This 3 week course teaches the fundamentals of Yoga and Astrology as elements, planets, energy and psychology  relate to both disciplines which are intimately linked in Indian philosophy.

Together Yoga and Astrology provide great tools for understanding and working on the microcosm which is the human level.

Yoga Asana classes are based on working with the chakras. Furthermore the course teaches breathing exercises or pranayama, meditation, restorative exercises, meridian stretching and relaxation which are all profoundly therapeutic tools.

The Astrology program teaches all the fundamental principles necessary to start interpreting your natal chart, including :  Signs of the Zodiac,  Elements,  Qualities and Polarities;  Planets, Houses, Aspects, Rulership and piecing it all together.

Yoga and Astrology are ancient disciplines which focus on personal development and awareness, improving physical, emotional and mental health. The elements, chakras, planets and zodiacal signs are energy fields linking the psyche to the body and are at play all the time as energetic forces.

The course includes Pranayama, Restorative  Asana, Relaxation (Savasana), Meditation, Nutrition, Yoga Philosophy and Psychology, Bodywork and Chakra Balancing.

Astrology is taught separately, 1 hour per day. Yogic theory and Anatomy and Physiology take up 2 hours per day.

Sequences taught are designed to improve both strength and flexibility as well as bring awareness to the flow of subtle energy or Prana.

Emphasis is on safety, the use of props, correct breathing and alignment, sequencing, restorative asana, relaxation and meditation as well as dynamic asanas to improve strength, endurance and will power.  

Students need to respect their own limitations and are not expected to exercise beyond their own physical capacities. However all students should be in general good health both physically and emotionally, in order to complete this course with the focus and dedication it requires.

This program will enable future graduates to teach with confidence. The sequences taught are designed to provide an excellent foundation to all the basic poses, to teach avoiding any injury and where necessary adapt poses and sequences for differing physical levels and needs. Emphasis is on getting Prana (energy) to flow while doing the poses, to understand their therapeutic benefits and for each person to practice with enjoyment, proper breathing, correct alignment and sincerity; ultimately harmonising mind, body and energy.

The spiritual notions of Yoga and Astrology are taught in the theory section of the course.

Focus of Yoga Teacher Training

Astrology focuses on basic understanding of the natal chart. We explore the signs of the Zodiac, Elements, Polarity, Planets, Houses and Aspects

Asana practice is based on Hatha and Yin Yoga, with focus on steadiness, alignment and recuperative poses (reclining postures and relaxation). Asana practise also includes the exploration of the Chakras and the Chinese acupuncture meridians.  

Pranayama are breathing exercises to stimulate the diaphragm, vitalise the body-mind and regulate the flow of energy throughout the system. Good breathing is fundamental for a healthy organism to flourish and recuperate from any ailment.

Yoga Philosophy & Psychology is concerned with the fundamental questions of: Who we are; Where we come from and where we are going. It is a philosophy which has a universal appeal and one can easily find parallels in other cultures such as ancient Greece, and Europe, Egypt or China. Theory classes reflect Gerry’s passion for the subjects covered.

Relaxation Physical, emotional and mental relaxation are essential to recover from stress, fatigue, anxiety and disease. Through deep relaxation we can truly let go and begin the journey towards health and wholeness.

Mediation is an essential tool for calming the mind and creating stillness and peace within. Meditation facilitates a deeper dialogue with the self as it necessitates concentration and going inwards. SYM offers both guided and non-guided meditation sessions on its courses.

Body Work The 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training includes some basic shiatsu body work, which students can take home to practise on friends and family.

Yogic Nutrition Good digestion is essential for health and also leads to more balanced emotions, better concentration and  meditation.

This course is divided into 150 contact hours, 10 hours Karma Yoga and 40 hours of individual and/or group study.

Yoga Asanas
Basic routine, postures and variations, sun salutation, relaxation, abdominal breathing; full yogic breath, two pranayama techniques, recuperative and advanced postures, meditation.
The Yoga practise is based on Hatha, Yin, Vinyasa, the Iyengar and Sivananda Yoga methods while also drawing from other traditions and styles. Practice is a combination of flow, steady poses and recuperative postures.

Beginners and intermediary classes for all levels and ages, in depth asana practice and variations (touches on classes for: the elderly, children and yoga for pregnancy).

Teaching techniques: Guiding, coaching, leading, use of language and communication, use of props, hands-on assisting, finding your personal teaching style, designing classes for mixed levels, teaching new postures in-depth, assessing individual needs, ethics and safety guidelines.

The course includes : discussion on teaching yoga as a business including self employment, safety, legal requirements and marketing.

• Basic anatomy and physiology; including: the spine, respiration,  circulation,  digestion, elimination, the skin; hormonal, nervous, urinary and immune systems.

• Physiological and energetic effects of asanas, pranayama, meditation and relaxation.

• Benefits and contraindications for all asanas (poses).

• Effects of structural and postural alignment on health and wellbeing.

• Stress and stress management

• Principles of diet and nutrition.

Philosophy, Psychology, Lifestyle, Energetics and Ethics

• The five points of yoga.

• The 4 paths of yoga

• The 8 Limbs of yoga

• The Gunas

• The 5 koshas

• The 4 elements and the akasha

• Prana (Qi); concept of energy, the Nadis and Chinese Acupuncture Meridians

• The Chakras (energy centres).

• The bandhas.

• Karma and reincarnation.

• Teacher student relationship.

• Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita

• The Yugas.

• Mantras

• Principles and benefits of meditation

• Ethics for yoga teachers.

Karma Yoga is a fundamental tenant of Yoga and means selfless service. Students are expected to participate in some of the daily chores as part of this service. This is approximately 30 minutes per day.

Practical Information

 Shiatsu / Massage Therapy

In addition to the healing modalities explored in the course, students have the opportunity to arrange private treatments with Gerry, a certified therapist in Shiatsu and Chinese medicine since 1992. These can be arranged at an additional cost during the course.

Dress Code

Please wear comfortable plain white, yellow or blue clothes, no logos. We like to encourage students to wear positive, happy colours which facilitate learning and energy work. Colour therapy and its association with the chakras will be discussed further during the course.

Attendance

Trainees should attend a minimum of 90% of the course. Should trainees miss more than this minimum they will need to agree with the teacher which modules to re-take.

Accreditation

This course is fully accredited by Yoga Alliance International. Our graduates are able to register on the Yoga Alliance International and International Yoga Federation database upon completion of the course and will receive YAI certification enabling future graduates to teach internationally.

Prerequisite

2 years or 100 Hours minimum practise required. Successful applicants should also be in general good health both physically and emotionally, in order to complete this course with the focus and dedication it requires. Individuals who do not meet these minimum requirements may still apply for a place and their applications will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Location and Accommodation :

Mikro Xorio, Vathi, Gytheio, Greece

Teachers

Gerry Rixen / Sabrina Ribes Bonet, check team page.