Faith Over Fear-The Choice is Ours

Note: This is not intended as a political commentary, but rather an exploration of duality and division as a way to discuss the astrology of the past week and what's ahead. If you tend to view any mention of division through a political lens, I invite you to reflect on why that might be. Sometimes, we may unknowingly place a filter over our perception, making it difficult or even scary to remove. If my words triggered a reaction, perhaps there’s a chakra calling for your attention—I’d be happy to help you explore that! Please reach out!

If you're still with me, let's dive in…

Starting with the 11/11 portal, moving through the full moon on 11/15, and heading into Pluto’s significant transit into Aquarius on 11/19, we are being called to face and embrace transformation. The 11/11 portal presented a powerful opportunity for manifestation and change. The full moon in Taurus on 11/15 brought forth themes of shock, disruption, shadow work, death, rebirth, and the challenge of observing these energies from a place of balance. As Pluto shifts into Aquarius on 11/19, we will encounter intensified polarities, unexpected disruptions, rebellion, shifts in communication, and a reevaluation of our connections and belief systems. This is a time for dismantling what no longer serves us and rebuilding in alignment with our evolving selves. If you’re thinking, well gee, that’s what we do in yoga, you’re spot on!

For those who know me, you’ll recognize that I embrace both the "real" and the "woo"—hence the name of my podcast! It’s impossible to ignore the divisive energies that have surrounded us for years. We are human; we feel these energies deeply, and we may or may not know how to respond to them. In my work with clients and students, I see firsthand the impact of these polarities, whether they arise on the yoga mat or from the cosmic forces at play off the mat.

When there’s significant energy movement, I prepare for it through a combination of ways. Physically, I practice yoga, walk, run, play pickle, talk it out with friends. I also gather information through my own meditation practice, and also through trusted sources, ranging from practitioners offering tarot and astrology in person, on YouTube or podcasts, to more mainstream outlets like Yoga Journal. These sources all point to a shared theme: we are entering a transformative 20-year period that is difficult to predict but essential to prepare for, both energetically and physically.

Is there good news in all of this? Absolutely. The astrology of this time is asking us to confront our divisions head-on. It’s time to recognize our discomfort, take stock of our feelings, and decide how we want to engage with the world. The Plutonian energy will bring to light what needs to be dismantled—whether it’s outdated political structures, our relationship with money, or the way we use social media and technology. This is the "good news" because transformation comes through discomfort. As my teacher Ramaa often says, our ego tricks us into seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, but true growth requires us to embrace the full spectrum of experiences.

We cannot have rainbows without rain or stars without darkness. We need both light and shadow, ease and challenge, to grow. Whether we consciously chose these lessons or not, we are alive at this time, and we face a choice: to hide and wait it out or to remain open, aware, and engaged. This brings us to the theme of duality again—the choice between fear and faith. As Bob Proctor said, "Faith and fear both demand you to believe in something you cannot see—you choose."

In any moment, we can only rely on our breath and our reaction to what is happening around us. Even if we feel powerless or unseen, we have the power to choose between fear and faith. As a teacher, I love witnessing students navigate their choices, confront their polarities, and find balance. In my 1:1 work with clients, I get the opportunity to dive deeper, helping them define their own sense of balance—mentally, physically, locally, and globally.

When the going gets tough, the tough get to work. And usually, I’ve demonstrated that grit by using my tenacity and voice to drive change, but lately, I've noticed a shift in my approach. Rather than using my voice for external change, I’m focusing on sparking internal change that leads to authentic happiness, uniquely defined by the individual. Instead of becoming a battering ram and feeling an urgency to do so, I now feel a more profound resolve to stay calm and balanced and a responsibility to inspire others to as well. We are being asked at this time to make some serious choices: are we going to choose to hate or to love? I’m committed to viewing life from the heart chakra, the center of our being that bridges our lower and upper chakras. When we come from the heart, we come from love and compassion that creates understanding and connection.

My hope is to guide you in finding your own way to do the same. Let’s look at how our chakras can support us in choosing faith over fear and believing in what we cannot yet see. Together, we can align with these energies and step forward into the unknown with trust and intention.

Coming back to Bob Proctor’s quote, "Faith and fear both demand you to believe in something you cannot see—you choose," Proctor underscores a powerful truth: in the face of uncertainty, we have a choice between two powerful forces. Faith is grounded in trust, hope, and a positive outlook, while fear stems from doubt, insecurity, and negative anticipation. Both are responses to the unknown, but the one we choose shapes our experiences and our approach to life. In times of global uncertainty or personal challenges, it’s easy to fall into fear—fear of change, fear of others, or even fear of our own emotions. However, by exploring how faith and fear manifest through the seven chakras, we can find a pathway back to our center, with the heart chakra as a guide toward healing and unity.

