ASTROLOGICAL INSIGHTS
Five Ways to Integrate Reiki and Astrology
BY ALLY AYALA “How do we touch the universe?” asked world-renowned Reiki teacher Frans Stiene at the start of an advanced training I recently attended. His words planted a seed of realization that continues to unfold for me: both Reiki and astrology show us we are the universe in motion. We are in constant contact with the universe — inside and out — whether we realize it or not. It is often taught that something must be done to create connec- tion, when in truth, it is happening all the time. Even the idea that we must ‘connect’ to Reiki suggests separation, when in truth, we are never apart from it. We are always held within its flow. There is no way to step outside of it. Reiki is a realm of unity consciousness and non-dualism. Just as Reiki reveals the continuous flow of life energy, astrology of - fers a map of how that same universal intelligence expresses uniquely through each person. At a recent healing arts festival, a woman ap - proached my table and said, “I used to have my birth chart, but I don’t know where I put it.” I smiled, realizing how often we forget that the birth chart, like Reiki, isn’t something we have , it’s something we are . It is much more than a drawing on a piece of paper, or a list of planets with signs, or an app on the phone. The wisdom of the planets flows into every moment. It is really a matter of awareness. Astrology and Reiki both explore our relationship to the universe in their own ways. Reiki works with the universal life force energy — the vital essence that animates all living things — while astrology stud- ies the cosmic rhythms that shape our inner and outer worlds. Both remind us everything is energy and we are never separate from the greater flow of life. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese kanji: Rei , meaning “spir- itual wisdom from Heaven” or “divine guidance,” and Ki , meaning “life force.” Reiki teaches that this energy is not something outside of us — it is what we are. It moves through nature, the cosmos, and the breath that sustains every being. In this way, Reiki becomes a bridge between Heaven and Earth, just as our own bodies and breath do. Astrology mirrors this same principle. The birth chart is another bridge between Heaven and Earth — an energetic map that reveals how cosmic forces express themselves through us. Our thoughts, choices, and actions are the channels through which planetary energies take form. Astrology is not something distant; it lives and breathes through you. By integrating these two paths, the living dialogue between ener - gy and cosmos awakens more fully. The following five practices invite you to experience this collaboration for yourself. 1. Meditate on Your Birth Chart Sit in Reiki meditation to connect with the energy of your birth chart. Knowing where the planets reside — in which sign and in which house — will help you to understand the gifts and the challenges that each planet holds for you. Visualize the great bright light of the soul within and around you. Invite Reiki to flow through your awareness as you reflect on your planetary placements and what they reveal about your inner and outer landscape. 2. Explore Aspects and Aspect Patterns Study the aspects of your birth chart. The aspects are the ways in which the planets relate to each other. You might even consider it a conversation between the planets. For example, if the Sun trines Ve- nus there is a flowing, harmonious connection between the two plan -
ets. If they are squaring each other, the conversation is a little more tense, and they must figure out how to find solutions to this tension. These aspects will oftentimes create aspect patterns and geometrical designs within the chart. In Reiki meditation, visualize the aspect patterns of your birth chart and imagine Reiki flowing through those geometric designs. 3. Send Reiki to Transits in the Past, Present and Future Planetary transits, their movements through the astrological hous- es, can bring sweeping change and profound insight, each serving as an initiation into deeper self-realization. When a particular transit is presenting itself in your life, let Reiki flow into the moment and your awareness around what is happening. Channel Reiki to invite under- standing and bring healing — easing transitions, balancing emotions, and aligning with the lessons and empowerments each transit offers. Considering the cyclical nature of transits, as well as the retrograde motions of planets, it becomes clear that moments in time touch other moments in time. Working with Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen , the Reiki sym- bol that transcends time and space, allows healing to ripple through both the past and the future while honoring the present moment. This is a very powerful way to combine Reiki with astrological transits. 4. Align with the Lunar Cycle The Moon is one of the easiest to study because we see it in the sky each night as it moves through its cycle. Learn the waxing and waning phases of the lunar cycle and work with these phases in your Reiki practice. Begin by honoring the New Moon each month with an inten - tion-setting ritual. Send Reiki to your intentions and watch them grow into full illumination with the Full Moon, a time of culminating energy that supports reflection and relationship. Keep going and follow the lunar cycle all the way to the Balsamic Moon — the final phase — when the energy naturally turns inward for rest, retreat, and renewal. Then
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PATHWAYS—Spring 26—71
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