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Listen To My Latest Podcast:

TESTIMONIALS

PRAISE FOR THE SCHOOL FOR MYSTICS™

“Alanna’s courses are chock full of content. She goes above and beyond to make certain you have everything you need. Questions? She’s available. Suggestions? She’s open. Requests? She’ll grant them, if able. I’ve signed up for 4 of her courses and I’m extremely happy with the format, content, and the information. Really, you can’t go wrong! While I have access to the courses so I can go back and refresh as needed. Thank you, Alanna, for making these courses affordable!”

— Cindy H., Member of The School for Mystics™

“What’s not to like when you have all you need within arms reach. Great material, always being updated. Communication is 100% with your teacher and fellow students. Positive energy and support to grow in this journey. I love to take the courses and being able to go back and refresh my knowledge…Hop on the train and let’s go for the ride!!!!!!”

— Teresita C. , Member ofThe School for Mystics™

“The content is always positive, professional and expertly researched. When a student finishes a course, they feel confident in personal, practical application of the information or in studio instruction. Alanna teaches each student as if they are the only one in the room and there is always room for questions and a safe space to understand concepts.”

— Abby M., Member ofThe School for Mystics™

“I love the way Alanna Kaivalya approaches yoga. I bought and began the Alchemy of the Chakras course and The Yoga Beyond the Mat course. This took my practice to the next level! Thank you, Alanna, for being you and sharing this with us!”

— Delphine L. , Member ofThe School for Mystics™

PRAISE FOR THE ALCHEMY OF THE CHAKRAS™ COURSE

“Taking Alanna’s Alchemy of the Chakras™ course was a most enriching experience. As a yoga teacher and student of yoga, the information I received in this course added a rich dimension to my teaching and personal practice, but most importantly helped deepen my insight into my interpersonal relationships.

This fascinating material is offered in an organized and very digestible fashion through a combination of video, audio and written instruction with a writing exercise which helped me to reflect personally on the impact of what was presented each week.

Alanna’s warmth, intelligence, and passion for this material is clearly evident. She is very encouraging and responsive to inquiries and comments.

I truly feel I received an invaluable tool that will serve me well both personally and professionally.”

— Margaret Johnson BSN RYT

“Your research, understanding, and assimilation of the vast and crucial knowledge is apparent in the written word and rings even more true through your voice. Thank you for making it available and accessible to all.

As I learn, I pass the wisdom of the stories and the practices with my beginning students. I am enjoying the deep and satisfying sips…drinking it all in.”

— Karen Berdoulay

“I came into this course, The Alchemy of the Chakras™, with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and the desire for Alanna Kaivalya to play more of a role in my journey. I would like to think that my always strong sense of intuition was simply leading me to something great even though I myself did not fully understand why. What I gained from this course far surpassed whatever expectations I held going into it as it became abundantly clear that I was not simply learning about the chakras. Yes, of course, that was part of it; however, this course went so much deeper than that as I learned about how each chakra affects me on a personal level. Encouraged to take my gaze within, encouraged to go deep, and given the chakras as my guide, thus I started down the path.

Alanna has the course laid out as 7 modules, one for each energy center. Each module was brilliantly constructed, unfolding as though a story, and within each story, I was presented with a multi-faceted look into that particular chakra. Dr. Kaivalya’s language was beautiful, eloquent, thought-provoking, even poetic at times as she introduced me to unfamiliar territory, yet in a fully loving and supportive way. With the full spectrum approach she provided into each chakra, I was given a multitude of ways in which to tap into each one. Whether it was igniting it through a guided chakrasana practice, invoking it through the presiding planet, sending focused energy to it through the performance of a ritual, or simply chanting a Bija mantra, I had every possible tool at my disposal.

For as much information as I was given, it was done in such an approachable way: clear, easily understood, accessible, and overall just allowing for a smooth incorporation into the knowledge base I already have of the chakras and moreover the knowledge base I have of my own self. I found that integrating everything into my own practice and into my own teaching was really quite natural, and I fully credit Dr. Kaivalya with creating the perfect environment in which to absorb the material.The final (and quite possibly best) aspect to The Alchemy of the Chakras course is that it is lead by a teacher who speaks with such passion, authenticity, sincerity, wisdom, and grace that I know I want to follow her guidance.”

