Certifications & Education

I aim to bring much more than just active listening, gentle encouragement, and fierce compassion to my consultations. I'm equally committed to technical rigor, accuracy, and professional humility.

While I've earned several certifications, and I continue to pursue advanced training, I'm happy to refer you to trusted colleagues if you're seeking techniques outside my area of practice.

Certifications and Training

Austin Coppock's Fundamentals of Astrology

In 2023 I completed Austin Coppock's Fundamentals of Astrology course in order to hone my ability with remediation, and deepen my knowledge of the history and tradition of the art.

I'm currently a TA for the Year One cohort, and working on my graduation project.

Chris Brennan's Astrology School

Hellenistic Astrology

I began my studies of Hellenistic Astrology as a skeptic, truth be told. Having spent my teens and early twenties studying "modern" (Psychological, Humanistic, and Evolutionary astrologies), I wanted to be able to make an educated case against such notions as "malefic" and "benefic" assignations of the planets. Instead, I found that the ancient astrologers were just as attuned to ritual, power, and politics as the most critical theorist today. I went on to earn my certification in Hellenistic Astrology in 2019 - with the support of a 2019 Study Stipend awarded by the Association for Astrological Networking (AFAN).

Electional Astrology

Thanks to that same Study Stipend I was able to pursue certification in Electional Astrology with Chris too, earning my certification in 2020.

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Electional Astrology is the art of finding auspicious times for important ventures - deliberately initiating activities when the stars actually are aligned to support one's intended aim.

School of Traditional Astrology

Horary Astrology

I'm also a certified Horary Practitioner, having successfully completed my course of study with STA in the fall of 2019.

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Horary Astrology is the art of answering questions with astrology. Unlike natal and electional astrology - which look to the chart that belongs to the moment a person, place, or thing came into being - horary astrology looks at the chart for the moment a question is posed to the astrologer. This branch of astrology is famous for 'finding lost things' but can do much more than that.

Other Teacher's I've Studied with

In addition to the programs I've completed, I've also had the privilege of studying with: Sam Reynolds, Kay Taylor, Sonja Francis, and Danny Picard (from whom I received Usui Reiki I - III attunements and training).

In addition to those teachers that I've worked with formally, I'm perpetually working to hone my craft and engage my peers and elders in the field. I've met monthly for the last three years with a group of colleagues exchanging feedback and professional support.

Teaching and Tutoring

In addition to consulting, and continuously honing my skills as a practitioner, I've also been teaching astrology and planetary magic for the last several years. Some of my past lectures, workshops, and conference talks are available to watch (for free) on my YouTube channel, click here.

In the past I've taught my own courses, and I've been a guest teacher for the Portland School of Astrology, Synchronicity University, and the Rooted Global Village.

You can also find me co-teaching with Jenn Zahrt at Kepler College, and working with the other teacher's assistants in Austin's Fundamentals of Astrology program.

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.