retrograde Phases
Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor · Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor
Using secondary progressions helps us understand the evolutionary rhythm in a clients life. The retrograde phases of progressed Mercury, Venus and Mars have a huge impact on a person's mode of expression and general energy, and it seems that the journey towards individuation is fired up through these long lasting progressed phases that offers both opportunities and challenges. In this lecture we will look at the creative potential these cycles offer.
Through a rich and evocative slideshow, we will explore the groundbreaking research of Richard Tarnas and Stanislav Grof in using transit astrology to choose positive days for healing sessions—as well as for understanding and integrating journeys afterward. We will review Grof’s expanded cartography of the human unconscious—the biographical, perinatal, and transpersonal layers of the psyche—and its correlation with major transits of Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
Some solar returns are more important than others! Babylonian Goal Years are when a planet returns to a similar place in the zodiac and in a similar relationship to the Sun. This talk will address how these periods are not just mathematical curiosities, but practically useful for drawing meaningful connections across time in your life, the lives of others, and the world around us
Modern astrologers tend to favour quadrant house systems, where each of the four angles begins one of the angular houses. But two of the oldest systems of house division (Equal and Whole Sign) calculate charts with an MC–IC axis that ‘floats’. This reminds us that there are two further points of reference to consider: the zenith and nadir. Join Frank Clifford to discover how to use and interpret these invaluable degrees in your horoscope.
Best Practices in Qualitative Astrological Research
Lincolnshire I - 6th floor, 6th floor · Lincolnshire I - 6th floor, 6th floor
Enhance your engagement with qualitative research in astrology. This lecture will cover how to approach topics in the fields of history, literature, and anthropology ethically and strategically, to produce high-caliber, publishable results. A historical overview of past research will inspire participants to break new ground and collectively change the way the world sees astrology and astrologers.
The origin of “interrogations” in astrology has long been a debated topic. This talk will thoroughly explore its history and practice. Focusing on katarchic astrology, the most overtly divinatory type of astrology, I’ll examine its specific intersections with extispicy, ritual, augury, and especially its similarities with oracle practice that led to a full-fledged katarchic practice from the 1st c. CE onwards, in which a questioning mode is both implicit and explicit.
Today, assumptions of how astrology may work exist, but none have been described in detail and supporting evidence is lacking. Any theory of astrology must be built on a fundamental ontology, whether this be material or non-material, and during the previous century or more theories based on both have been proposed. In this lecture, a selection of astrological theories will be described and evaluated.
Unveiling the Dragons of Solar Eclipses: Discovering Your Dragon Family
Solar eclipses are part of cycles known as SAROS families or Dragon Families, each spanning approximately 1300 years. Every person has a unique Dragon Family, composed of nine distinct Dragon types. Understanding your personal Dragon and Dragon Family offers insights into your soul's true needs and their connections across lifetimes. This knowledge helps uncover deeper truths, aligning your life's path with your spiritual essence.
Mars, Saturn-Neptune in Aries, and The Mythology of the American Frontier
This presentation is a sustained look at the role mythic Mars plays in the (Sibley) chart of the United States, where Mars is setting in the 7th House in Gemini. With an IC at 1° Aries, Mars rules the foundational point. While signifying the declaration of independence at the country’s founding, Mars ruling the roots also suggests something far more contentious residing deep in the psyche of the country, something being stirred by Saturn and Neptune in Aries.
Hidden in the depths of the birth chart is your soul map. It reveals why you are here, what you are to learn and what you are to contribute. In this lecture we will explore the role of the Moon, its nodes, angular planets, aspects and briefly touch on pre-natal eclipses and how they contribute to why you are here and where your energy should be focused. Additionally, we will use other specialized methods to determine a glimpse of your past lives.
Activate Aspects with Ancient Timing: Work with the Minor Years and Ascensional Times
Discover how different planets, signs and houses become active and influential at different ages through the minor years and ascensional times. Learn when an aspect might express in your chart and life via timing. Explore a fun and accessible way to easily identify important ages and years in your life via the minor years and ascensional times of the planets and your aspects.
The Lord of the Ascendant: Who’s in Charge Here, And What Do They Want?
MI/MI State Room - 6th floor, 6th floor · MI/MI State Room - 6th floor, 6th floor
In this session, we'll use fun worksheets to deepen our familiarity with the planet that rules our natal ascendant. We'll explore how this god acts through us to steer our life direction and analyze how compatible their goals are with those of our other natal placements. We'll explore Hellenistic concepts of sect and planetary condition to understand which life topics are supporting our ascendant lord and what might be getting in their way.
Discover Uranian Formulas for Life’s Most Frequently Asked Questions
The Hamburg School (Uranian System) uses Sensitive points for “What IF?” analyses to determine best times to actualize potentials. Completed sensitive points (planetary pictures) are also key to building desired qualities in electional charts. Formulas for marriage, money, success, finding a job, legal issues, moving, real estate, vacation, points of illness, misfortune or death are presented. Many of the formulas come from the files of Uranian Astrologer Arlene Kramer.
Grahas (planets), Rasis (signs), Bhavas (houses) and Drishtis (aspects) will be discussed. Although Western Astrology shares these similar elements, Vedic Astrology also employs many other unique principles, such as Nakshatras (asterisms), Dasas (planetary time periods), Divisional (harmonic) charts, and Yogas (specific planetary combinations), all unique to Jyotish. Knowing and applying these concepts will refine your analytical and predictive abilities immensely.
The Draconic Chart- Getting in Touch with Our Deeper Self
Draconic astrology, based on lunar symbolism, allows us to get in touch with a deeper emotional level. The draconic chart, also known as the “chart of the soul,” describes a more intimate side of our personality, which is not usually visible at first glance. It acts as a sort of backdrop to the tropical chart, providing access to information that enriches our view and, very often, shows the key piece that was missing in our interpretation.
Astrology And AI – Embracing Uranus Without Losing Your Soul
MI/MI State Room - 6th floor, 6th floor · MI/MI State Room - 6th floor, 6th floor
This presentation explores how astrologers can adapt to AI, balancing innovation with astrology's symbolic depth. Learn to integrate AI for chart analysis, imagery, and personalized insights while preserving intuition and archetypal richness. Discover strategies to evolve your practice and stay relevant, with an introduction to cutting-edge AI tools that enhance astrological work and deepen client connections in a rapidly changing world.
How Her Saturn Return Changed Marilyn Monroe's Destiny
In 1955, 29-year-old Marilyn Monroe left Hollywood for New York to become a serious actress and leave the sex bomb image behind her. She founded her own production company, married Arthur Miller, and worked with the greatest actor of his time, Sir Laurence Olivier. By examining her Saturn Return alongside transits, solar returns and synastries, we unfold her happiest year — which sadly also marked the beginning of her downfall into addiction and despair.
Chiron was discovered in 1977 while in Taurus, marking the beginning of its unexpected incarnation in our charts! By all means Chiron in our charts represents extremes, the greatest breakthroughs and the fatal crashes. At the turn of its own 50 year return, what will CHIRON in TAURUS reveal in the next 8 years? Find its sublime elixirs, avoid its deadly poisons. Join us to explore the core theme of this transit, for you, for the world.
As astrologers, we have extraordinary tools to give people hope, especially during a difficult passage. What are the key moments when light breaks through? Different timing techniques can pinpoint junctures that may reconfigure internal systems after a long fallout from crisis, grief or loss. Overlaying progressions, transits and solar arc can help identify a resurgence of life force, a key to the emergence of a renewed self.
From Prediction to Presence: Astrology’s Role in an Uncertain World
As predictive technology reshapes our world, astrology may need to pivot. What if its role isn’t to forecast but to help clients build resilience in the unknown? This lecture explores how astrologers can shift from prediction to holding, not controlling—guiding people to trust uncertainty, take meaningful risks, and live their values. By reframing astrology as a tool for presence and navigation, we invite deeper engagement with life itself.