— Jenny Wolff

PRAISE FOR YOGA BEYOND THE MAT™ COURSE

“I am new to yoga and I find that Alanna’s course is the perfect way to enhance my understanding of the practice. Her way of presenting the information is not only informative but entertaining. I have learned so much already, I cannot wait for next week’s session!”

— Deb B.

“Just wanted to let you know the online course with you is pretty amazing. Even though I’ve had a steady sadhana for a decade, to be reminded of the essence is essential. It is very helpful to have a deeper look at the nuances of the practice to better understand and implement it in our lives.”

— Emmamaria Vincentz

PRAISE FOR THE ALCHEMICAL ASTROLOGY CERTIFICATION™

“The Alchemical Astrology Certification Program has not only deepened my own understanding of my inner workings, and broadened my yoga practice…I’ve also brought astrology into my yoga teachings, and created a new source of income (and freedom) through astrology! The knowledge I gained through the course helps me to better understand myself and my students. Current movements of the planets (like retrogrades) affects people’s emotions and reactions. To anticipate that, and teach about it, deepens the yoga experience for my students.

If you ask me, I think a better understanding of astrology is a must for every yoga teacher. It teaches you so much about yourself! Of course, the better you understand yourself, the more self-knowledge you possess (through yoga & astrology), and the better you’ll be able to guide students to their own self-knowledge…which is yoga!

Whether you’re a yoga teacher, an astrology enthusiast, or completely new to astrology, this course is perfect for you!”

—Patricia P., Certified Alchemical Astrologer & Instructor of The Kaivalya Yoga Method (500 hr certified)

“Alchemical Astrology is the ultimate experience! This course is clear, concise, easy to follow and layers information in a logical way that continues to reinforce the previous lesson. The one-on-one attention given by Alanna is unparalleled. I’ve learned a tremendous amount about my own self and inner landscape and about how to help others interpret theirs as well! This course gets 5 huge AstroStars!”

—Sara M., Certified Alchemical Astrologer & Instructor of The Kaivalya Yoga Method (500 hr certified)

“I have been an avid reader of astrological blog posts and articles for many years. I’ve always been fascinated by the synchronicities between the events in my life and the movement and aspects of the planets as described by the writers of these articles. However, the complicated language and the many moving parts such as the planets, houses, and zodiac have always been very intimidating and overwhelming to me. This 8-week course on astrology gave me a whole new perspective. I am able to understand the language, the concepts of houses, planets and the zodiac, as well as the relationships between these concepts. Instead of feeling overwhelmed when I look at my natal chart, or when I read the blog posts, I feel intrigued and able to understand the writings in a whole new way. This course was jam-packed with information, yet presented in such a way that the concepts could easily be absorbed and digested. I am so glad that I committed to these 8 weeks, delving into the stars and their relationship to me and to my world.

I highly recommend this to any layman or student of astrology, interested in the wisdom of the stars. You will not regret the time (or money) investment! You will come out of it knowing yourself more intimately, and thus be able to relate to the world and others around you in a much more conscious way. Thank you, Alanna!”

—Danél L., Certified Alchemical Astrologer

PRAISE FOR THE KAIVALYA YOGA METHOD® ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING

“As I was recording a video at my favorite studio, the owner, and a very close friend was simply blown away by all that I was learning. (I had my huge binder with all my notebooks with me). She said she never had to learn this type of material in her training; especially the anatomy portion. Again, I am SO grateful for this opportunity. So many people tried to dissuade me from an online course. I simply could not have made a better decision.”

—Abby M.

“The Kaivalya Yoga Method teacher training has been an incredible experience. It gives me the luxury of training and learning at home and during work breaks on my own time and at my own pace. I also love all of the in-depth instruction, pacing, and style of the courses. I highly suggest this program to anyone looking for flexibility and outstanding instruction from a yoga teacher training!”

