Faculty Tutors provide instruction and support for students through a number of methods. Some tutors dedicate their teaching to London Classes, a growing number are now leading Online Classes, many teach at Summer School, and nearly all tutors offer guidance through Distance Learning via Email. Tutors for the Faculty reside in nine different countries, and they interact with students globally.
Toby Aldren
BM, BEd, ARCT, D.F.Astrol.S.
Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email, Online Classes)
Toby’s interest in astrology grew from his father’s love of the night sky, his sister’s ability to quote from Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs, and his own appreciation for cycles and patterns in music and mathematics. Originally a school teacher by trade, Toby enrolled with the Faculty in 1997, earning the Faculty Scholarship for his Certificate exam results the following year. He explored other avenues of astrological study for a while, then returned to the Faculty in 2010, earning the Diploma by 2013. Toby lives on the west coast of Canada in the rural community of Halfmoon Bay.
Nancy Angel
BA Hons (dunelm) D.F.Astrol.S.
Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email)
Nancy has been practicing as an astrologer for many years. Before embarking on her astrological studies she undertook training with the Psychosynthesis and Education Trust. Inspired by the work of Assagioli and Jung her interest is in the synthesis of all areas of the personality in a holistic way. She seeks to explore the power of the symbol to connect the individual to the universal and to thus to engage with the mystery of the human psyche. As a tutor her interest is in facilitating the student in becoming an astrologer in their own way. Nancy received the Margaret Hone Award and Cordelia Mansall Veritas Award. She lives in the Scottish Highlands.
Itziar Azkona
MSc, D.F.Astrol.S.
Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email)
Itziar studied Sociology and Politics and she got an MSc at the University of Surrey in Social Research Methods. Since 2000, when she discovered astrology, she has walked a path to deeply study and practice astrology, especially since enrolling with the Faculty. In her commitment with astrology, Itziar actively serves in some volunteer roles: she represents ISAR (International Society for Astrological Research) as a Global Director in Spain, and she is one of the editors of Revista Stellium, the main Astrological eMagazine in Spanish. As a professional, she teaches and she facilitates personal initiations through astrology.
Marielle Churaqui
MA, D.F.Astrol.S.
Council Member & Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email, Online Classes)
Marielle was born in France but has lived in the UK for most of her adult life. She has had a passion for astrology ever since she can remember. She trained with the Faculty and gained her diploma in 2008. She has been seeing clients ever since. She really enjoys the magic of charts coming alive during consultations. Her approach is a blend of the psychological with the spiritual. In 2012 she obtained an MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology from the University of Lampeter. Marielle lives in London with her husband and two young children.
Frances Clynes
Ph.D, MA, M.Sc., B.Sc., D.F.Astrol.S.
Vice President, Online Learning Manager & Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email & Online Classes)
Frances began studying astrology in 1987 with the Irish Astrological Association. She has been practising and teaching since 1989. In 2007, Frances was awarded an MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology by Bath Spa University and, in 2016, a PhD from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. She is currently Lead Tutor in the Astrology, History, Spirit and Soul module and the Dissertation module at the Sophia Centre for the Study of Cosmology in Culture. Watch Frances’s Video
Darby Costello
Hon. D.F.Astrol.S.
Guest Tutor (London Classes)
Darby has been an astrologer for more than half her life and is engaged in many layers of the astrological community. She taught at the Centre for Psychological Astrology from 1988 and lectures and teaches internationally. She has written several books: Astrology (with Lindsay Radermacher); The Astrological Moon; Water and Fire; and Earth and Air. She also co-authored The Mars Quartet with Lynn Bell, Liz Greene and Melanie Reinhart. Darby was awarded the MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology at Bath Spa University in 2006. She received the Charles Harvey Award in 2013. Her consultation practice is at the heart of her working life as an astrologer. Watch Darby’s Video
Cat Cox
B. Sc (Hons), MA, D.F.Astrol.S.
Faculty President & Head Tutor (London Classes & Online Classes)
Cat began studying astrology in London in 1984 and was awarded the Faculty Diploma in 1996 and the MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology from Bath Spa University in 2007. Cat is the President and Head Tutor of the Faculty and has taught with the school since 2006. Her interests in healing, Jungian and transpersonal psychology, goddess spirituality and the Western Mysteries inform her approach to astrology including how we work psychologically, experientially and ritually with symbols and myth. She practices in London, loves teaching and over time has come to view her work with charts as a spiritual practice. Watch Cat’s Video
Penny de Abreu
D.F.Astrol.S.
Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email)
Penny gained her Diploma and the Margaret Hone award in 2001 having studied astrology for many years while working in the National Health Service. She particularly likes teaching students at the beginning of their studies as well as supporting and encouraging them in a supervisory capacity as they begin doing consultations. She runs occasional small groups for absolute beginners in South London and enjoys introducing astrology to those who are not currently able to study formally. She is also interested in genealogy and how astrological themes are passed down the generations. Her husband was born on the island of Madeira which she visits frequently and enjoys speaking Portuguese with family and friends. Watch Penny’s Video
Eric Fischmann MA, D.F.Astrol.S.
Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email)
Eric spent his early years in Australia and South Africa before travelling the world extensively. His geographical wanderings came to an end at the age of 21, when he met with Astrology. This launched him on a different kind of voyage that led him to become a student of Astrology. At the same time, he undertook a training programme in Psychosynthesis. He started studying with the Faculty in 2006 while developing an astrological practice in the South West of France, where he lives. Eric also holds an MA in English and American Studies. He is a certified teacher of English as a Second Language to adult entry-level students, as well as faculty and university staff members at the University of Bordeaux. Watch Eric’s video.
Mark Fountain
D.F.Astrol.S.
Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email, Online Classes)
Mark Fountain combines a small astrological practice with the teaching of English as a Foreign Language which he has been doing since 1986. He became interested in astrology when he was 14 years old, embarking on a long journey which finally led to him gaining his Diploma in 1998. Originally from Gloucestershire, Mark now lives and works in the university city of Cambridge, where he relishes the chance to meet people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds on a daily basis. His other interests include History, Psychology, Art and Politics. Watch Mark’s Video
Stevi Gaydon
M.A., D.F.Astrol.S.
Faculty Tutor (Online Classes & Distance Learning via Email)
Stevi’s working life has been focused on communications. After two years as a mathematics teacher she worked in sales in the IT industry and then for 20 years was a sales, negotiation and interpersonal skills trainer working with people in business. Stevi’s interest in astrology developed from 2003 when she began studying with the Faculty. She gained her Diploma in 2010 and has been a Faculty tutor since 2011, she also runs an astrological practice. Stevi gained her MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology from the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, in 2016. Watch Stevi’s Video
Stefanie Gutwenger
MSc, D.F.Astrol.S.
Council Member & Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email)
Stefanie lives in Vienna (Austria) and has been fascinated by astrology since her teenage years. In her twenties, she decided to study with the Faculty parallel to her role as a mother and her career in banking. She gained her diploma in 2019 and started to work as a professional astrologer. She particularly enjoys exchanging ideas and astrological insights with others. In her view, astrology creates an awareness which increases tolerance, openness and reconnects us with something greater than ourselves.
Alejo López
MA, D.F.Astrol.S.
Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email, Online Classes)
Alejo López is an astrologer and psychologist with a Jungian approach, currently based in Athens, Greece. Born in Argentina, he moved to Europe at the age of 23 and has since traveled extensively to study myths and spiritual practices. Alejo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is dedicated to finding sacred languages and techniques that can help people develop a dialogue with the Divine. He believes that learning astrology is a powerful tool for personal growth and guidance, and loves sharing his passion for astrology with others. Alejo practices astrology in Spain and frequently travels to other parts of Europe, the USA, and Argentina to give lectures, workshops, and consultations. Watch Alejo’s video.
Deborah Morgan
D.F.Astrol.S., B.A. Hons. S.T.A. Cert.
Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email, Online Classes)
Deborah runs her own astrological practice based in the East Midlands and specialises in using astrology for personal development work, using experiential techniques with astrology to assist clients in moving forward towards their goals. She is keenly interested in the Western Mystery Tradition, medieval literature and mythologies and their links with astrology. Deborah is currently furthering her studies in horary and electional astrology. Watch Deborah’s Video
Liz Rooke
B.A., D.F.Astrol.S, Q.H.P.