Guidelines for optimal surgical elections are included in some of the earliest astrological texts. Many aphorisms have worked their way into common knowledge for medical and non-medical astrologers alike. Let's explore the philosophy and evolution of these guidelines so we can apply them while working with modern scheduling factors to select safe surgery dates. We'll also look to celebrity surgeries to see how the presence or absence of certain rules shaped the outcome.
Every professional who blends experience with reasoned conjecture must face the eventuality of making a wrong call. After a decade of practicing horary astrology, a few charts still haunt me – not because the astrology was unclear, but because they showed me how easily clarity could be clouded. In this talk, we'll explore some instructive missteps and consider how recognizing our blind spots uncover meta-patterns that shape how we interpret all horary work.
Scriptology: Character Building Through the Astrological Lens
Step into the Storycosmos of Scriptology, where storytelling meets astrology. The chart becomes a living narrative architecture rooted in timeless archetypes and storytelling principles, opening new pathways into creative consulting. Discover how archetypal forces, tensions, and cycles shape motivations, conflicts, transformations, and journeys. Scriptology is not storytelling applied to astrology. It is astrology revealed as the architecture of Story itself.
Palmistry and astrology go hand in hand. In India, if you tell anyone you’re an astrologer, they’ll show you their hands, assuming that if you’re an educated astrologer, you must also know palmistry. This lecture demonstrates the links between palmistry and the planets, all of which have their place in the hand. A basic knowledge of palmistry can provide any astrologer with valuable insights into their client’s personality, profession and more.
Transform Challenging Aspects Through Chakras
Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor · Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor
Energy Astrology connects your natal planets and aspects with your energy centers (chakras). This system provides a fast and accurate way to gain a deeper understanding of the natal chart—especially when it comes to challenging aspects and what they are calling you to heal, activate, and learn. Through practical examples, you will learn how to easily apply this system in your own life and in your work with clients.
A happy partnership requires belief in our partner’s essential goodness and faith in their highest potential. Enter Neptune, the planet of unconditional love, but also, of rose-colored glasses. When those rose-colored glasses fall off, some partners are not what they appeared to be. Neptune-influenced relationships can be marked by illusion, addiction, and co-dependence. But they can also elevate and inspire us and help give our lives meaning.
Archetypal Narratives: Transitions and Turning Points in Zodiacal Releasing
Zodiacal Releasing is an ancient timing technique that identifies time periods of heightened activity and meaningful experience, providing nuanced symbolic insight into understanding the ebb and flow of unfolding life narratives. We’ll explore how considering the transition and interplay between activated signs and planets, including the special significance of the loosing of the bonds, illuminates critical turning points in life stories and vocational calling.
William Lilly is regarded as the last of the great early modern astrologers, and books 1 & 2 of his classic “Christian Astrology” (1647) are still seen as essential to Horary Astrology. However, book 3 is a masterful dive into natal astrology, which until now has been available only in hard-to-read 17th-Century English. I have re-written book 3 in contemporary English, and will share with you the Natal delineation expertise of one of the greatest astrologers of all time.
How to Measure Compatibility with Vedic and Western Astrology
Breakthroughs in AI and modern tech drive us to quantify everything, even human experience. But is it possible to measure love? Matchmakers have been trying to do so for centuries, with various degrees of success. In this class we will explore techniques that hold up in the light of modern testing. And by marrying Vedic Astrology with Western synastry, learn to accurately judge which relationships work... and which need work.