—Alyssa L., http://www.dynamiclynks.com

“When I decided to pursue my yoga teaching certification, I researched countless 200-hour trainings in search of one that was affordable, convenient, and most importantly, offered a comprehensive and engaging curriculum. What set the Kaivalya Yoga Method online training through Yoga Download apart from the rest was its innovative use of multimedia channels to provide knowledge and support remotely without compromising the integrity of the mentor/student relationship that forms during in-person trainings. This training has not only given me valuable insight into how to safely and effectively teach yoga, but also into improving my quality of life by applying yogic philosophies in everything I do.”

—Kayla M.

“I am half way through the Anatomy module and I am seriously having my mind blown. The detail and depth of information I am learning is phenomenal. The content is delivered very clearly and easy to follow through videos and written slides. If you are already a yoga teacher looking to be reinspired or this is your first time training, I can’t actually express enough at how high the standard is that you will be learning.”

—Colleen B.

“I love the online training so far – I feel more and more confident in my ability to teach as I progress through each module and love that I can take it at my own pace to allow a healthier integration of the information + listen to each lecture as often as I’d like to build clarification and understanding. Honestly, can’t imagine a better introduction to a 200-hour.”

—Catrina A.

“I was initially intrigued by the online yoga teacher training due to the flexible schedule and ability to do it in the comfort of my own home. The Kaivalya Yoga method teacher training from Yoga Download has far surpassed my expectations of not just an online training but of any Yoga teacher training. I enjoy the different methods of interaction with the Mentors as well as the other students. The feedback on assignments or response to any questions is received in a timely manner as well as being thorough and informative. My original intent of getting yoga teacher training was for my own personal benefit, but Alanna’s joy for the practice shines through and makes me feel confident enough to consider teaching for the public, I know by the end of the training I will have all the tools I would need!”

—Chantel Rivard

“The Kaivalya Yoga Method Online Teacher Training is fantastic! I have learned much more than I ever anticipated. Each module has been informative, engaging, detailed and very worth my time. Alanna Kaivalya brings such a beautiful presence and relevance to the video class presentations that I feel like I am actually in the room with her. The assignments truly assess learning and the mentors have been phenomenal in providing essential feedback, support and suggestions for improvement. I am admittedly not tech savvy in any way, and I have been able to take classes and upload video assignments without difficulty. I have taken traditional yoga teacher trainings and although I was unsure how effective an online only training could be, I am so happy that I gave it a chance.”

—Anne C.

“I am so pleased with the training! It has far exceeded my expectations! I have been given such amazing feedback from my assignments to not only grow my own personal practice but to build my confidence to be a meaningful instructor to others. I am so glad I started!”

—Claudette L.

“I am extremely grateful for The Kaivalya Yoga Method Teacher Training!  I am learning so much and love the flexibility of doing it at my own time and pace! The feedback I get with the assignments and submitting videos is excellent, it even makes me forget it’s all done online.  There is a lot of interaction, motivation and the mentors are fast at responding any of my questions.  I highly recommend this course!! I have even heard friends who completed their training elsewhere say they did not cover as much detail as we are.  What started off, for me, as just a way to expand my knowledge in Yoga for my personal growth turned into a passion for helping others and was the foundation to furthering my holistic training and start my own sacred business!!”

—Melissa De Los Santos, Thedreamingyogi.wordpress.com

“As a Movement Specialist with a successful private business and a long list of pre-existing credentials (including yin yoga) I wanted to add a yoga certification.

I am a serial education geek, but I carefully choose my teachers: I’m looking to learn from someone who I truly believe can enhance my own mind and body approach, in order to make me a better human and a better practitioner.

I thusly found myself, as I often do, researching options. I wanted to study from a best-in-class teacher, but I also didn’t want to close my business for a month.

Alanna’s reputation, plus the “practical” benefits of online learning won me over.

It is so much more than any video or pamphlet implies. We have honest access to the mentors and to Alanna (when they say that, they mean that), and the course structure demands legitimate accountability for learning the material in a way that doesn’t even exist in most “real life” courses. The course structure means that you can’t just check the boxes and graduate – you have to do the work and you get actual feedback along the way.

It’s an honest and first-in-class course. Credential? Check. But you are going to grow and learn and be challenged along the way. Just what I signed up for!”

