Astrology- A Yoga of the Mind

Yoga of the Mind

For hundreds of years the practices of yoga and astrology have been intrinsically intertwined. Ancient yoga texts teach the relationship between macrocosm and microcosm as experienced through the body, breath and meditation. Yoga teaches its practitioners to find balance and harmony by maintaining and perfecting certain physical and mental postures. Astrology offers a similar approach by exploring the interconnectedness of all life (the macro in the micro) through intuition and empirical science. The ultimate aim of astrological enquiry is a more harmonious relationship with The Self and The Universe that enlivens it. In this way, astrology can be understood as a yoga of the mind.
The practice of Hatha Yoga seeks to balance the masculine and feminine polarities within the mind/body to achieve greater spiritual awareness. Psychological Astrology seeks to synthesize these same polarities to create an alchemical transformation within the psyche of the individual. The word “Hatha” itself combines the Sanskrit terms for Sun/Moon, referring to the dual systems of energy that run through the physical body and how these systems can be synergized for greater vitality and awareness. The word “ha” refers to the solar nadi (pingala) in the subtle body and “tha” the lunar channel (ida).Both Hatha Yoga and Psychological Astrology are concerned with the elevation of consciousness through the application of naturally occurring principles.

Carl Jung has described the chakras as “the gateways of consciousness”. By working systematically through the 7 major chakras, we can discover how Hatha Yoga allows access to these gateways. By thinking about Psychological Astrology as a yoga of the mind, we can see how both Hatha Yoga and Psychological Astrology allow access to expanded levels of consciousness, leading to greater personal development and integration.

Astrologer Damian Rocks (M.A.) and Yoga Instructor Lyndsey Benn (Dip Yoga Sc.) are offering a unique and innovative workshop experience, combining yogic techniques with astrological study to facilitate personal growth and development.

Lyndsey Benn (Dip Yoga Science) coordinates the Hatha Yoga programme, with an emphasis on experiencing the chakras of the body through a developmental process. Lyndsey guides participants through particular postures (asanas), breathwork designed to build energy and clear blockages (pranayama), specific ‘locks’ designed to retain energy (bandhas) and guided meditations (yoga nidras) which can assist to calm the mind and awaken intuition. The emphasis is on an experiential practice, leading the participant to develop their own set of techniques or postures to be utilized as and when needed.

Damian Rocks (M.A. Cultural Astrology and Astronomy) will look at how the principles of Psychological Astrology can be used to support the developmental process instigated through yoga practice. Damian will discuss the Sun, Moon and relevant astrological information from a therapeutic perspective, examining ways in which astrological awareness can be utilized as a ‘yoga of the mind’, raising self-awareness and generating greater personal integration.

No specialist knowledge or prior training is required to attend a workshop and each workshop will be tailored to the requirements of participants. An astrology chart is provided for all attendees.

Our next workshop runs:

When: Sunday June 27th 2010 from 9-5pm
Where:Mosman Yoga Coop, Building 21, Suakin Dve, Georges Heights, Mosman