Lunch Break
none, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA · none, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA
Lunch Lectures 1 - 2 pm
none, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA · none, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA
Justin Elzie - Exploring Human Experiences: The Role of Sabian Symbols in Modern Astrology This talk takes a look at the many human experiences an Astrologer will encounter doing consultations and explores how the Sabian Symbols helps to validate the experience and show the way forward. After this talk an Astrologer will have a better understanding of how to lean on the Sabian Symbols to help in advising the client on what actions they need to take. LA/Miami/Scottsdale Room - 5th floor Christa Hamilton - Astrological Grimoires Building a personal grimoire of astrological observations with plant medicine can bridge the connection of the gardener's kitchen to the astrologer’s chair. Herbs, flowers & other plants can assist the astrologer to gain empiric knowledge of the nature of the planets through plants. Part workshop, part lecture “Astrological Grimoires” is an effort to show how to bind astrological knowledge through the personal experiment of using plant medicines. NW/OH/Purdue Room - 6th floor KristaLyn Sofia - Stellar Storytelling: Using the Stars to Outline Your Next Story Learn how to use astrology to outline and write a novel! This lecture explores creating charts for moments of story inspiration or character birth charts to dive into natal promise, derived houses, and other traditional techniques that will help you outline a powerful story that is poignant to its time. Den/Hou/KC Room - 5th floor Julie Starr - When a Benefic Isn’t So Great At a basic level, Jupiter and Venus are considered the benefic planets. However, what happens when the benefics aren’t so beneficial? This talk will break down certain techniques that can help illuminate these key nuances. Chart examples will illustrate these important, and perhaps overlooked, considerations when delineating benefic planets in a client’s chart, helping the astrologer provide a richer interpretation for their clients. MI/MI State Room - 6th floor Hilary Harley- Solar Return Geolocation: That is the Question When casting the chart for the solar return, two schools of thought prevail: using the client’s natal place of birth or the location where the client is at the time of their solar return. Often, these locales may offer widely differing forecasts given resulting planetary positions based on the solar return approach employed. This lecture speaks to how astrological guidance is influenced by the client’s solar return geography. IN/Iowa Room - 6th floor
OPA - Membership Meeting (Open to All)
Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor · Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor
If you are new to astrology and want to get started with using astrology to make talismans and harness celestial energies, this is the talk for you. Astrology provides the diagnosis of a problem, and magic is the remedy. We will learn about the magical attributes of the visible planets and their special gifts, as well as techniques to remediate and alleviate difficult planetary periods.
Primary directions are an ancient predictive method where the movement of celestial bodies in the hours after birth corresponds to the unfolding of life events. We'll go through how to note when your Lights, Inner/Outer planets, Chiron, and Black Moon Lilith connect with your Cross of Matter. Learn to assess the Oblique Ascension and Right Ascension of your Angles and Planets and then, with simple math, align them with the Times of your Life.
Your Progressed Moon: Your Evolving Emotional Intelligence
MI/MI State Room - 6th floor, 6th floor · MI/MI State Room - 6th floor, 6th floor
The progressed Moon is one of the most significant timing indicators in our clients lives, showing what the person’s evolving emotional needs are by sign and house. On its 27-year journey, the Progressed Moon spends 2 &1/2 years in each sign and house, and this is where a person must change and adapt to life’s everchanging circumstances, based on what is emotionally fulfilling now—it is what are clients are in the mood (moon) for currently.
Heliacal Transits: Planet & Star Phases Through the Houses
The Sun awakens and extinguishes the stars and planets as they all revolve around the spheres of the cosmic mind. Each day, new stars are born, old ones die & planets come in & out of the underworld. Sometimes, planets & stars are born or die together, bringing mystical fusions of their powers. Learn about the phases of the stars & planets from Babylonian & Egyptian sources, as they light up & turn off, through the signs & houses of heaven.
When a planet hits the Ascendant, you’re at a crossroads.The trouble is that you don’t really know what you are doing. Maybe you move to a new city. Maybe you get married. How can you really know what lies ahead? Making your first step the right one requires boldness, faith, and intuition. Your wisest move? Make an ally of the planet that’s triggering this new beginning – Neptune has different plans for you than Mars or Jupiter!
Re-discover the "seven-year itch" as a series of initiations within a lifetime developmental cycle. The Mercury retrogrades complete a cycle through all four elements every six to seven years, in a series of perfections of the birth vintage. In total there are 12 returns to the element of the birth year over 79 yrs. Each of these perfections of the birth vintage further clarifies our collective Mercurial mission, and carries us through another wave in our evolution.
How well do you really know the 12 Signs? In this lecture I'll present the 12 Signs from a “reinvented” and modern point of view. Learn the pros and cons of every sign, along with their resonance with houses and planets. Understanding the meaning of each Sign, and their relationships with each other, can open and deepen your understanding of human nature and human experience, and is the essential first step in learning astrology.
Planets in detriment or fall are said to be less empowered. Are there threads of connection between disempowered planets and disempowered people? This talk explores the themes of disempowerment and marginalization through the experiences of planets in debility. How the Sun in Libra, for example, must broker for self-actualization through the eyes of others, systems of governance. How the Moon in Scorpio, for example, must fight for support, care, and nourishment.
Mars's job is to make sure you get what you want. If you don't come first, then everybody else does, and that means you're stuck at the back of the line. Yet not everyone is comfortable with Mars's dog-eat-dog worldview and that can lead to inner conflict. In this lecture we will examine the cultural background of Mars, how to work with its provocative behavior, as well as a rundown of Mars through the signs.
Black Moon Lilith continues to reveal her Mysteries. The Black Moon has a subtle, non-physical body, intimately connected to the Moon's orbit, Lunar Nodes and our incarnational history. New insights into this fascinating and elusive energetic point, gleaned from ancient spiritual teachings from Mother Divine, take us deep into soul dimensions. Considerations include the Galactic Center, the Great Attractor, quantum physics, Shiva/Shakti and the Holy Womb Chakra.
The Sun and Saturn: Astrology's Oldest Sacred Dyad
In this talk, we will explore the fascinating implications of the Sun's archetypal relationship with Saturn in ancient astrology and philosophy. Through a careful study of this ancient dyad, we can better understand the way that ancient astrologers thought about many things, including fate and free will, cosmic justice and grace, as well as duality and oneness.
Master Mercury Retrograde by Turning Confusion into Clarity
Mercury Retrograde has a reputation as being a negative experience that brings chaos and confusion into life, often creating feelings of anxiety and frustration. What if, however, it could be a time of achieving greater mental clarity instead? If so, this could lead to better decision-making, reducing anxiety and chaos–the exact opposite effect of what's normally attributed to Mercury Retrograde.
Parent, Child, the 12th House and Relationships in Later Life
A relationship is much more than Venus and the 7th house. Early youth experiences, the relationship between parents and the relationship between parent and child are influencing adult relationships in an unconscious way but are way more influential than we think. An in-depth astrological analysis.
Patterns Formed in the Cauldron of Relationship - The Davison Midpoint Chart
People eventually fall into habitual patterns of behavior in relationships. The Davison chart clearly shows these default dynamics and follows their development over time. The Davison chart offers unique features that the Composite chart doesn’t. We’ll explore the key differences and explain the advantages. Working with the Davison chart enriches your ability to interpret relationship patterns.
Astrology of Reputation: Navigating Public Image, Scandal, and Client Attraction
Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor · Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor
Vedic astrologers make a distinction between an individual’s character and the image they project to the world. We will delve into the concept of reputation through the Ārūḍha Lagna, offering practical insights on how to enhance a client public image. We will examine actions that may damage one’s reputation with timing of scandal or smear campaigns. And we will explore the types of clients one can attract for effectively supporting a private practice or retail enterprise.
The Light of my Life: An Introduction to Solar Arcs
This talk will briefly explain the difference between transits and progressions and then show how solar arc directions arise as a symbolic expression of the Sun’s significance by using the movement of the secondary progressed Sun as a base line of meaning for all the planets. Solar Arc directions animate the power of the Sun’s meaning through time, creating a sense of the animating power of the Sun’s light over the course of your life.
Navigating Saturn Returns: Three Opportunities to Evolve
The Saturn return cycle marks key life turning points and potential to resolve karmic themes. Each return offers a chance to slow down, reevaluate, and rebuild, maturing for the next stage of life. By understanding and embracing the lessons of these pivotal cycles, we can release what no longer serves us and proactively build anew. Embracing the hard work with patience and focus leads to evolution—fulfilling soul’s purpose in each phase of life.
This lecture explores the Moon’s influence on health through a planet-to-planet medical astrology lens. We’ll examine how different planetary combinations shape health predispositions and psychosocial dynamics. Learn how the Moon’s placement reflects your approach to self-nurturing and how to shift your internal narrative for improved well-being. Gain valuable insights into the connection between emotional and physical health and tools for healing.