—Janis Isaman, http://mybodycouture.com

“The training is thorough, well thought out, and layers itself in an intelligent way – much like your method of sequencing! The ability to move through the material at your own pace; re-examine, absorb and integrate the material into your current teaching is brilliant. I love that you are tested on the materials periodically throughout the module to ensure your understanding before moving forward is key to producing knowledgeable and trustworthy teachers. The incredible access to yourself and all the mentors is unprecedented among any online courses I have previously taken. Your program is infused with spirit, love, and dedication to the art and practice of yoga. Thank you for sharing yourself and your knowledge! Love this program!”

—Sara M.

“After a couple failed attempts of fitting a yoga teacher training into my schedule, I came across The Kaivalya Yoga Method teacher training.

The ease and flexibility of the training has been a life changer for me! There is so much information on asana sequencing, adjustments, running a business and depth of yogic philosophy, that I am now convinced this is way better than doing an onsite training! I can’t wait to empower my students with this knowledge that I have learned.”

—Meghna Norean

PRAISE FOR YOGA BEYOND THE MAT THE BOOK
“Alanna  has pioneered a relevant, educational book; deep thinking and laced humor.”

—Ana T. Forrest, founder of Forrest Yoga and author of Fierce Medicine

“I once thought I knew something about the practice of yoga. No longer. In Dr. Alanna Kaivalya’s far-ranging and depth-oriented study of this ancient practice in Yoga Beyond the Mat, I was amazed at the scope and breadth of all the disciplines that yoga encompasses. But this array could only be articulated by someone like Alanna, who has meditated on and engaged this practice for a good portion of her life; she knows and reveals with great clarity and approachable language the nuances, shadings and shadows of this ancient ritual of wellness. I highly recommend it.“

—Dennis Patrick Slattery, Ph.D., author of Riting Myth, Mythic Writing: Plotting Your Personal Story and Creases in Culture: Essays Toward a Poetics of Depth

“Yoga Beyond the Mat facilitates a journey of self-examination, unconventional off-the-mat practices and strategies of integration that will wake anyone out of their unconscious day-to-day. As a yoga practitioner for more than 30 years, I witnessed a refreshment of all the non-pose-based enrichment that yoga can bring to any life. Alanna’s rigorous scholarship interweaves with applicable and tangible to-do’s that brings reality to your spirituality.“

—Jill Miller, Creator of Yoga Tune Up®, Bestselling author of The Roll Model: A Step by Step Guide to Erase Pain, Improve Mobility and Live Better in Your Body

“I found Yoga Beyond the Mat both informative and active; both entertaining and enlightening. Dr. Kaivalya brings yoga back to its roots. She recovers the blend of the physical, tangible aspects of practice with the spirit and mind. In today’s hectic life, the revival of yoga-past when combined with soul-centered engagement offers the remedy we seek . . . a breakthrough book.“

—Stephen Aizenstat, Ph.D., Chancellor & Founding President, Pacifica Graduate Institute

“In this groundbreaking book integrating yoga, Jungian psychology, and personal mythology, Alanna Kaivalya recovers the spiritual dimension of yoga for contemporary Western practitioners. By offering readers a creative ensemble of integrated practices, she provides an innovative approach to personal development that engenders both spiritual awakening and psychological wholeness.“

—Dr. Patrick Mahaffey, Professor and Associate Chair, Mythological Studies Program at Pacifica Graduate Institute and author of Evolving God-Images: Essays on Religion, Individuation and Postmodern Spirituality

“I used to think that a consistent yoga practice could make me “more and better”—more flexible, more focused, stronger, calmer, even nicer. But as I dove deeper into the practice, I came to realize that yoga helps us discover what we already have—our inherent strength, flexibility, clarity, and compassion—in a way that liberates and enlightens. I am grateful to Alanna Kaivalya for preparing us all for the journey inward through her brilliant scholarship and her heartfelt connection to practices that are at once simple and quite profound. Even as she chides the North American yoga community for separating yoga from its roots, she guides and inspires students and teachers alike toward their own liberation, with patience, generosity, and wholehearted enthusiasm.“

—Linda Sparrowe, former editor-in-chief of Yoga International and author of Yoga At Home

