In Yoga we consider being born a human the greatest of privileges. And being born a human with the opportunity to learn and practice ancient teachings, is a fleeting window. The Buddha famously stated that these opportunities only occur once in a lifetime. So come and join us on our Yoga Astrology Retreat coming up soon: Sat 17/10 – Sun 18/10. A once in a lifetime opportunity where we will experience the 5 elements of existence through the lens of yoga and astrology.
As humans we experience the world through the five elements. We are the elements. This is why it’s so important that we work with each of the elements as part of a larger, holistic practice that addresses our being on every level. We have five senses, five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether), five koshas (layers) and five prana vayus (directional currents of life force in our subtle bodies).
In Elemental Yoga you experience the Earth element through the practice of yoga asanas (poses). Although our asana practice works on every aspect of our being, it is foremost an earthy, physical, grounding practice. The root chakra, or muladhara at the base of our spine, is associated with the Earth element in yoga. The more we balance the root chakra, the more we become like a mountain: unshakeable regardless of circumstances. We start to trust ourselves deeply, and trust that the Universe is gently giving us whatever we truly need in every moment. We develop the unwavering feeling of being home, no matter where we are.
Astrologically, Earth is ruled by Saturn. Saturn is the cosmic taskmaster that represents structure, discipline, responsibility, and the strict lessons of karma. Astrologically the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) find deep meaning through this physical existence here on earth. These signs are the builders, the stabilisers and are people who find real fulfilment in creating lasting legacies here on earth: families, homes, business empires and being in service to their communities. This is the group who are deeply connected to physical existence through Mother Earth and most traumatised by her destruction.
If you are an Earth sign, come and learn what makes you tick, what challenges you, what you must own and where you can grow karmically beyond your sun. An earth sign in crisis doesn’t usually look like a wild, chaotic spiral. Instead, it looks like stagnation, physical exhaustion, and an overwhelming feeling of “doing everything right but feeling nothing.” When Earth signs lose their connection to purpose, all the physical achievements are hollow. Fascinating stuff, this retreat will give you so much embodied learning! Next week, the Water signs – love and namaste Margot.