Food: A Journey through the 12 Houses in Medical Astrology
It is said that the food you eat can be your greatest medicine or your slowest poison. Kira will explore the connection between each of the twelve houses and your attitude to nutrition and food. From eating habits and cravings to nutrient absorption and deficiencies, discover how your natal chart blueprint reflects your body’s most important needs and challenges.
Introduction to Research: Basic Ideas, Topics, and Tools
Are you interested in research but don’t know where to begin? This session will provide an overview of the basic concepts. What are different types of research and what questions can they answer? What are some important research findings and what do they mean for astrological practice? What are the important concepts that you need to know? What tools are available?
The presentation will focus on the practical application of Electional Astrology, which will be demonstrated through sample charts. Basic rules will be provided and used to evaluate acceptability of an electional chart given the desired outcome. Emphasis will be placed on marriage and divorce election charts including a future wedding date in 2027.
The Rides of Phaethon & Ra: Adventures Through the Houses
Brandon uses self-written reimaginings of the myths of Helios' Son Phaethon, followed by the Egyptian Sun God Ra, to give clever narrative explanations of the topics of the Houses. The secondary objectives are helping the audience clearly understand Primary-Motion and Sect, through the exciting stories of these Solar Deities.
In this lecture we will examine the basics of astro-meteorology and examine the signatures of extreme weather patterns using historical, present day and upcoming weather event charts. We will explore these patterns and how humanity can better prepare for our changing global climate.
The shift of Outer Planets into new signs herald a change in the collective consciousness of human beings. Pluto into air Aquarius activates a 248 year change of thought and community. Neptune into fiery Aries initiates a 164 year cycle of beliefs societies are willing to fight and die for. Uranus into Airy communicative Gemini offers an 84 year assessment of competing beliefs. All three in a talent trine offers myriad opportunities for us!!
How to Read the “Dharma Chart” (Heliocentric) with the “Karma Chart” (Geocentric)
MI/MI State Room - 6th floor, 6th floor · MI/MI State Room - 6th floor, 6th floor
Determining the Chart of your Tribe or Archetype and the chart of your karmic situation and Life Path. Includes free downloadable notes.
Sharing insights from a five-decade journey in astrology, I will focus on how to navigate the path to a professional practice. Essential topics include the various branches of astrology, the importance of education and training, finding a niche, setting realistic goals, and the importance of ethics. Attendees will be encouraged to pursue their passion for astrology with confidence and integrity. Audience participation is invited.
In ancient astrology, evaluating a planet’s activity based on its relationship to the Sun was as essential as considering its sign and house placements. The solar phase cycle unveils different facets of a planet’s nature, behavior, the waxing and waning of its power, and the timing of its fruition. Relating such concepts as visibility, elongation, speed, stations, and retrogrades makes understanding this cycle fundamental to our modern practice.
A Survey of Symmetrical Astrology
Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor · Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor
This talk will define all the elements of Symmetrical Astrology. From the history and use of tools like the 360 and 90 dials, Polar Azimuthal Projection, Graphic Ephemerides, Tables and material that underlies their use to the philosophic basis underlying the ideas to how it all is applied. This exciting modern system of astrology is the wave of the future and illustrates the great potential of modern thinking. This talk is suitable for all astrologers.
Tajika Vedic astrology is a system of astrology that developed alongside Persian astrology as Western astrology was transitioning from reliance on Indian calculations to Greek methods. There is enormous crossover and similarities between that system of Vedic astrology and the Hellenistic/Arabic systems. Different zodiacs and timing methods but many shared concepts. It shows the mutual respect between cultures and sciences.
Lake Michigan Cruise
none, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA · none, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA
Buses start departing from the hotel at 6:30 pm. You are welcome to walk, or take the trolly to Navy Pier.
Awaken and restore with mindful movement at the United Astrology Conference! Sessions will include a mix of yoga, somatic practices, breathwork, and meditation to support your body and nervous system for a fulfilling conference experience. Led by Ashley Katzakian, a yoga instructor, Ayurvedic practitioner, and intuitive astrologer based in Portland, OR; Ashley's holistic approach blends Eastern and Western traditions to guide healing, self-discovery, and transformation. *yoga mats are not provided.
