Learn About: Astrology

Build a Relationship with the Stars

Learn About: Astrology

Astrology literally means the logos of the stars. Now, breaking down logos warrants an article all its own, but we can go with a couple of commonly understand meanings:

  • language
  • logic
  • discipline of knowledge or learning

Astrology as the Language of the Stars

If we think of astrology as the language of the stars, then it's easy to understand how and why astrology is used to make sense of the stories of our lives.

Astrology's predictive timing techniques can tell us about the characters entering and leaving our lives by looking at what the planets are doing in the sky, and how that relates to our birth charts. They can tell us too when it is we'll be changing chapters (or whole books) in the weeks, months, or years ahead.

If you've ever hopped onto astrotwitter or listen to two astrology nerds going off on their shared special interest you've likely heard what sounded like an entirely other language than the one you thought they were speaking before astrology entered the conversation.

Astrologers affectionately call that astrologese and it can be both a blessing and a curse when you're tyring to learn astrology. On the one hand, once you get it, you can pack a lot of information into just a few sentences. On the other, if you don't, it can make astrology seems hopelessly confusing and useless. While it can be confusing, especially while you're learning, the latter bit (the useless) couldn't be further from the truth.

Demystify that astro-jargon over on the astrology slang cheat sheet page.

Bear Ryver’s Astrology Slang Cheat Sheet
Learn the meaning of the most used and obscure astro lingo.

Astrology as the Logic of the Stars

From Aristotelean to Platonic and neo-Platonic philosophy, to simple metaphors and anologies build on observed celestial phenomena, there are many ways to approach a logic of the stars. And these are just entry ways through 'natural philosophy' that understands the stars as materially real.

We can also enter into the logic of the stars by understanding them not as celestial bodied but as celestial beings.

You'll hear Bear talk a fair bit about this perspective based on his understanding of his indigenous ancestor's beliefs, but this perspective isn't necessary to follow along with Bear's forecasts, or to benefit from time in session with him.

Whether you take a purely rational materialist view or a wholly metaphysical and spiritual view of the stars, there's a logic to the way the fixed stars, constellations, planets, images, Zodiac, and all the rest interplay and work together.


Astrology as a Discipline of Knowledge

Here it's important to understand that a discipline is training given to a disciple, who is one that understands or analyzes something thoroughly.

Astrology here must be understood not just as a theoretical discipline but a discipline predicated on praxis - that is the practical and pragmatic implementation of of what one knows and understands.

It matters then, how one approaches and understands astrology – is it a language, a logic, a discipline to be practiced? Surely it can be many or any of these at any particular moment.


Learn Astrology with Bear

Learn Astrology with Bear Ryver

There's a lot to learn about astrology.

Bear has lectured at conferences like NORWAC and ISAR, presenting on topics such as Intersectionality, community in astrology, and on the Jupiter/Neptune cycle. He's also presented workshops on working with the Moon for organizations like Fresh Voices, the Eleventh House, and WSAA.

Bear's also taught his Intersectional Astrology class to students at the Portland School of Astrology each semester since 2020.

But he has yet to offer an introductory astrology course. Writing his book is top priority for 2023, but he's been working on two courses: Intersectional Astrology and Elementals of Astrology. Tentative plans are to launch both in late 2023 or early 2024.

When the launch is imminent more information will come. Be sure you're signed up for the newsletter to get your earliest shot at securing a spot in the class when registration opens.


Pages and Articles to Help You Learn More About Astrology

You can peruse the posts, pages, and articles linked below to learn more about:

Learn About the Planets in Astrology
The planets in astrology are the actors of the chart.
Click here to learn about the Planets in Astrology.
Learn about the Signs in Astrology
The gives the tones, vibes, and colors of astrology.
Click here to learn about the Signs in Astrology
Bear Ryver’s Astrology Slang Cheat Sheet
Learn the meaning of the most used and obscure astro lingo.
Click here to learn about astro lingo, slang, obscure words and more

Connect with astrologer Bear Ryver

Have Questions About Astrology?

Do you have questions about how astrology works? Prefer one-on-one office hours style conversation to learning in small groups or webinars?

Bear offers tutoring and study hours! If you're looking to understand how to put the pieces together or want a second set of eyes on your work as you practice with your chart Bear is happy to help. Students of Bear's will have priority sign-up for classes when they launch late 2023 / early 2024.

To learn more about Bear's astrological certifications and studies visit this page.
If you have questions about what types of techniques Bear can help you learn send an email to: contact@bearryver.com

If you're ready to schedule a study session you can book a session below.


Bear Ryver is a professional astrologer helping his clients hone strategies for grounded growth and embodied empowerment by bringing them back to the BASICS. Winner of OPA’s Most Promising Astrologer in 2018, Bear has lectured at conferences like NORWAC and ISAR. He holds certifications in Hellenistic, Electional, and Horary astrology, and specializes in Intersectional Astrology. He was a teacher for the Portland School of Astrology, and has volunteered as a mentor for AFAN. When he’s not talking stars, or pulling cards, you can find him climbing rocks and playing guitar.