If your stars align, you might find yourself in Almonte next week for course on astrology. Astrologer Jane Hirst, who lives in Drummond/North Elmsley Township, will offer a course on the subject each Wednesday for five weeks, starting April 6.  “This can only be a basic introduction to astrology,” Hirst said. While some people do confuse astrology for astronomy, Hirst noted that, “it’s very difficult to separate the two.”

While people are familiar with concepts like the zodiac, and being born under a certain star, Hirst is quick to point out that astrology is based on mathematical science like spherical trigonometry. “I use a computer program…to calculate the movement of the planets in the solar system,” she said. “It is based on scientific facts.”The courses will be offered at Soul Scents, 42 Mill St., Almonte, at 7 p.m. Each of the five sessions runs for about 90 minutes.

Another aspect of astrology that Hirst will look at with her students will be the integration of science and art. “The science is very straightforward. It is what it is,” said Hirst. But the pictures that the stars create in the night sky, which are always changing, paint a compelling picture of their own.

“You are building a picture with all of the planets,” said Hirst. “You start with the sun. You work with the signs that they are all in. You build on the angular relations that they are in, which houses they are in. It’s like a wonderful vegetable soup.”Another misnomer that Hirst hopes to dispel in her course is that astrology is fixed, because the movement of the planets themselves are not fixed.

“People are often afraid to see me because they think that what I’m going to tell them will be bad and there is nothing that they can do to change it,” said Hirst. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”Instead, she sees astrology as offering “a guide…to help people make positive choices in their lives.”Those interested in booking a spot for the course can call the store at 1-866-347-0651, or 613-256-6322. Each class costs $20.