03/08/2026
Hatha Yoga is often thought of as a more physical style of yoga, but its meaning reaches far beyond the postures.
Traditionally, ha represents the sun and ṭha the moon. Hatha is the union of these complementary energies within us—the active and receptive, the warming and cooling, the solar and lunar. Through our practice, we seek to bring these qualities into harmony.
This understanding also relates to the ida and pingala nadis, the subtle energy channels that carry lunar and solar energy. Practices such as Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) help to purify and balance these channels, preparing the body and mind for movement, or more traditionally, meditation and deeper states of awareness.
On another level, Hatha can be understood as the union of Shiva and Shakti. Shiva represents pure consciousness—the still, witnessing awareness—while Shakti is the dynamic life force, the creative power that moves through all of existence. In many traditions, Shiva is associated with the solar, masculine principle, while Shakti is honoured as, a more lunar, Divine Feminine.
As we deepen our practice, we may begin to sense this living relationship within ourselves. Shakti rises; Shiva descends. Where they meet, there is balance, presence. Ultimately, these teachings invite us to discover this sacred meeting within our own embodied experience.
Hatha Yoga invites us not simply to move our bodies, but to become aware of these subtle currents and the sacred union they reveal within us. Each time we come to the mat, and as we deepen our meditation practise which is an important aspect within it, we are participating in this timeless dance of consciousness and energy.
Hatha Yoga classes are held every Wednesday at 10:00 am in Highton. Beginners are warmly welcome.
Gentle [Hatha] Yoga is offered every Thursday at 6:00 pm in Belmont. A softer, slower, more lunar-inspired practice, it is also perfect for beginners.
Heart of Devi Yoga online 7 am Tuesday mornings, a soulful Hatha Yoga practice that honours the Divine within through mindful movement, breath and meditation
Photo by Hanna Witte on Unsplash