Council Secretary & Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email)
Liz was already fascinated by the night sky before discovering astrology at the age of ten. In her teens she taught herself to draw up her own chart and those of her friends. She continued her astrological journey with the Faculty, obtaining her Diploma in 1992. Subsequently she has gained qualifications in horary astrology and counselling and has been a Faculty tutor since 2019. She is one of the organisers of the Oxford Astrology Group and enjoys being part of the wider astrological community: sharing its world view and rich symbolic language with fellow astrologers at the Faculty Summer School, AA Conference and other events. She also has a BA in English Literature.
Mercedes Simón
D.F.Astrol.S.
Mercedes is an astrologer, architect, and seeker of spiritual knowledge. Since her youth, she has been interested in the mystical dimension of life. She graduated in Architecture in Madrid in 2005 and spent several years immersed in architectural work and research until, in 2009, she decided to change her professional path to align with her deepest vocation. She then began dedicating herself to the in-depth study and practice of spirituality, Kabbalah, and Astrology, earning the Faculty Diploma in 2022. Her astrological work encompasses a broad spectrum, from natal chart readings and soul-searching consultations, to the exploration of planetary patterns throughout history. Mercedes lives in Spain and travels often to the UK.
Lisa Stockley
D.F.Astrol.S.
Director of Studies, Council Member & Faculty Tutor (London Classes, Online Classes & Distance Learning via Email)
Lisa began studying astrology twenty years ago, a journey which led to gaining the Faculty diploma in 2018. She runs an astrological practice in north London, in between wrangling a young family. Her special interest is astrology as a spiritual practice and she works deeply with the symbolism of both astrology and the tarot. She serves on the Faculty Council as well as tutoring online classes and by distance learning.
Stefano Stracuzzi
D.F.Astrol.S.
Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email)
Stefano is Italian and in 2022 he gained the Faculty’s Diploma with distinction, winning the Melanie Reinhart Award for an exceptionally good live consultation. His maritime background as a navigator of the merchant navy contributed to his geographical and astronomical knowledge. In 2020 he launched a project called Global Evolution Astrology, through which he publishes content about his mundane research. Also, he is the author of two books: The Cosmic Journey: Astrology Beyond the Self and Mundane Astrology: Outer Cycles Beyond Pluto.
Alison Finlay
MA, D.F.Astrol.S.
Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email)
Alison studied modern languages at the University of Edinburgh. In her professional life, she was in the field of marketing where she worked across many different industry sectors. She subsequently became interested in holistic healing methods and this inspired her to study and retrain in other healing modalities. Developing a client led practise prompted her to explore the world of coaching and mentoring and she studied for a Postgraduate Certificate in Executive Coaching.
Her introduction to Astrology was sparked by her mum’s own interest. With this initial curiosity, she attended her local astrology group in her home town of Glasgow. Evening classes ensued until her formal studies began with the Faculty in 2015 and she gained her Diploma in 2023. Alison enjoys both one to one client work and supporting others in their astrological learning journey.
Mónica Teixeira
B.Sc., D.F.Astrol.S.
Council Member, Head of Exams & Faculty Tutor (Distance Learning via Email)
Mónica lives in Portugal and started to learn Humanistic Astrology in 1996. In 2007, she began her studies with the Faculty, obtaining the Faculty’s Certificate in 2010 and its Diploma in 2015. She has been a Council member since 2019 and the Head of Exams since 2022. She likes to explore and combine different astrological techniques, but she has a special interest in Midpoints and Harmonics, maybe due her scientific background. Teaching is something that she really likes but it’s in her consultation practice that she feels how Astrology makes a difference in people’s lives. Mónica worked in the healthcare IT industry for 20 years – first as a software engineer, and then as head of quality & human resources. She holds a Licenciatura in Informatics from the University of Lisbon.
Dragana Van de moortel-Ilić
M.A., D.F.Astrol.S.
Council Member, Summer School Programme Co-ordinator & Faculty Tutor (Online Classes & Module 9 London Classes)
Dragana lives in Belgium and Serbia, and has been working as a professional astrologer since 1990. She gives courses, workshops and lectures and works with clients in English, Dutch, and Serbian. Besides her astrological lectures, she also lectures on the cosmological elements in medieval Serbian iconography. Dragana also has a Diploma from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (Chemistry) and an MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology. Watch Dragana’s Video