Yoga for Witches

by Sarah Robinson

FIND YOUR MAGIC ON THE MAT!
Yoga for Witches explores a new kind of journey, connecting two powerful spiritual disciplines, with enchanting effects! Witchcraft and yoga share many similarities that are, for the first time, explored in combination, in this groundbreaking new title from Sarah Robinson, certified yoga instructor and experienced witch.

Yoga for Witches shares exercises, poses and the knowledge you need to connect to your own special magic and inner power.

Find out what the word yoga really means. Explore how ancient yogis sought out magic. Discover some of the goddesses and gods of yogic and witch culture. Weave magic through spells, mantra, meditation and yoga practice. Explore the magic of the chakras. Connect to the power of the Sun, Moon and Earth via witchcraft and yoga. Namaste, Witches!

Sarah Robinson is a yoga and meditation teacher based in Bath, UK (once named after a goddess: the ancient Roman town of Aquae Sulis). Her background is in science. She holds an MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience and has studied at Bath, Exeter and Harvard Universities.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Audiobook, Witches, Magic, Magick

231 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2020

About the author

Sarah is an author and yoga teacher based in Bath, UK (Once named after a goddess: the ancient Roman town of Aquae Sulis). Her background is in Science; she holds an MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience and has studied at Bath, Exeter and Harvard University. But her love of myth, magic and folklore shines through all of her writing!

Her books: Yoga for Witches, Yin Magic, Kitchen Witch, Enchanted Journeys, the Kitchen Witch Companion, and The Witch and the Wildwood are all published with Womancraft Publishing.

Read more at www.sentiayoga.com

Reviews

[Wren · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would be more appropriately titled "Witchcraft for women who do yoga". There's some overview stuff on Yoga, which was interesting. There's a whole lot more overview on witchcraft basics, which I did not need. I was expecting yoga asanas that I could use for energy work and there were a total of three, all of which the author goes over in bare detail and directs you to her website for more information.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is a long time yoga practitioner but new-ish to witchcraft, I have felt parallels between the two traditions but didn't have the knowledge or language to articulate those feelings. Thankfully, Sarah does! On top of this, I feel the book is rather inclusive and is informative without being prescriptive. This book feels like it was written just for me and I hope others feel that, too. I've bookmarked so many pages and know I'll be back to the book time and again. Incredible! Just excellent.

[Heather Coffee_Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about the witchcraft history, along with how the philosophy and practise of yoga is so aligned with that of wicca. It emphasised to me our the importance of our connection with the Earth, with consciousness and with each other.

Ideal book for a novice, but if you're looking for something more in-depth & more yoga based, then this isn't the book for you.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In yoga class, I often remind my students that we can be peaceful and powerful, calm yet strong—all in the same breath. I think there is a peace to be found in the acceptance of all of these contradictory powers within us. Finding a way to stand within this unknown and unknowable. We are gloriously complex and contradictory in a world that loves boxes, snap judgements and 100% certainty...A person can be called a witch for merely knowing, and for owning her knowledge. And to some...a woman who ‘knows’ is dangerous indeed...”

—Sarah Robinson, Yoga for Witches (p. 93)


I loved the creative, alchemical, body-earth-and-soul based union of yoga with magic presented in this book. So neat!

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure what I was expecting but it wasn’t this. The witchcraft information is remedial at best with a heavy hand when it comes to reclaiming the term witch and tying almost everything back to when witches were persecuted and attacked. The yoga information was interesting but with the inaccuracies and disjointed information presented about witchcraft, I’m taking the yoga info with a grain of salt. Overall- the only reason I finished this was because I kept hoping for better and was sadly dissatisfied and disappointed. This might be good for someone new to witchcraft but unfortunately the information seems very similar to the watered down new age stuff in many witchcraft books being produced that I might be worth it to skip.

[Kristen O'Loughlin-Yarema · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for a Magical Bookclub. It was a basic introduction to the fundamentals behind both Yoga and witchcraft, and explained how they can be interwoven into daily life in order to encourage more introspection and selfcare. I know some reviewers felt it was too simplistic; however, for me it felt like a very good presentation of the basics. It was a great book to read with other people in a group setting since there was so much to think about and discuss.

As someone who has practiced yoga a fair amount in the past it was helpful to understand more of the reasoning behind certain poses and the meaning behind the words that are spoken during yoga classes that are not always fully explained.

A lot of the book discussed the magic that can be observed in daily life if one is paying attention. There was a lot of focus on the cycles of the moon as well as seasonal changes and how the practices of both yoga and witchcraft can be tailored to these changes in order to find grater appreciation and meaning.