“Alanna writes with a refreshing absence of New Age bullshit about the quest to find self-knowledge and bliss, perfectly balancing skepticism and enthusiasm. The result is a practical guide to the history and philosophy of yoga, and a useful map to living an integrated, satisfying and richly meaningful life.“

—Dave Stringer, Grammy-nominated kirtan artist

“Drawing on yoga, psychology, mythology, and ritual, Alanna guides readers on a transformative journey toward self-awareness and ‘personal bliss,’ through an amazing array of practices. Yoga Beyond the Mat is like a library of ideas for studying yourself.“

—Kaitlin Quistgaard, writer and former Editor-in-Chief of Yoga Journal

“This is the guide book I dreamed off when I started practicing yoga, and I still need it because it speaks to my soul’s adventure while keeping my feet firmly on the ground, and my heart beating loudly. Alanna will spark your enthusiasm for waking up with all the steps, tools, rituals and wisdom for lasting Bliss. Bring your enthusiasm or find it here… with your fierce and loving guide, Alanna Kaivalya.“

—Dana Flynn, Founder of Laughing Lotus Yoga

PRAISE FOR SACRED SOUND
“Alanna Kaivalya is a storyteller, bard, and great teacher, using mythology and mantra to reintroduce us to deep basic truths. She effortlessly weaves story and sound vibration into tools for navigating our internal wilderness. Sacred Sound helps us to understand and feel the archetypes that sing to us and shows us how they call us to unfold from within.”

—Ana T. Forrest, founder of Forrest Yoga and author of Fierce Medicine

“Alanna Kaivalya bravely tackles the subtlest, most elusive of all spiritual methods: the power of sound–compelling vibrations conveyed to our innermost selves through ancient mantra. Then she adds layers of meaning by laying out the fascinating mythic stories at their core. It’s an inspiring and potent potion for spiritual growth.”

—Jack Hawley, author of the award-winning Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners

“An inspirational book, both for those who are new to chanting and mantra and those whose path is already blessed by the power of the sacred sounds.”

—Deva Premal and Miten, musicians and recording artists

“Alanna Kaivalya’s approach to mantra, mythology, and philosophy artfully balances magic, logic, mystery, humor, and practicality…in this accessible guide, Alanna shows some of the ways that myths and mantras can enrich our inner lives, and gives us an informed approach to meaningful living.”

—from the foreword by Dave Stringer, kirtan singer and performing artist

PRAISE FOR MYTHS OF THE ASANAS
“Alanna moves down an amazing road of story and myth that truly enhances our yogic lessons. Some of the nuances of ethics, posture, breath, and meditation can only be touched through metaphor and mythology, and we thank her for taking us on this journey.”

—Rodney Yee, yoga instructor and co-author of Yoga: The Poetry of the Body

“What I love most about this treasure of a book is that it faithfully reminds me of the roots behind our modern-day approach to yoga. I am truly grateful to Alanna and her co-author, Arjuna,  for providing us with such a delightfully accessible handbook on the vibrant history of our practice.”

—Rusty Wells, yoga instructor and founder of Urban Flow yoga studio

“Myths of the Asanas transports us to a world where gods and goddesses, saints, and enlightened animals serve as our teachers. Each story reminds us that underneath the many layers of difference, essentially, we are One. These inspired tales have the power to transform and revolutionize your yoga.”

—MC Yogi, hip-hop artist and yoga instructor

PRAISE FOR ALANNA KAIVALYA
“Alanna Kaivalya seems both exuberant and wise. Her classes blend rigorous poses and soothing adjustments with bursts of yoga philosophy. And the effect is a contemporary understanding of ancient knowledge that inspires.”

—Yoga Journal

“Enter yoga’s secret weapon: Alanna Kaivalya…With her knack for serving up ancient yogic philosophies in accessible ways, she is a much sought-after feature at teacher trainings around the globe. Her first book–Myths of the Asanas, brimming with juicy tales of love, battle and heroism–breaks down yoga mythology and philosophy in such intriguing and accessible ways you’ll never think of Dancer’s Pose the same way again.”

—Sweat Equity Magazine