The first day of the 2009 OPA retreat will consist of presentations by five different astrologers to demonstrate different levels of chart reading.

We recognize that many astrologers stumble when they move from astrological information to chart reading. Many classes and conferences teach astrology and there are now many ways to learn consulting skills, but the process of reading a chart has been overlooked.  Quite often people who learn astrology fail to get started in practice because they don't know what to do with what they have learned.  They are daunted by the challenge of making astrological information relevant to clients. We address this issue by showing various approaches to this skill of turning planetary symbols into meaningful storylines that reflect the client's life. 
Each Astrologer will give a one hour presentation highlighting a specific aspect of chart reading; a 30-minute chart reading (using his or her particular method) will be followed by a 30 minute period of questions, answers and discussion among all the participants. 

We begin with a reading of the natal chart of a public figure.  The purpose is to demonstrate how we move beyond the individual meaning of the planets in signs, houses, and aspects to understanding the story line of the person's life as seen through the symbols.

The second chart reading will integrate transits and progressions with the natal chart to demonstrate how a chart can reveal a person's life on a time line.

The third chart presentation will be a live demonstration using a participant at the retreat.  Our presenter will read the chart in response to a question or issue of concern.  This is to demonstrate how an astrologer works with a problem that their client brings to the session.

The fourth chart reading for the day demonstrates some simple techniques that can be used by anyone using any system. We show how the astrologer can gain information by virtue of the planet’s zodiacal relationship to each other.

The fifth chart reading will show how an astrologer handles an annual reading for a recurring client.  Our purpose here is to demonstrate the way in which a foundation is put in place for ongoing work with a client.

The first day of the OPA retreat is known for its quality and depth of useful information. We continue in this tradition by offering OPA retreat participants a superb and unique day of teaching on this nuts and bolts topic of how to read a chart.