Nodoor
As many of you know, my time in China grew from those initial visits of a few weeks each year to a few months, to eventually full-time.
Those many book signing events, lectures and workshops occupied some of my visits, but my greatest love was making contributions to Nodoor or “Ruò Dao” as its spelled in pinyin and pronounced in Chinese. As a co-founder with Felicia Jiang, I contracted through my US corporation - David R. Railey Astrologer Inc., to bring teachers to China and help in the development of Nodoor’s curriculum.
The name “Nodoor” emerged out of discussions in 2010. We initially liked it because of how it sounded in Chinese – Ruò Dao 若道 (pronounced like row dow) which literally means “if so,” but is generally understood to mean “it seems the path.” It was easy to say in Chinese and easy to remember and we liked its meaning. However, if “no door” is translated literally in Chinese its “mei men” 没门. People will say of something that can’t be solved or fixed, “mei men” i.e., no door into this – like Americans will say “no way” meaning there’s no way this can be fixed or solved. We thought this double meaning was funny, considering people’s attitudes about astrology, meaning there’s “no way this could work.” It’s like we were saying “yep, no way” but smiling because we know it does work. Then we discovered later that there was a Zen Buddhist concept of “no door” that meant no door between you and “enlightenment,” no door between the so called spiritual and material worlds – that separation is an illusion, a concept made pivotal by Zen Master Joshū (Chin., Zhaozhōu; 778 – 897). I also added my own phrase to the meaning, see below – and then some years later found this cartoon.
Nodoor was our brainchild…
Me and Nodoor co-founder Felicia Jiang in 2011
During my book tour in 2010 Felicia and I saw that many young people were interested in learning more about astrology. Originally, we wanted to simply sell astrological reports, but the turnout for workshops and the interest in classes evolved into increasingly more sophisticated programs. In 2013 we became an ISAR Affiliated School (International Society for Astrological Research) and launched a 2-year Core Curriculum that required 3 elective courses as well. Our primary focus remains our Nodoor School of astrology, though we continue to sell reports and moved our platform away from our website to mobile, developing our own app while utilizing WeChat and other platforms.
Me, Conrad Wang, and Felicia Jiang in Dec 2020
The Nodoor School of Astrology
When I think of all the people that have contributed to the growth and development of the Nodoor School of Astrology I am truly in awe. This section of my website hardly does justice to the many people that are a part of that story. You can glimpse more of them in our documentary Astrology in China, which I hope you will watch. However, keep scrolling down and you’ll learn more about Nodoor, and see photos of staff past and present and teachers past and present, along with our dedicated students - all whom have made Nodoor what it is today, the premier school for learning how to become a professional astrologer in modern China.
Steven Forrest 2015
Nodoor’s Team
Nodoor is a Chinese Company, with 14 fulltime employees, and 7 parttime:
Felicia Jiang – CEO
Freya Li – Director of Education
Tanya Tan – Chief Translation Editor
Lydia Lu – WeChat Director
Xiong Ying – teacher, T.A., ISAR liaison
Conrad Wang – T.A., ISAR liaison
Maggie Wang – Chief Sales Director
Echo Pan – Chief Marketing Director
TongTong – Chief Administrative Assistant
Margaret Shi – Course Consultant
Zhong Xiaoyi – Executive Assistant
TECH TEAM
Mei Sui – CTO
Lin Chenhui
Zeng Hongye
Ji Junfeng
Freya Li
Xiong Ying
Conrad Wang
Echo (Pan Yuan)
Maggie Wang
Tong Tong
Lydia Lu
Tanya Tan
Zhong Xiaoyi
Margaret Shi
Tech Team Xiamen, China
Zeng Hongye
Lin Chenhui
Ji Junfeng
Mei Sui - CTO
Nodoor Faculty
David RaileyFelicia JiangXiong YingSue TompkinsSteven ForrestCaroline JiLynn Bell Karen Hamaker ZondagRay MerrimanJackie CuiAdrian DuncanGlenn PerryNew Teachers in 2021 - Elective Courses
Christina Rodenbock - An introduction to the Asteroids
Darby Costello - The Progressed Moon
Mark Jones - The Geocentric Planetary Nodes
Nodoor Hosted Teachers since 2011
• Noel Tyl
• Jeff Jawer
• Rob Hand
• Richard Tarnas
• Juliet Sharman-Burke
• Hadley Fitzgerald
• Melanie Reinhart
• Aleksandar Imsiragic
• Chris McRae
• Jessica Garfield-Kabbara
In Remembrance…
Noel Tyl - 1936 - 2019
Noel Tyl was the first teacher I invited to be sponsored by Nodoor in 2012 (pictured above). Already a legend in the west, Noel would over the course of 4 visits to China make a lasting impression upon a young generation of Chinese astrology students. A Harvard graduate, with an earlier career in Opera, and 40-plus years of practicing astrology, Noel offered students a wealth of experience presented in eloquent and dramatic style. Those who attended his 2015 workshop in Beijing will never forget his remarkable displays of mastery that astonished us all.
In Remembrance…
Jeff Jawer - 1946 - 2015
Jeff on a boat to the Summer Palace
As most of you know, I shared a lifetime of memories with Jeff. I have many photos of us I’ll post elsewhere. Like most of our faculty, Jeff visited China teaching workshops, later teaching webinars online. Those who had the opportunity to attend his lectures and workshops in 2012 and 2013 were treated to the wit and insights of a brilliant man with a deep and understanding heart. Jeff’s life remains a testament to his commitment to personal growth. In addition, his work as a Humanistic Astrologer serves as an example of what modern astrology offers the world. Jeff was the first astrologer to introduce Astro-drama to China. He will always be one of Nodoor’s beloved teachers.