Let’s explore:

Root Chakra (Muladhara): The Fear of Insecurity vs. Faith in Stability

The Root Chakra is our foundation, representing safety, security, and a sense of belonging. When fear governs this chakra, we experience anxiety, a scarcity mindset, and distrust of others. This is often seen in times of economic instability or personal crises when uncertainty challenges our sense of safety. Faith at the root chakra means believing in the stability and resilience of ourselves and our communities. By choosing faith over fear, we ground ourselves in the belief that we are worthy of safety and security.

Practice: Engage in grounding exercises like mindful walking or Mountain Pose in yoga to reconnect with a sense of stability. De-clutter your home and create a safe, nurturing environment.

Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): Fear of Change vs. Faith in Creativity

The Sacral Chakra governs emotions, creativity, and pleasure. Fear at this chakra appears as resistance to change and fear of the unfamiliar. On a global scale, this may manifest as cultural intolerance or a reluctance to embrace diverse perspectives. Within ourselves, it can lead to emotional stagnation and a reluctance to express our feelings. Faith at the sacral chakra involves embracing creativity and finding joy in our passions. It’s about trusting our collective ability to innovate and adapt to new circumstances.

Practice: Explore creative outlets like painting, dancing, or writing to express emotions and embrace change. Embrace hip-opening poses and also enjoy sharing passions and joys with others to cultivate a mindset open to new possibilities and connections with others.

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): Fear of Powerlessness vs. Faith in Personal Strength

The Solar Plexus Chakra is the center of personal power and confidence. Fear here manifests as a sense of helplessness and a lack of control, often leading to frustration. In our communities, this fear can result in people feeling unheard or undervalued. Choosing faith means believing in our inner strength and the power of our actions, no matter how small. It’s about having the confidence to contribute positively, knowing that even small actions can create meaningful change.

Practice: Incorporate core-strengthening yoga poses like Forearm Plank and Boat Pose to activate your personal power. Use affirmations such as "I have the power to make a difference" to build confidence.

Heart Chakra (Anahata): Fear of Vulnerability vs. Faith in Connection

The Heart Chakra represents love, compassion, and empathy. Fear at this chakra often manifests as a fear of vulnerability—of opening up to others or sharing our true selves. This can lead to isolation and disconnection in relationships, whether personal or within larger communities. Faith at the heart chakra involves trusting in the power of love and compassion to bridge divides. It’s about believing that connection and empathy can heal even the deepest wounds.

Practice: Engage in heart-opening yoga poses like Camel Pose. Practice deep breathing while placing a hand on your heart, repeating the affirmation, "I choose love and connection over fear."

Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): Fear of Speaking Up vs. Faith in Honest Expression

The Throat Chakra governs communication and truth. When fear resides here, it can silence us, making us afraid to express our thoughts or feelings. This fear can manifest as self-censorship or hesitation in sharing our authentic selves, even with close friends or family. Choosing faith in this chakra means trusting in the power of honest and open communication, believing that sharing our truth can foster understanding and connection, as well as active listening to others.

Practice: Practice throat opening poses like Puppy Pose and also chant or sing to clear blockages in your throat chakra. Engage in mindful dialogues where you listen actively and speak with clarity and compassion.

Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Fear of the Unknown vs. Faith in Intuition

The Third Eye Chakra is associated with intuition, insight, and vision. Fear here appears as an inability to trust our inner wisdom or to envision a hopeful future. When we lack trust in our intuition, we may feel lost or overly dependent on external guidance. Faith at this chakra involves trusting our inner guidance and believing in our capacity to see beyond immediate challenges, envisioning a brighter future for ourselves and our communities.

Practice: Meditate with your focus on the space between your eyebrows, visualizing a bright indigo light. Child’s pose also connects us to our 3rd eye chakra. Use this time to cultivate inner vision and clarity, allowing yourself to trust in your own wisdom.

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Fear of Separation vs. Faith in Oneness

The Crown Chakra represents our connection to universal consciousness and the larger web of life. Fear at this chakra manifests as a sense of isolation or disconnection from others. Choosing faith at the crown chakra means embracing the idea of oneness and the interconnectedness of all beings. It’s about believing that we are part of a greater whole, and that unity is possible when we recognize our shared humanity.

Practice: Engage in silent meditation, focusing on the sensation of light at the top of your head. Visualize this light expanding and connecting you to all beings, fostering a sense of unity and interconnectedness. Yoga poses such as inversions help activate this chakra.

Conclusion: Returning to the Heart Chakra as Our Center

In this journey through the chakras, the heart chakra serves as our center. It is here that we find balance between faith and fear. By choosing faith—faith in ourselves, in each other, and in the power of love—we may overcome the fears that divide us. In a world filled with uncertainty, returning to our heart space allows us to embrace compassion, understanding, and a commitment to healing. As Bob Proctor’s quote reminds us, the choice between faith and fear is ours to make. Let us choose faith, guided by the heart, and create a world where love and connection triumph over fear and division.

From Yoga Journal: https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/astrology/pluto-in-aquarius/

Illuminated Tarot with Jenna Fontaine: https://youtu.be/Ic96hmQI1oY?si=33ND8WuGGl9q5aNl

Intuitive Astrology with Molly McCord:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilxgAvOpkcI