Verso University Presents: Astrology for the Advanced Beginner

Course Dates: September 11, 18, & 25, 2-3 pm

Registration Fee: $25 (Includes printed chart and all class materials.)

Course Details

If you’ve ever wondered what lies beyond your daily horoscope, this course offers your first look into the deeper language of astrology. Over three weeks, you’ll explore the key elements that shape your birth chart — and what they reveal about your inner world.

Led by local author, astrologer, and intuitive guide Maria Sofia Marmanides, this course uses your own natal chart as the foundation. You’ll walk away with a stronger understanding of astrology’s symbolic system and how to begin interpreting your chart — and others — with confidence and clarity. This course is designed for thoughtful beginners ready to move beyond pop astrology and into the language of the stars. 

Important note: Upon registration, please provide your birth date, time, and location so you can receive a printed copy of your personal birth chart on the first day of class.

Course Structure

Session 1: Meet the Cast — The Planets & Their Roles

We’ll start with the core drivers of your chart: the planets (including the sun and moon.) Each one represents a fundamental energy — like how you communicate, take action, or experience emotion. You’ll get to know the “who” behind the chart.

Session 2: Understand the Signs — Energy, Expression & Element

Next, we’ll explore how the zodiac signs shape planetary expression. Learn about the 12 signs through their elements (fire, earth, air, water), modalities (cardinal, fixed, mutable), and temperaments to decode their symbolic language and tone.

Session 3: Explore the Houses — Life Areas & Activations

Finally, we’ll connect it all to real life. The 12 houses show where planetary energies show up — in areas like identity, relationships, career, and purpose. This session brings it all together with real chart examples and guided interpretation.

Resources

You will be provided with:

• Astrology Basics Cheat Sheet (PDF)
• A quick-reference guide to planets, signs, houses, and aspects

Recommended Books

• The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology: Everything from Zodiac Signs to Prediction, Made Easy and Entertaining by April Elliott Kent – A clear and accessible starting point for modern astrology.
• Astrology: Using the Wisdom of the Stars in Your Everyday Life by Carole Taylor – A beautifully designed visual guide to astrology fundamentals.
• The Inner Sky: How to Make Wiser Choices for a More Fulfilling Life by Steven Forrest – A deeper dive into psychological and evolutionary astrology, great for those ready to go further.

Trusted Websites

• Astro.com — A great source for creating free natal charts
• Café Astrology — Tons of beginner friendly zodiac information
• Astrology.com — Information on sun signs and deeper content

About the Instructor

Maria Sofia Marmanides is an author, writer, and creative director based in Fairfield County. In addition to her decades-long career in advertising, she has published three works with Simon & Schuster: The One Card Tarot Journal, The Oracle Card Journal, and The Women of Myth Oracle Deck and Guidebook. Her writing has also appeared in both national and international publications, including Well+Good, Romper, and Woman & Home magazine. She shares astrology-based content, tarot readings, horoscopes, and tutorials on her popular blog and social media accounts, found at @MariaSofia_Astro.

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Important Information About Verso University Classes

• Classes are usually structured as a consecutive series.
• Class size is often limited.
• Each series has a one-time fee registration fee covering all classes in the series.
• Registration is mandatory.
• The Westport Library wants to ensure that all interested students are able to participate in Verso University courses. If the registration fee is a barrier to entry for you, please contact [email protected].

Verso University is the Library’s lifelong learning and education initiative, serving up year-round offerings of classes, workshops, and lectures designed to further education and learning. Offerings run the gamut of educational opportunities, ranging from one-time lectures to ongoing courses to classes that meet weekly or perhaps monthly.

Verso University programs are made possible by the generous support of the Nancy J. Beard Lifelong Learning and Education Fund.

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