Registration & Hospitality
Registration Booth - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA · Registration Booth - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA
Market Place/Tradeshow
Chicago Ballroom - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA · Chicago Ballroom - 5th floor, Marriott Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL, USA
The Philosophy of Theurgy: Reality, Evil, and the Divine
This lecture explores the philosophical foundations of theurgy, examining its approach to the nature of reality, the problem of evil, and the role of divine presence. We will consider how theurgy reconciles human suffering with a sacred cosmos and how nondualism shapes one’s relationship with the gods. Through Neoplatonic and Hermetic perspectives, we will uncover the transformative power of theurgy in bridging the human and the divine.
The partial or total disappearances of the Sun and Moon have been harbingers of foreboding since the dawn of time. Being born on this phenomenon is traditionally described as having a “predestined” life. These “black spots” on the luminaries and their zodiacal degrees leave an indelible impression. Learn contemporary insights into ancient superstitions and discover a new definition of “fate.”
2026 – The Venus Star Point Return of the USA
MI/MI State Room - 6th floor, 6th floor · MI/MI State Room - 6th floor, 6th floor
The Venus Star cycle is 251 years, synched nearly to the Pluto cycle of 248 years. In November 2026 the US chart will experience its first ever Venus Star Point Return, having just completed its first ever Pluto return in 2023-24. The years before, during and after these two major cycles converging are dynamic pivot points for the US and the world. We will look at the chart of the US, these two returns and the impact they will have on the nation.
Major Upheavals of History Founded in the Declination of Neptune and Pluto
A fascinating historical cycle of 40 in multiple examples resounds over the centuries and ironically in Neptune’s four seasons of declination. Add Pluto and together they signal timing of world upheavals, such as the fall of Constantinople, the American Revolutionary war and many more. Could this be the source of the ancient saeculum, the unit of history discovered by the Etruscans and written about by Strauss and Howe in The Fourth Turning?
Planetary bodies in any aspect to the moon’s nodal axis are feature contributors to the soul’s ongoing journey. Planets at a ninety-degree angle to the moon’s nodes, are at a critical stage of development. Referred to as a “skipped step” by evolutionary astrologers, this chart signature holds the potential to stall or accelerate the pace of one’s evolution. This lecture will demonstrate how to assess skipped steps and their potential resolutions.
The Pre-Natal Lunation
Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor · Great American Room - 6th floor, 6th floor
This is one of the five traditional considerations in delineating a natal chart, known as the five places of life, offering vital insights and supporting predictive time lord techniques. It highlights major life aspects not easily visible at first glance. The lunation cycle, tied to our birth, plays a key role in life’s themes. Examining the prenatal chart and its position provides essential background for understanding the natal chart's unfolding story.
Will this illness kill me? Does this medicine work? Is the doctor any good? Do I need this surgery? When will I feel better? All these questions and more are clearly answered by traditional horary techniques. Using real life examples, we’ll see how to approach and answer these types of questions.
If you’ve ever argued with yourself, you already understand parts. Planets are doorways to your parts with their individual needs and desires. There’s an illusion that our parts are all supposed to get on the same page and cohere into some integrated “self.” That’s impossible and sounds pretty boring. Your parts don’t have to agree. You can get to know them better, and all move forward together. Join me to actively engage more of your parts, from the chart to life.
Have you ever wondered about the astrological influences at work when a deceased individual resurfaces in our awareness? It turns out that the handwriting on the wall of the cosmos continues to reverberate. We’ll explore the astrological configurations at play when the works or life of a departed soul return to prominence. See how our imprint evolves long after we’ve departed our earthly shell.
Discover Your Soul Business in 5 Steps Through Energy Astrology
In every natal chart, there is a point of greatest challenge—your Achilles’ heel—and at the same time, a point of highest potential. Your true purpose emerges from the connection between these two forces. In this lecture, you will learn how to identify your key challenge and your core gift, and how their integration reveals a clear direction for your soul work and business.