The subject matter covered in
Nodoor’s 2-year L1 – L5 program
Includes 3 electives for students wanting to become an ISAR CAP. Most classes are taught online, with workshops offline. There are at least 2 Core Teachers, along with a Teaching Assistant who does bi-weekly online salons. In addition, Nodoor provides a Course Consultant, live translation, and written translation of all materials. Students communicate with each other in private WeChat student groups.
For all of Nodoor’s courses, western teachers are supported by a team:
1) Teaching Assistant
2) Course Consultant
3) Live Translator
4) Translation Editor
Written course material is translated by our translation team, with final editing by Chief Editor Tanya Tan. All course demonstrations are “live” with students online or sometimes at workshops.
Previous graduates gather at Nodoor for a visit in 2015
Level 1
Signs of the Zodiac: Aries - Virgo
Signs of the Zodiac: Libra - Pisces
Sun and Moon
Sun and Moon combinations
Mercury, Venus, and Mars
Level 2
Personal planet combinations
Jupiter and Saturn with examples
Uranus, Neptune and Pluto
Twelve Houses
Houses planets and signs combined
Level 3
Houses planets and signs combined
Houses planets and signs combined
Lunar Nodes (Holistic approach)
Lunar Nodes with sample cases
Aspects
Aspects + sign, planets & houses
Student Demonstration of aspects,
signs, planets & houses.
Waxing & waning aspects, examples
More on houses and house rulers
Student Demonstration - Summary
Unaspected planets & Dispositors
Prioritization and Organization
Demonstration - Summary
Aspect Patterns with sample cases
Student Demonstration of aspect patterns
Level 3 Workshop: 4-day Level 3 Intensive in Beijing
Level 4
Holistic approach to interpretation
Demonstration of Holistic approach
Astrology of Relationships/Synastry
Astrology and Synastry Examples
Demonstration of Synastry
Astrology of Career introduction
Astrology of Career with examples
Astrology of Career demonstration
Children Career Development
Demonstration Relationships/Career
Level 4 Workshop 4-day
Level 5
Transits – 6 classes
Transits demonstration
Cycles, Relocated Charts
Transits and Cycles demonstration
Secondary Progressions
Secondary Progressions Demonstration Solar Arc
Solar Arc Demonstration
Timing in relationships
Composite Charts
Demonstration of Timing & Composites
Career Cycles
Career Cycles Demonstration
Solar Returns and Lunar Returns
Solar & Lunar Return Demonstrations
Advanced Forecasting Skills – 5 classes
Advanced Forecasting 2 Demonstrations
ISAR Certification Program and Competency Exam Review
Brief History of Astrology, Different Branches of Astrology
Glossary Terms for ISAR Competency Exam
Counseling Techniques and Issues
Counselling Training – 2 Student Demonstrations
Preparing for the client
Level 5 Workshop 4-day review in Beijing – 3 more demonstrations
Nodoor School of Astrology - founded 2011
© Beijing Nodoor Consulting Co., Ltd. 2011 -2021
A-2006 Baiziwan Road, Bldg. 10, Beijing 100022
Nodoor History Timeline
June 12, 2010 – the name “Nodoor” was chosen
October 22, 2010 – decision following lectures in Beijing for a Nodoor School of Astrology, before first workshop on October 23, 2010
Jan 7, 2011 – Beijing Nodoor Consulting Co, Ltd business licensed, became parent company.
June 11, 2011 – website launched www.nodoor.com
December 19, 2013 – the Nodoor School of Astrology became an ISAR Affiliated School
The Nodoor School of Astrology is the largest astrology school in China, with an active student body of over 2000 students – managed by the largest astrology company in the world. Nodoor sponsors experienced professional astrologers from the west and local Chinese professional astrologers as well. Nodoor promotes the serious study of astrology for both individual personal growth and professional career development.
Our students come from all over China…
Our current active enrollment is 2000
Of these, over 400 students are enrolled in our core program
Students learn through webinars, lectures, workshops, online salons, and wechat student groups
Student and teacher support is strong, every teacher has a 4 person support staff
Felicia and I remain committed to setting standards in an emerging professional field in China…
Our students have inspired us from the beginning. We are constantly shaping and re-shaping our educational process to fit their needs. To be a professional astrologer in the modern world is both a fulfilling and challenging endeavor. As Humanistic astrologers, they are reshaping the way the public perceives astrology. We are person-centered and use astrology as a frame of reference that can awaken an individual to their potential for fulfillment. Humanistic Astrology encourages and empowers people, and our graduates are demonstrating its effectiveness in both their personal and professional lives. We feel honored to have this opportunity to serve our students and the greater community here in China.
David Railey Jiang Ying 蒋 颖
David & Felicia receive their ISAR awards for international service at the ISAR Conference in Arizona in 2014
There is no one more responsible for the success of Nodoor than Felicia Jiang (Jiang Ying). In addition to being CEO of Nodoor, Felicia is the Global Director for ISAR in China. Early on Felicia recognized the importance of ISAR to Nodoor students, and she has worked hard to support Nodoor’s affiliation. Tireless and dedicated, I have no doubt that Felicia will continue to direct Nodoor’s success for many years to come. Words cannot express my gratitude for the opportunity she provided me to be a part of this amazing endeavor.