I felt that the book was very well written and I enjoyed how she included basic information about the two disciplines, as well as folklore and actual exercises that could be done (e.g., yoga sequences, meditations, rituals, recipes etc.). For a non-fiction book it was still very engaging. I have already started changing my day based on some of the recommendations included, and I am sure that I will continue to refer back to this book since there were so many good suggestions presented. I have also already purchased Sarah Robinson's new book Kitchen Witch and am looking forward to reading it.

[Sugar Cyanide · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was generously gifted to me by a friend and I was super excited to read it and I was profoundly disappointed. I'm a long time practicing witch and Yogi, this book should have been perfect fit for me. It was not. This book is a completely shallow neo-wiccan/ neo-pagan book with yoga flavorings. If you've read one shallow neo-wiccan neo-pagan book you've read them all. Yoga itself has it's own spiritual magical system steeped in South Asian and Hindu history. That wasn't even touched on here. Instead, Western European neo paganism was overlaid basic yoga concepts. I was hoping for a book about the beautiful dense spiritually within yoga and instead received a shallow culture volture derivative text. Save yourself the money and just study Patanjalis Yoga Sutras instead.

[Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version of this book, narrated by the author. Being from Wales, her accent perfectly transformed her book into a magical learning experience…. It was a great blending of Eastern and Western teachings.

[Baroness · Rating 3 out of 5]

This witchy witch audiobook didn’t provide any new info, it’s good for a novice not a seasoned witch.

[Gina Martin]

I loved this book! It was perfect melding of two important traditions! Accessible. Well researched. Clearly, the author walks her talk.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two things I love, in a book. What's not to love?!
I've attended some yoga classes focusing on where the moon is in the sky and I was thinking of writing some of my own based on the pagan festivals of the year - so, this book appeared in my life at an opportune moment to give some insight into how I might do that, what to focus on.

[Cassie Hooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book on Audible-it should be an in hand book as she makes references that are not available with audiobook without going to the website. Over all it was a good book, but less about yoga and more about witchy magic in general.

[Tamara Pitelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed seeing how the philosophy and practise of yoga is so aligned with that of wicca. Ultimately, all these spiritual practices come down to the same thing - our connection with the Earth, with consciousness, with each other.

[Camille Fournier-Aquin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deux de mes passions réunies dans le même livre! J’ai bien aimé les thèmes présentés bien que rien ne soit super original. J’ai particulièrement aimé les moments où elle parle de différentes déesses, j’ai beaucoup appris!

[Ula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know what I expected. I was definitely drawn by the cover and enjoyed the witchcraft history in first chapters.

[Jessi Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great comparison between the practice of yoga as ritual and the practice of magic(k) as ritual and how we can use both to connect to nature and our inner selves.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of introductory information on witchcraft, yoga, deities, journaling, etc..

[Taylor Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

a sweet little guide to witchcraft I’d say, with parallels to the practice of yoga - as someone who practices & teaches yoga and newer/curious in the world of witchcraft, I found many moments of inspiration for weaving the two practices together. I enjoyed the overview of different mythology and goddesses ~ some were new to me and piqued my interest and desire to dive deeper into their stories.

[Katie Pecho · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very simple, very basic introduction to some concepts of witchcraft and yoga. I liked the sentiment well enough, but the writing is so poor and the copy editing so non-existent that it was distracting. She is a yogi who wrote a book, not a writer, and it shows.

[Kara McWest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the connections she makes. I listened to the audio and definitely need the printed version.

[Monica Hyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I really appreciate all of the information about witchcraft and lore, I do have to say that I really thought there would have been more yoga information. There was a sprinkling of Yogi facts here and there, as well as an explanation of chakras, but not so much in poses and connecting the two worlds. I felt this book was more about meditation and witchcraft than it was yoga, to be honest. It was equally frustrating to have continual directions to visit a website or video for more information instead of having a diagram or further explanation. Was it informative? Yes. Was it what I was expecting? No. Did I still enjoy reading it? Yes, for the most part.

[Alyssa McKnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

And absolutely incredible little handbook for the seasoned witch or the baby witch. While it has nothing in it that can’t be found in any other book about witchcraft, it has all the basics in a small, very digestible book. Very well put together and definitely an amazing addition to any witch’s library for quick reference!

[Joshua J · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Witchcraft for yogis" is a more apt title. It delves far more into the craft than ever gets put on yoga (asanas, anyway). It strikes me as odd that pictures of the very few poses were almost completely dismissively mentioned are either lacking entirely or shrunk down to small stick figures. Mentioning further details are available in her personal website wouldn't bother me, except that it seems to be required to see exactly what I bought the book for in the first place.
That all being said, it is a very pleasant and informative read, even with such glaring omissions. I am glad I read the next book in the series prior to reading this, titled "yin magic". It actually accomplishes what this book tried to. It is far superior, but these two books together do complement each other. So, I wouldn't say not to read this book, I did enjoy it despite it falling flat of it's intended purpose. But I would recommend reading "Yin magic" immediately after, so that the author's point can be fully appreciated.

