Is there an ideal order for taking the courses?

@ernst 

I understand and empathize with you; ultimately one will skip around and make a choice based on a multitude of factors. My studying here is a good example of that, as I had to explore western astrology a bit before deciding on Vedic.

But then, as you said, Core Yogas and Yogas of Character have a practical edge over the Nakshaktras, etc. By extension, regardless of the order one will actually take classes, some courses are more practical than others, some more principle centered, others foundational or (else) supported, others more in line with the most commonly called-on and practical techniques useful for a general reading (what I meant by “meat and potatoes”).

To clarify, I am seeking a sense of the terrain, not for someone to proscribe a one-size-fits-all study plan. As you say, we all have our own path to navigate the topless mountains of information and make choices. Categorical sifting is a core part of my own process, but certainly not the final word. This is why I noted in my original post that "I understand that apart from the basic courses, one may skip around."

So, in this light I am still curious: Are the Jaimini Audio Courses recommended but not required prerequisites to the Concrete Chart Analysis with Jaimini? And would it, together with the Yoga and Prasna courses, be the most generally practical, yet technically centered, and accessible options after leaving the basics? Have I identified the other "meat and potato" courses?

@rajan 

Thank you for the feedback and lists. You provided exactly what I was looking for.

My intention was to get general feedback from others about what order they found helpful for whatever reason (practical, pedagogical, logical, personal, economical, spiritual). Everyone is different and will have their reasons. I am open to anyone’s advice and perspective, so long as it is a perspective and not a cloak for dismissal.

Whether one actually follows the order they set for themselves as optimal is a separate question from the value of having a list in the first place. It is at least helpful to have a map that could prevent one from taking calculus before arithmetic.

An example of my own: I discovered a bit late that reading Vault of the Heavens along with the beginner courses really helped. That book gave me a broad overview of the scope of what the range of Ernst’s courses might offer in more detail. Thus, I would recommend beginning students read the relevant chapters from that book as they confront the corresponding ideas in the basic courses. Of course, this comes with the following caveat: Since publishing that book Ernst has updated, revised, or else refined some of his views, so one should keep an eye out for differences and adapt to the later views accordingly.

As far as following whatever pulls one is: that is, of course, the only option left at the end. I find that the preliminary due diligence of an informed and critical (in the philosophical sense) intuitionist approach to methodology and praxeology is not only preferable but inescapable. Deciding not to have a method is itself a choice based on a theory of method. However, the merely mention and use of critical method does not mean one cannot also use intuition. Some A is B, does not Imply some A is not B. Faith and reason, analogously, are not mutually exclusive. 

As in fiction writing, one should at least have a basic plot outline before beginning the writing. With the outline in place, the author can safely chose to write the chapters in any order and feel confident the parts will all come together in the end to form an integrated whole.

Is it problematic that I have a list? 90% of my list is literally just a co-mixture and compilation of Ernst’s (1) Curriculum, (2) Study Guide, (3) Study Track, and (4) Course Catalog. I used the website's course headings and groupings to update and bring it all together. I added the books at the end. (Sadly, my Ketu has been called to order as a result. ...sigh)

A lot of my concern centers around how to fit in the Jaimini, Taijika, and Specialization courses into the mix. It is hard to tell as a beginner what is calculus and what is arithmetic.
Given the scope and complexity of Vedic astrology, jumping around and following one’s bliss and whim seems suspect, and also not in accord with my life experience in nearly every other field of study. Astrology is hard enough, add to that the confusion of the various sankrit terms, Vedic cosmological concepts and dogmas, etc., and things get intense pretty quick.

More personally, I tried to get into some of the “specialization” course previously (about two years ago; including Shad Bala and Relationships) after going through the basics. However, I felt like I must have missed something to the point I gave up in favor of the western approach. So, yeah, I followed by bliss right into a wall.

@rajan 

1. How foundational is Shad Bala. From what I can tell, it seems to have a hand in almost everything, and yet it is not listed as a fundamental.

2. As far as the Avastha courses, what is your recommend order?

• Interpreting Avasthas
• More Lajjitaadi Avastha Interpretations
• Lajjitaadi Avasthas Master’s Course
• Lajjitaadi Avasthas – The Heart of Parashara
• Predicting with Avasthas
• Interpreting Deeptaadi Avasthas

3. As far as the Rahu/Ketu courses, what is your recommend order?

• Mastering Rahu & Ketu
• The Hows & Whys of Rahu
• Healing Rahu & Ketu