Yogi Reads: Yoga for Witches

Newsletter friends already know I am a massive bookworm, but one genre I've rarely explored is non-fiction - specifically, non-fiction books about yoga.

I've always been quite intimidated by yoga writing, assuming it'll be almost all sanskrit, + maybe a bit too theological for me. But this year has seen me transforming into a yoga teacher - first Toddlers/Preschool; then Postnatal + Mum + Baby; + finally Children's + Family - + as I deepen my relationship with yoga, I'm awakening a thirst to know more. 

I started with Sarah Robinson's Yoga for Witches, + it has been a beautiful journey! Robinson views yoga as a healing magic, + weaves rituals + intentions into her classes. Combining traditional yoga sutras, Pagan/witchy beliefs, + Goddesses, this is a super-accessible book that explores topics including Grounding, Meditation, Mindfulness + Sun/Moon Salutations. I personally loved the focus on nature + the elements!

A few key takeaways: 

Find your magic on the mat - Yoga is a tool for healing, but also for magic. In connecting to our bodies + tending to our needs through yoga, we find our souls/spirit - a mini miracle indeed.

YOU define 'Witch' - someone who casts spells, or lives intuitively? Robinson suggests that the word witch originally meant a woman who was powerful + intuitive, often living in tune with the seasons, moon, + nature.

What is magic? - If you're a regular insta-follower, you'll have heard me referring to finding 'magic' in daily life. Robinson encourages us to find out own definition of 'magic', whether that's spell work, appreciating nature, or 'the reconnection to our intuition + the rhythm of the planet, a remembrance of our inner power'

Yogic themes are found in witchcraft - consider the chakras: in yoga, these points allow energy to flow through our bodies, + can become blocked/unblocked through movements. In witchcraft, crystals, herbs, colours, flowers etc also align with these chakra channels, + are used to unblock the energy... surely it makes sense to link both?

Yogis + witches are sisters - we heal through movement or symbols; celebrate our connection with our bodies; + follow our intuition to live alongside nature. Two ideas from different parts of the world, which are ultimately in alignment.

Yoga for Witches is a fantastic entry point for anyone interested in Yoga, or indeed, witchy-ness! While I wouldn't consider myself a witch, I live seasonally, enjoy hunting for mini-miracles (magic), + bring intention to everything I do. If you share those interests, I'd definitely recommend this!