Astrology as a Living Map: Discover Your Inner Design

Astrology as a Living Map is an experiential introduction to astrology and the birth chart, offered as a four-day spiritual workshop at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It is led by Leslie McGuirk and is made for beginners: no prior knowledge is needed, only curiosity. It also suits anyone who has met astrology before and wants to approach it more playfully, as a language to use rather than a list to memorize.

What to Expect

Leslie McGuirk teaches astrology as she experiences it. She sees each chart as a piece of music, a unique composition that reflects your inner wiring, and she invites you to play with it. Through metaphor, storytelling, music and creative props, the workshop introduces astrology as a complete and living language, one that points to the deeper patterns shaping how you think, feel, communicate and move through the world. As you begin to recognize those patterns in your own chart, and in the charts of others, the aim is for astrology to become something you can use.

The program covers astrology fundamentals and birth chart interpretation, with storytelling, music and creative opportunities woven throughout. The group atmosphere is compassionate and supportive. Each participant receives a personalized birth chart analysis, and the workshop is timed to offer a thoughtful way to begin the New Year with greater awareness and clarity.

The rhythm of the days is steady. The program opens with check-in from 2:00 pm, a Kripalu Yoga class, dinner, and an evening session from 7:30 to 9:00. On the full days, Kripalu Yoga starts the morning at 6:30, followed by silent breakfast, a program session from 9:00 to 11:30, lunch, and a second session from 1:30 to 4:00. Another yoga class and dinner close the day. On the final morning there is yoga, silent breakfast, and a session from 9:00 to 11:00, then lunch and departure. Times can shift, so check the Guest Boards or the schedule provided at check-in.

About Leslie McGuirk

Leslie McGuirk is the presenter of this workshop. She teaches astrology through experience and imagery, treating the birth chart as a living composition that comes to speak more clearly the more you engage with it.

The Setting

Kripalu is a center for yoga and health in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Accommodations are intentionally simple, meant to help you unplug and feel grounded. You can choose a private room for solitude and personal space, or a shared room in a community-style setting that fosters connection. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a Luggage Room is available if you arrive earlier. Check-out on the last day is at 10:00 am, though you may stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.

Three meals a day are served, with breakfast taken in silence.

Before You Go

This is a beginner-level workshop, taught in English. After registering and before you arrive, send your birth date, birth location and time of birth to Leslie, who will email your chart to you so you can bring it along.

Your stay includes four days of astrology instruction, more than ten daily yoga classes, three nutritious meals a day, and access to the Kripalu grounds. Healing Arts sessions, purchases from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe, and private consultations beyond the group instruction are not included.