[KT · Rating 4 out of 5]

i'm a yogi.... and a witch. so when i saw this book i knew i had to read it. it gives an array of ideas of how to combine the practices of yoga and witchcraft, which i enjoyed and have started bringing into my yoga practice. the only con for me was it was a little too beginner on the witchcraft side. but still a great overview that will give seasoned witches a few new ideas!

[Kathryn Estep · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10!!!! love love love how comforting this book felt. it was short and sweet but still so packed with a variety of information it kind of felt like a ~choose your journey~ type read. catch me keeping it foreva

[Sara Pinto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what I was looking for! I read it almost as if it were “Witchcraft for Yogis” (since I know almost nothing about witchcraft/paganism).

The book felt like a brief yet insightful revision of my YTT, covering yama, niyama, chakras, asana, and, of course, meditation. More than anything, it inspired me to practice freely – without rigid boundaries of right or wrong. Some might argue that one should follow a single path rather than blend different traditions, and I’m still undecided on that. But for me, Sarah’s approach felt intuitive and enriching, even if it means a bit of cherry-picking.

The meditations at the end are incredible – I can’t wait to try them. Even just reading through them I felt a deep sense of focus and connection to something magical.

The “stick figure” asana illustrations are familiar from YTT, but I think they could be a little more precise. I can imagine someone new to yoga finding them a bit confusing.

I’m not a native English but noticed a few grammar mistakes and missing articles, so another round of editing would be great. Also, “Namaste, witches” felt a little cringy to me personally 🙈 But aside from these small details, I really enjoyed reading this book!

Planning on reading Sarah’s Yin Yoga and Kitchen Witch soon!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has a lot of interesting information, and a lot of good information. I could see certain things going into more depth, like connecting yoga and witchcraft in more depth with more examples or ideas, but I also feel like what was spoken about gives enough of an idea to help the practitioner open their mind to different possibilities.

It seems like a well researched book with a lot of great information to look back on. For that reason, and for me personally, I think the physical book will be beneficial. I listened on Audible, and it was a nice listen. I'm just lazy about taking notes and would like to be able to page through to review what I'm looking for.

The reading was so relaxing. What a lovely and relaxing voice. Because of that, there were times I struggled to pay attention. I was just getting too relaxed and wanted to slip into meditation or take a break for a nap.

As a non beginner, there was information I was well aware of, but appreciated reminders, as I struggle with feeling like I don't know enough or haven't done enough. This made me feel like I'm enough. Reminded me I know a lot, and to continue on my path. I appreciated this read a lot.

[ᴄᴏᴜʀᴛ ☠︎︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book blended the two practices together harmoniously, as someone who practices both, to show the true impact of connection - to your craft and yourself ✨🔮🧘🫀

It's beginner friendly for anyone seeking a simple introduction to each practice, as you go through chapters learning about the various magical spaces, on and off the mat. The chapters are easy to read with cute blurbs and well written personal reflections, plus include various helpful links to yoga poses and resources! Also, I should mention plenty of well-written journal prompts, affirmations and meditations in the appendix! I will definitely be going back through this book to note and highlight all the information found within the -magic chapters 🖤

It's a lovely read that will be your perfect user guide to embracing and enchanting that inner witchy yogi 👻✌️

[Books&Thistle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attenzione: so che definirsi streghe va tanto di moda, per cui molte saranno tentate di acquistare questo libro per provare ad avvicinarsi allo yoga.
La verità è che lo yoga è una pratica seria, che poco ha a che vedere con le mode e il mostrarsi sui social, e molto con la spiritualità, la disciplina, l'autorealizzazione e la comunità.
È con questi presupposti che Sarah Robinson, insegnante di yoga, ci guida attraverso questo percorso che altro non è che la scoperta che la stregoneria e lo yoga sono due pratiche che hanno molto in comune e che possono anche intrecciarsi. Si tratta di un libro molto tecnico che si addentra nella teoria dello yoga, per cui lo sconsiglio ai prati anti di yoga. Se invece siete insegnanti, lo troverete davvero molto bello e vi darà anche qualche spunto per creare originali meditazioni guidate per le vostre classi.

[lareyna rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited for this book as I am an avid yogi & witch, and I was looking forward to finding ways to intertwine them as one — such as asanas for energy work, witchy mantras to speak while practicing, etc. However, I did find that most of material presented, I already knew after a couple years of both yoga and witchcraft. I think this is a good book for beginners, and would more aptly be called “Witchcraft for Yogis” as it goes over the basics of witchcraft pretty heavily. I took away a good couple of nuggets, but overall, I sort of shrug, this isn’t new information to me personally, it felt very surface level and not super inspiring.