The Yoga Almanac: 52 Practices and Rituals to Stay Grounded Through the Astrological Seasons

by Lisette Cheresson, Andrea Rice

Overview

52 weeks of yoga practice, wisdom, and ritual to help you slow down, restore balance, and nourish mind, body, and spirit.

Sequenced by the astrological calendar, The Yoga Almanac is a practical guide to help you reintegrate with recurring cosmic rhythms, and invite the sacred into your life through learning, movement, breath, and ritual. Featuring 52 seasonally-themed chapters, the Almanac is a comprehensive jumping off point to deepen your relationship to yoga—and to yourself.

Each chapter includes a seasonal theme with an overview of yogic theory, as well as an illustrated asana to begin the physical exploration of your practice. You’ll also find weekly rituals to integrate these teachings into your daily life, and a short dharma talk as reference and nod to tradition. Finally, this unique, holistic handbook will help you develop a transformational practice that flows with the cycles of the astrological year—beginning with spring and culminating in winter.

Whether you’re looking for weekly inspiration, a crash course in yogic theory, or a blueprint for developing your own yoga routine, The Yoga Almanac provides a foundation for reconnecting with the deepest parts of yourself and discovering your authentic place in the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684034352
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	03/01/2020
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Lisette Cheresson is a writer, editorial director, and content consultant specializing in wellness, sustainability, and women’s empowerment. She has made short films with leaders such as Eddie Stern, Eoin Finn, and Elena Brower; and is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in The Wanderlust Journal, Quilt, Matador, the New York Times reference books Off Track Planet, and others. She completed her 200-hour yoga training in New York, NY; and her Reiki attunement in India. She also studied with Leslie Kaminoff of The Breathing Project, and attended a three-day intensive discourse with the Dalai Lama. She has offered workshops with Wanderlust Festivals and Manifest Station, and completed her end-of-life doula training in 2019. She lives with her husband and animals in the Hudson Valley in New York.

Andrea Rice is a writer and editor covering health and wellness. Her work has appeared in Yoga Journal, The Wanderlust Journal, mindbodygreen, Astrostyle, SONIMA, and New York Yoga+Life. She has also worked as a journalist for the New York Times and INDY Week. As a yoga teacher with a decade of experience, Andrea completed her 200-hour training in New York, NY; and furthered her training with Elena Brower and Alexandria Crow. She has also studied astrology extensively with The AstroTwins, Ophira and Tali Edut. Andrea has offered yoga, meditation, journaling, and creativity workshops in Brooklyn and Manhattan in New York, and has been a presenter at Wanderlust Festivals in Vermont. She lives in Raleigh, NC, with her husband and their cat.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Spring: Revival, Renewal, and Growth Aries Taurus Gemini

1 Birth 11

Mastering Unconscious Inheritances: Child's Pose (Balasana)

2 Awakening 15

Planting Seeds in Fertile Ground: Forward Fold (Uttanasana)

3 Spontaneity 20

Freedom from Inhibition: Arrow Lunge (Anjaneyasana Variation)

4 Leadership 24

Living in Dharma to Guide Others: Chair Pose (Utkatasana)

5 Grounding 28

Steadfastness Through Any Storm: Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

6 Trust 33

Confidence in Times of Uncertainty: Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

7 Devotion 38

When Loyalty Meets Accountability: Seated Neck Stretch

8 Pleasure 42

Intentional Sensuality: Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana)

9 Sustainability 46

Going the Distance: Tribal Lunge 46

10 Partnership 51

The Power of Conscious Connection: Supported Shoulder Stand (Salamba Sarvangasana)

11 Adaptability 55

Our Mutable Natures: Modified Four-Limbed Staff Pose (Chaturanga Dandasana)

12 Connectivity 59

Our Vast Neural Network: Wide-Legged Forward Fold (Prasarita Padottanasana)

13 Community 64

Our Bridge to the Self: Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)

Summer: A Time to Flourish and Thrive Cancer Leo Virgo

14 Self-Care 74

Finding a Home in Yourself: Supine Knee-to-Chest Pose (Apanasana)

15 Receptivity 78

Opening Up to Insight: Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

16 Blossoming 82

Cultivating Personal Growth: Lotus Pose with Lotus Mudra (Padmasana)

17 Passion 87

Stoking the Embers of Your Fire: Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana)

18 Vulnerability 92

The Strength of an Achilles Heel: Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana)

19 Humility 96

Who We Are Underneath It All: Humble Warrior (Baddha Virabhadrasana)

20 Expression 101

Speaking Your Truth: Upward-Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)

21 Love 106

Embracing All That You Are: Reverse Warrior (Viparita Virabhadrasana)

22 Joy 111

Celebrating Life: Wild Thing (Camatkarasana)

23 Purification 115

The Discipline of Refinement: Crescent Lunge with a Twist (Anjaneyasana Variation)

24 Simplification 120

When Order Is in Order: Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani)

25 Responsibility 125

To Be in the Service of Others: Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)

26 Contentment 129

Becoming at Ease with What Is: Seated Spinal Twist (Marichyasana III)

Autumn: Embracing Transition and Finding Equilibrium Libra Scorpio Sagittarius

27 Balance 137

The Dualistic Nature of Reality: Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)

28 Abundance 142

Celebrating the Wholeness Within: Bound Side Angle Pose (Baddha Utthita Parsvakonasana)

29 Tolerance 147

Embodying Justice and Spreading Equality: Scale Pose (Tolasana)

30 Loving-Kindness 152

Cultivating Warm-Hearted Feelings: Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

31 Manifestation 157

You Are What You Attract: Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana)

32 Intensity 162

Savoring the Details of Experience: Pyramid Pose (Parsvottanasana)

33 Unraveling 166

Learning to Accept Transition: Eagle Pose (Garudasana)

34 Rebirth 171

Rising from the Ashes: Dancer's Pose (Natarajasana)

35 Gratitude 175

Our Countless Blessings: Garland Pose (Malasana)

36 Expansion 179

The Precipice of Possibility: Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III) with Jupiter Mudra

37 Bravery 183

Moving Through Fear into Courage: Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

38 Authenticity 187

Discovering and Loving Who You Are: Cat and Cow (Marjaryasana and Bitilasana)

39 Wisdom 192

Awakening the Guru Within: Easy Seat (Sukhasana)

Winter: The Quiet Inward Journey Capricorn Aquarius Pisces

40 Intention 201

The Starting Point of a Dream: Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

41 Commitment 206

Persistence over Resistance: Plank Pose (Kumbhakasana)

42 Building 211

The Practice of Habitual Ritual: Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

43 Ambition 215

Determined Persistence in Any Pursuit: Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana)

44 Innovation 220

Expanding Boundaries with New Ideas: Wrist Flip (Tabletop Variation)

45 Collaboration 225

Freedom Through Interdependence: Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)

46 Elevate 229

Raising Your Vibration: Side Plank (Vasisthasana)

47 Revolution 234

The Humanitarian Ethos of Interconnectedness: Wheel Pose (Chakrasana or Urdhva Dhanurasana)

48 Creativity 239

Quiet Moments of Genius: Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

49 Mysticism 244

Transcendental Self-Inquiry: Hero Pose (Virasana)

50 Healing 249

Embodying Your Own Recovery: Supine Pigeon (Supta Kapotasana)

51 Acceptance 254

Forgiveness Through Empathy: Simple Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana Variation)

52 Death 258

The Release: Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Acknowledgments 263

The Astrological Wheel of Life 265

Recommended Reading 267

References 269

Interviews

Rice resides in Raleigh, NC; Cheresson resides in Beacon, NY.
 

Editorial Reviews

As a voracious reader and longtime practitioner, I’ve read a whole lot of books about the practice of yoga. But I’ve never come across a book so unique in perspective combining the philosophy of yoga and of astrology. I was instantly inspired to dive deep into this book and it’s now a resource, and muse I’ll always be returning to. I highly recommend this book to reinvigorate both your yoga practice and daily life.”
—Mary Beth LaRue, cofounder of Rock Your Bliss, and international yoga instructor

Mary Beth LaRue

An indispensable compendium of practical philosophy, thought-provoking rituals, and functional anatomy, The Yoga Almanac is a one-of-a-kind seasonal guide to developing a practice of clarity, presence, and alignment with integrity. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or curious about what yoga and meditation might do for you, The Yoga Almanac is a key resource for us all.”
—Elena Brower, best-selling author of Practice You

Elena Brower

Self-care is a survival skill that’s required to navigate our stress-filled world. The Yoga Almanac turns the process into a modern daily practice that links us to the cycles of nature, weaving in the astrological calendar and fostering a connection to source energy. A gorgeous guide for reconnecting to the rhythms within ourselves and all around us.”
—Ophira and Tali Edut (The AstroTwins), founders of www.astrostyle.com

Ophira and Tali Edut (The AstroTwins)

We do yoga because we long to truly know and care for ourselves in a more loving way. But how can we do that in the middle of our crazy, busy lives? Lisette Cheresson and Andrea Rice show us how in The Yoga Almanac. They offer ritual, poses, stories, and weekly practices designed to wake us up, help us navigate the world with kindness and grace, and bring us home to our inner wisdom. Reading this book is like going on a self-care retreat, guided by two wise and loving teachers.”
—Linda Sparrowe, former editor of Yoga Journal and Yoga International; and award-winning author of six books on yoga, including Yoga At Home

Linda Sparrowe

A contemporary, real-life, accessible, educational, all-inclusive masterpiece, The Yoga Almanac has become my go-to manual for creative inspiration, and a steady guide for staying focused on my personal spiritual journey. A timeless treasure that belongs on the bookshelves of students and seekers everywhere.”
—Robert Sturman, artist and photographer

Robert Sturman

The Yoga Almanac is a creative perspective that provides a foundation for practitioners who are interested in understanding the ways in which our relationship to understanding astrology inform the relationship we cultivate with the physical body. This is a great resource for anyone looking for a fresh, innovative, and meaningful way to move deeper into a yoga practice.”
—Chelsea Jackson Roberts, PhD, E-RYT, cofounder of Red Clay Yoga

Chelsea Jackson Roberts