The ancient definition of therapy was “one who ministers’ or heals. Yoga Therapy re-organizes an individual’s perspective to bring balance and attention to the whole by including the causal & subtle bodies in its methodology. The whole, however, also includes the cosmic environment as referenced in many of the yogic scriptures.
Astrology is unparalleled as a tool for understanding cosmic forces. Using simple astrological techniques can help identify the most pronounced energetic blockages and thereby increase the potential for yogic healing.
The first challenge in writing about the integration of these two different paths is finding a working definition of both yoga & astrology that supports the intention of yoga therapy.
The yoga part is fairly easy. Even the minimal amount of research will teach you that yoga is more than just the physical postures (asana’s). There are many different ways to practice yoga and we don’t always have to use our bodies to reach the enlightened state that yoga promises. However, when we begin to talk about yoga therapy, we probably are going to use our bodies in some way. As one of my teachers would explain, it’s important to generate some strong sensations in the body so that we can then observe our own reactions and responses to that bodily ‘stress’ in the moment. It’s about practicing svadaya, or self-study without judgment, with the ultimate purpose towards creating unity of body/mind/spirit.
Astrology, too, is so broad a science/art that it can not be defined succinctly. At least, not by me. After over 40 years of study and practice I can say that Astrology cultivates a perspective on life that releases a lot of stress. By connecting the movements of the cosmos to activity on earth, cause & effect becomes irrelevant. But synchronicity becomes invaluable! That’s where the substance is. Once one recognizes “as above, so below” and experiences the magic of that statement then astrology reveals itself. There are gazillions of methodologies, techniques and systems to put this essential truth into practical practice. A teacher is mandatory. One needs to receive guidance before one can act as a guide to others. Yoga and astrology have a lot in common.
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