What Is Astro Yoga?

Astro Yoga is a combination of two ancient practices, astrology and yoga practice. Both theologies are well known for their self-reflective and mystical properties. Together, they make a powerful catalyst for gaining a new level of self-connection. We can use this new level of mind, body, spirit connection to make the best decisions for ourselves vs. expectations others place on us. 

History of Yoga and Vedic Astrology 

Astro Yoga as we know it today is a modern descendant of the Vedas’ practice of Vedic astrology, yoga asanas, and Ayurveda healing in India, which dates back between 5,000 to 10,000 BC.  

Vedic astrology or "Jyotish" (meaning light) uses the Sidereal Zodiac system to make predictions, interpretations, and recommendations. Traditionally, the Ayurveda astrologer would consider astrological transits before recommending yoga poses and Ayurveda remedies to the client based on what they saw coming up. 

This form of astrology is equivalent to practicing medical astrology today, since it has a focus on how the zodiacs and planets affect the mind, body and spirit. 

Based on the planetary cycles, it would be apparent to the astrologer if the client would benefit from a more energetic practice (Vinyasa as a modern example) or a more gentle practice (Yin as a modern example).  

Vedic astrology, practiced in its traditional form, uses the North Indian chart display. Vedic astrology, unlike western Sidereal or Tropical astrology, has more detailed and nuanced interpretations with deeper interpretations of “Karma”, "Yogas" and "Drishti." The meaning of "Yogas" in Vedic astrology does not mean yoga asanas. They represent relationships between planets, signs, or houses, similar to how we would think of aspects in Sidereal or Tropical astrology.  

At Discover Astro Yoga, we take a modern approach to this ancient and highly respected practice. Much like the historical practice, students change from more active to gentle practices based on what would serve the student best for the period.

What does it feel like to practice Astro Yoga? 

Our yoga practice helps us keep a stable mind and body that allows us to overcome the weight of everyday stress and anxiety. In addition, yoga teaches us the importance of opposites and that there is shadow with light. So, when things don’t go our way (like they often do in life) we’re more capable of handling them with grace and ease.

Astrology allows us to know ourselves and be prepared for upcoming challenging times. With the self-knowledge of astrology, we can learn how to communicate with loved ones better, better understand our life purpose, and face the downsides of our personality that holds back our true potential.

When you build your Astro Yoga practice, you quickly learn to accept the fact that shit happens in life outside of your control. Being self-aware and aware of the stars, you can roll with the punches and make the best life for yourself.

How do you practice Astro Yoga? 

Align your yoga practice with the Moon

One way to practice Astro Yoga is to align your yoga practice with the phases of the moon. Lunar Yoga explores the connection between the lunar phases and your emotions, energy levels, and intentions. Adjust your yoga practice according to the moon's cycle, such as practicing restorative yoga during the new moon or energizing poses during the full moon.

Align your yoga practice with the Sun

You can align your yoga practice by following the sun and building a yoga flow for it based on medical astrology. The sun stays in each zodiac for about a month. Once you know what body part rules Gemini, you would make a yoga flow featuring poses that support areas of the body ruled by Gemini. For example, during Gemini season, you should focus on arms, hands, and shoulders.  

Another way is to align your yoga practice based on the Sun by following the seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter.) In combination with being aware of each body part the season rules, pay attention to your body and the “energy” of each season and make a flow that feels aligned for you. 

Align your yoga practice with planets in transit 

The most powerful way to build your Astro Yoga practice is to adjust your practice accounting to the planets in transit.

In astrological transit readings, we work with the outer planets because they give us more time to work with the energies in real time. At Discover Astro Yoga, we also use the outer and social planets to influence our yoga practice and work with the energies at hand. Not only do we use the outer planets to influence the yoga assignments, I also take into consideration each person’s dominant makeup.

Are you Fire-dominant or Water-dominant in your birth chart? This allows us to have a more personalized yoga experience that is helpful and influences our lives during critical times.

For example, you may adjust your flow for when mercury is in retrograde to support your throat chakra (the chakra of communication.) Or you may opt for a more restorative practice during eclipse season. This form of Astro yoga requires that you stay updated on how the planets are moving about in the sky. This is the best way to stay connected to the world around you and become more self-aware of the subtle differences that exist.

At Discover Astro Yoga, we help you build your practice and align with transiting planets.