Yoga and Astrology

As explored in this article, astrological associations open up possibilities of creating individualised yoga practices, aligning to a birth chart or the stars, and combined with yoga, offer further avenues of self-understanding and exploration into ourselves and the universe.

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I have always had an interest in astrology, reading weekly horoscopes, and identifying the traits and characteristics that relate to my sun sign and to the zodiac signs of my family and friends. More recently, my interest in astrology has developed as a tool for personal growth, exploring my sun sign, moon and rising signs, as well as other the other signs in my birth chart (such as Venus, Mercury, etc.). Whilst some traits of my sun sign feel very relatable, others may not resonate with me, and I have found that having knowledge of my other signs, such as my moon and rising, has given me a deeper sense of self-awareness. By exploring other traits of the signs in my chart, I can see how they may resonate, and how their characteristics can be used to work on my own self-development. For example, as a Taurus sun and moon with a Leo rising, I have been fascinated with how these elements of earth and fire work together and with how aspects of myself relate to both of these signs. It has also made me think about how to work with the fire energy in my chart. This astrological exploration, has, likewise, complimented my yoga practice.

Yoga and Astrology are both ancient wisdoms which have been used and linked together over thousands of years; these practices align the self to universal and cosmic consciousnesses, working with similar energies which relate to planetary movements, the zodiac, and to the elements of earth, water, air and fire. Many cultures have used their practices of sky watching and knowledge of planetary movements as inspiration, applying celestial events to life on earth, and to chart time and the seasons. Astrology includes various systems, each has its own methodologies, traditions, and interpretations; the oldest known evidence of astrology, using the zodiac, and the practice of astrology as a divination tool, is from Babylon (1950–1651 BC). The astrological system I refer to in this article is known as Western Astrology, which is a continuation of Ancient Greek, Roman, Hellenistic, and Babylonian traditions, formed around the Zodiac and the concept of the horoscope. Despite astrology today often being dismissed as irrelevant, exploring astrology can complement a yoga practice, offering a deeper understanding of the self and of an individual’s connection to the surrounding world and cosmos.[1]

The practice of Astro Yoga incorporates the interconnectedness between yoga and astrology in different ways. Yoga practices incorporate the transits of the sun and moon, for example, with sun salutations. In ancient astrology, the primary association of the moon is with the body, and this can be seen in yoga practices which include moon salutations, and/or focus on particular phases of the moon, such as the full moon or new moon. In this way, yoga practices can also be used to navigate astrological transits in the sun and moon, for example, 12^th May 2025, the full moon is in Scorpio, and 20^th May, the sun enters Gemini, which could be the focus of yoga practices which work with, and harness the energies and characteristics of these water and air signs.

Astro Yoga can also integrate your own birth chart - your sun sign (and moon and rising signs, if you know them) - exploring the areas of the body and the chakra associated with your sign. Each of the twelve zodiac signs has area of the body which corresponds to their sign and to the symbolic meaning behind each sign, perhaps highlighting the focal point of a practice or where tension may be held in the body. Similarly, the chakras and zodiac signs are affiliated through the elements, using the characteristics of earth, fire, water and air zodiac signs to stimulate and balance these energy centres. Another way to be practice Astro Yoga would be to focus on the sign of the current zodiac season, which, for example, is currently in Taurus.

A Taurean Yoga Practice

Taurus is the second sign of the Zodiac. Following Aries, a sign which marks the astrological new year, and the heralding of spring, Taurus is a fixed earth sign which brings a slow-moving and grounding energy, to counterbalance Aries. Taurus, with the symbol of the bull, has a steady and calm energy, and a yoga practice for this sign, and season, could focus on the stability, earthiness and sensuality of Taurus. Ruled by Venus, Taurus has a profound connection to the physical body and to the natural world, tuning into the senses, and to the growth of spring. Taurus is connected to the neck and throat, and due to the sign’s associations with the colour green and the emerald gem, is affiliated with the heart (Anahata) chakra.

Yoga poses that would suit a grounding and stabilising Taurus practice could include:

Tree Pose (Vrksasana), to explore the sense of balance and rootedness into the earth.
Goddess pose (Utkata Konasana), connecting to the vitality and goddess energy of Venus.
Garland pose (Malasana), a deep squat to promote grounding and creating space for growth.
Cat-Cow pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana), with its symbolism of the cow or bull, and its rhythmic movement between the two postures, releases tension from the shoulders and neck and works on the core, building strength. This is also a heart-opening pose, working with the heart chakra.
Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), focusing on the grounding of the hands and feet into the earth and stabilising the body.
Bridge pose (Setu Bandhasana), grounding pose, opening the heart chakra, and working with the throat and neck.
Neck circles and stretches – gentle movement to promote neck health and release tension from the neck and throat.
Broken Wing Pose – a yin yoga pose, which opens up the throat and shoulders. Improves neck mobility and releases tightness from the upper body.

[1] Astrology was popular during the Medieval and Renaissance eras, regarded as scholarly activity, and experienced a revival during the late 19^th century with the increased interest in spiritualism and philosophy, including yoga. It also experienced a resurgence during the early 20^th century with the creation of ‘psychological astrology’, drawing on the theories of Carl Jung.