Nichell has done over 10,000 Readings. She uses a person's Astrological Natal Birth Chart to read from. A birth chart is like a blueprint of a person – mind, body, and spirit.
Yoga has long been the subject of controversy, particularly among conservative religious groups who view it as a spiritual threat. For many Christians, the practice is seen as a gateway to demonic forces, idol worship, or even spiritual peril, primarily due to its historical connections with Hinduism. But is this fear rooted in truth, or is it a misunderstanding of yoga's true purpose?
Introduction: Unraveling the misconceptions
The idea that yoga is “demonic” has circulated for years, particularly among conservative Christians who view it as a spiritual threat. This belief is often rooted in fear and misunderstanding of yoga’s origins and purpose. Critics claim that yoga invites demonic spirits, promotes idol worship, or is inseparable from Hinduism. But my personal experience and that of many others reveals a different truth. Let’s explore the roots of these fears, unpack their validity, and discuss how yoga can be a deeply personal and transformative practice.
1. The Christian critique of yoga
Many Christians argue that yoga poses a spiritual danger due to its connection with Hinduism. Their concerns often focus on the following points:
Yoga is worship, not exercise
Critics claim that yoga’s poses are forms of worship to Hindu deities, which they interpret as demonic. For example, they may point to poses like Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose), which is associated with a Hindu myth, and assert that practicing it constitutes idol worship.
Yoga awakens the kundalini energy
Kundalini, often described as life-force or sexual energy, is misunderstood by some as a dangerous spiritual force that can open individuals to demonic possession.
Yoga invites union with spirits
The word “yoga” means “union,” and critics believe this union refers to coming into alignment with demonic entities.
From this perspective, yoga is seen as incompatible with Christian faith. As one critic put it, “Each pose worships a deity, and by practicing yoga, you are yoking with spirits outside of God.”
2. Debunking the myths: My personal experience
In my experience, none of these claims hold true. Yoga has been a tool for healing and empowerment, not spiritual peril. Here’s why:
Union with the Divine through breath, not deities
For me, yoga is about connecting with the Creator through breath, movement, and mindfulness. The breath itself is the Creator alive within the body. While Hindu deities like Ganesh or Christian figures like St. Michael may represent archetypal energies, I don’t worship them. Instead, I see them as allies in the spiritual realm, much like I rely on friends in the physical realm for support.
Critical thinking over blind belief
It’s essential to approach yoga or any practice with critical thinking and individual discernment. I customize yoga to fit my needs, using it as a tool for self-healing rather than subscribing to any particular theology or philosophy. This perspective challenges the fear-based narrative that something outside of us can control us without our consent.
3. Historical context: The roots of Christian fear
To understand the Christian fear of yoga, we must examine the historical influences shaping Christianity itself.
Roman Catholicism’s origins
Roman Catholicism, established under Constantine the Great (306–337 AD), incorporated elements from various traditions, including Judaism, Mithraism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Paganism. This synthesis created a universal (“catholic”) religion designed to unify the empire. Ironically, many practices now condemned by Christians as “demonic” share roots with their own traditions.
Why are Hindu deities “demons” but saints are not?
Critics often label Hindu deities as demonic while venerating Christian saints and archangels. Yet, functionally, there’s little difference. Both represent spiritual archetypes and energies that people turn to for guidance and healing, just as you would turn to a therapist or doctor in the 3D realm. The disparity lies not in the essence of these figures but in the lens through which they are viewed.
4. Fear of self-healing: The real “demons”
Yoga, at its core, is a science of the self. It encourages practitioners to confront their inner traumas, known in Sanskrit as samskaras. These unprocessed emotional wounds can manifest as physical or psychological discomfort. When these emotions rise during yoga, it can feel terrifying, as though being attacked by external forces. But these “demons” are not external, they are our own shadows coming to the surface for healing. For those unprepared to face these truths, the process may feel overwhelming and is often misinterpreted as something malevolent.
5. A path forward: Yoga as a personal practice
Ultimately, yoga is what you make of it. It’s a tool, not a religion. Whether practiced as a form of physical exercise, spiritual growth, or emotional healing, its value lies in how it’s applied.
Yoga is not inherently Hindu
Just as martial arts can be separated from their Zen Buddhist roots, yoga can be practiced without adhering to Hindu theology. It’s a science of the body and mind, adaptable to anyone’s belief system.
The importance of independent thought
Each individual must decide how to approach yoga (or any practice) based on personal beliefs and experiences. Blindly accepting dogma, whether from religion or critics, only perpetuates fear and misunderstanding.
Conclusion: Moving beyond fear
To those wary of yoga, I invite you to approach it with curiosity and an open mind. Yoga does not have to conflict with your beliefs, it can complement and even deepen your connection to the Divine. It’s about finding harmony within yourself, not outside of you.
If you’re ready to explore, seek out authentic yoga experiences. Start with mindful forms like Hatha Yoga, gentle yoga, or restorative yoga, which focus on slow movements and breathwork. Remember, yoga is not about conforming to someone else’s philosophy; it’s about creating your own path to healing and self-discovery.
Read more from Nichell Delvaille
Nichell Delvaille, Holistic Soul Coach, Intuitive Astrologer
Nichell is a Wellness Practitioner. Healing effects all aspects of a person. She is a Holistic Soul Coach, Intuitive Astrologer, Reiki Master and Herbalist. Nichell also has certifications in Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda.
