We have our Yoga and Astrology non-residential retreat coming up soon: Sat 17/10 – Sun 18/10/26 and we are filling fast! A super exciting weekend combining yoga, pranayama and meditation with Astrology of the Elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether). And I’m collaborating with the amazing Gerry Taylor- Wood, who brings a wealth of teachings, fun and wisdom to this retreat.
But why this link to astrology? Why couldn’t we just stick to yoga? What is this fascination with another 5000-year-old science that is all about mapping the movements of the planets and how they affect us and the collective? I admit it’s a big jump. Most of us wont even scrape the surface of the yoga teachings in this lifetime and now we are exploring a whole other trove of teachings that compliments and highlights our yoga knowledge and brings sooooo much more!
Well, my answer to the first question is, why not. Why not explore other profound teachings that give us insight as to how we tick, what makes us shine, what derails us and what nourishes or harms our bodies, minds, relationships and careers? Yup. Astrology can give us this kind of wisdom, and it works hand in hand with yoga to create a complete package. In effect, your Natal (Birth) Chart is a treasure map of possibilities. You can either harness this chart and live your ultimate life, or you can ignore it and keep moving through life doing the best you can. And you will do a great job. Anyone reading this post is way up there in creating a good life.
But imagine creating a HUGE life? The kind of understanding yoga gives us: What is this ongoing pain in my right hip and is there a link to my unhappy relationship with my dad? When we dip into that silence, why do I suddenly want to cry? Now that yoga is helping me to sleep better and manage my pain, why do I feel I have the energy and courage to forgive that person? You might not realise it, but your ongoing yoga practice has opened your meridian pathways in your body to allow you to change, grow and move forward. You’ve created space between your thoughts (meditation) and the real you is starting to reveal what you want from life.
Now imagine this map in front of you telling you just that, and more. We are not interested in predicting your future (this is psychological astrology), we are interested in helping you recognise hidden emotional patterns, core motivations and personal blind spots. But most importantly this type of knowledge can foster a radical acceptance for your unique mix of strengths and developmental challenges rather than judging your flaws.
So where do the elements come in? Both traditions rely on earth, water, fire, air, and ether to describe your human temperament and energetic states. Astrological planetary forces mirror the energetic circuits, subtle channels (nadis), and core centres (chakras) addressed in yogic practice. Yoga views self-reflection as a path to liberation, while psychological astrology uses the natal chart as an objective mirror for unconscious habits, defences, and latent potential.
I’ll finish with something fun that will make sense to all of you. People in the wrong job:
Cancer (water sign, ruled by the moon, intuitive, nurturing, highly sensitive, and strongly devoted to home and family security). Wrong Job: corporate tax auditor: Focuses only on cold numbers and strict rules. Factory line manager: Cares more about speed and quotas than human feelings. Stock market day trader: Demands harsh risks and blocks empathy.
Cancer in the right job: healthcare, social work, education, real estate, and hospitality, where emotional intelligence and creating a sense of security are paramount.
Capricorn (earth sign, ruled by Saturn, ambitious, disciplined, practical with a strong drive for long-term achievement and keeps a cool head under stress). Wrong Job: freelance trend hopper: There is no ladder to climb, the work ends fast with no lasting proof. Unstructured artist: There is no boss or clear goal, hard work does not bring a steady reward. Gig economy driver: Pay goes up and down, where is the future growth?
Capricorn in the right job: Corporate tax auditor, management and corporate leadership, law and government, stock market day trader. Organizational skills and respect for rules, order, structure and extreme detail are important here and perfect for the Capricorn.
A little example showing you how to harness your element (water or earth) to live your best life. And we have only looked at your element and one planet (the sun, there are 9 other planets and influences). I know a Capricorn who is an outstanding astrologer and yoga teacher. She brings her discipline, order and structure into interpreting two vast sciences, making it easy for her students to understand.
So, on this weekend we will use the astrology to understand your psychological potential and the yoga to embody and experience this this potential. A perfect pairing. Come and join us, it should be a blast! Margot