Vedic Counselor and Musician
Exploring Wellness Through Jyotiṣa - Sacred Sound - Vedic Arts & Sciences
Exploring Wellness Through Jyotiṣa - Sacred Sound - Vedic Arts & Sciences
Learn more about your ancestry through the lens of Vedic Astrology in Allison's container "Origin Stories" here.
Enrolling Summer 2024.
Jyotiṣa, also known as Vedic Astrology, is a mathematically sophisticated and predictive form of astrology from India that offers insight into our life, and gives clues about how to move forward while staying in alignment with a universal plan. Crafting realistic intentions with free will, while staying rooted in vision is the goal.
Jyotiṣa also helps us to understand the past with greater clarity.
Allison guides people by naming the patterns that are currently unfolding in their lives, and offering Vedic practices for ameliorating suffering and enhancing joy. Those practices include mantra, meditation, rāga music, and yoga. Allison also offers counsel on exercise, nutrition, satsang (good company), and the importance of unplugging and spending time in nature.
Allison completed two different 3 year Jyotish programs, assisted her teacher for 3 years, and tutored his students for 2 years. She has 10 years of serious education on the topic of Jyotish and is still in class regularly as a student. You can read more about her extensive experience with Vedic wisdoms since 2001 on the bio page.
K. Sridhar, one of the world’s finest exponents of the Sarod
Allison's program "Voice of the Heart" teaches these methods and practices.
Nāda = Sound
Nakṣatra = Constellation
Upāsana = Practice
Allison works with Indian music as an upāya (remedy) based on the position of the moon when you were born. The Sufi mystic Hazrat Inayat Khan used this upāya, as did Rukmini Devi and Sarada Teacher from Kalakshetra School in Madras, Tamil Nadu.
Sarod maestro K. Sridhar has been sharing this technique with Allison since they met in 2010 and he first began inspiring her to take up a serious study of Sanskrit and Indian Astrology. K. Sridhar, a Brahmin, descends from 14 generations of temple musicians and 20 generations of Jyotiśi's. His mother was a famous singer in the temples and Sridhar grew up among saints and sages, eventually meeting and working with musical geniuses around the world. You can learn more about Allison's music guru here.
Allison is still learning more about the nuance of this method from K. Sridhar, through her practice, and by working with dedicated students.
If you want a quick fix, the song may serve that purpose for you? But better is to approach the song as a Devi. As someone you want to have a long term relationship with. It will take time for the full beauty to be revealed as the process of fully understanding the microtones (called śruti's) is very slow and takes many years of listening. This practice is a lifetime of learning to really listen.
"Allison's dedication and focus, her commitment to researching Vedic wisdom, and her gentleness of spirit make her an exceptional facilitator for transformative journeys. "
~Dr. Robert Svoboda, Ayurvedic physician and author
Dr. Bret Peterson, MD
To say I have been deeply transformed is an understatement, but I don’t have any other words to express how this experience has shaped and continues to shape me. If you are considering this or any other training with Allison, know that though you are ultimately the sculptor of your own journey, in my humble opinion you could not choose a more confident, gentle guide.
– Ros Schwartz
This course gave me the tools to come into a deeper relationship with myself and others, and provided a beautiful space and supportive community for intensive study and practice. Allison is a passionate and dedicated lifelong student of yoga, who is able to clearly communicate complex topics and hold the necessary space for her students to integrate these ancient teachings in a way that works best for each individual.
~ Holly Schmidt
Studying under Allison’s guidance has been such a rewarding experience. I now have a much better understanding of the science of yoga and a foundation for further study. In addition Allison offered me a safe and nurturing space to develop my practice as a bhakta. No words can express the meaningfulness of adding devotion and song to my life. My great thanks and love to her for opening her school to me.
~ Bret Batman
The depth of study, the laughter, the tears. The strengthening of mind, body & spirit… To be in the company of others with such heart; to be guided by a teacher with such a fine mind, exquisite artistry, and a shining heart. I bow in gratitude.
– Clare Brown
What I appreciated most was the exposure to so many new experiences, and re-exposure to topics of utmost importance and relevance. Never in my life would I have necessarily practiced extensive meditation, a weekend of chanting, a full day of pranayama practices, Indian scales on the harmonium, or deep exploration of Sanskrit in texts like the Bhagavad Gita. All of these practices opened up my mind and my heart to the richness and depth of what “yoga” is and can be. Considering how rigid and isolated the perception of yoga is in this country, the expansion of practices felt deeply rewarding.
Allison showed up every single weekend with a cheerful, kind spirit and immense dedication to sharing all of the wisdom she has gained. Her embodiment of a lifelong yogi, as well as her ability to share with us the enormous gift of her authentic and diverse teachers were of immense value. I felt like I was going back in time – to a time when teachers sat in satsang with their students, teaching through stories and experience and relationship. I feel so grateful for everything I have learned, and for the tradition of yoga that I got to experience through the vehicle of Allison’s teachings.
~ Rita Silver
I enjoyed how held we all were by Allison and by each other as we dove in deep to the many practices and teachings of what is yoga. It was a vigorous journey shared in sweetness with a bright gathering of souls.
~ Kerry Layden
The focus on principles, compassion and self love helped to empower all. It was a truly beautiful experience seeing my self and others bloom with love, joy and confidence. I did not learn a trademark style but a way of life. Allison truly wants everyone to discover their truth, their yoga.
~ Julian Davis
Allison’s training was rigorous, but allowed me to discern my own physical limits, and to find joy and compassion in my body. And her playful yet wise approach to the sacred texts helped me to find my own meaning and wisdom within them. What a wonderful journey!
~ Anne Filiaci
One of the greatest gifts Allison gave us through the training was helping us all cultivate a comfortable and relaxed daily home practice. Also, I think a lot of people question whether or not they want to teach yoga, but feel very drawn to Allison’s teachings. If you are excited about learning yoga from Allison, you will be excited to share yoga with others in some shape or form. I can’t imagine a better setting to learn how to LIVE yoga. It’s a priceless experience, and I feel forever grateful to Allison and my fellow trainees.
~ Jessica Mlotkowski
This has been one of the most blessed and lovely experiences of my life. This yoga teacher training is so unique because of the focus on philosophy. I can certainly say that I have transformed to an individual that is more wonderful and capable than when I started. There is a peace and overwhelming feeling of love that is suddenly present. There is a mindfulness of life and of the earth. I LOVED it.
~ Melissa Hines
I cannot recommend this teaching enough. I was searching for deepening my practice, but was unprepared for deepening my life! Allison’s long and intensive study of yoga is a wealth of information for her students. She has done extensive teacher trainings and brings that wealth of knowledge to us. Combine that with her warm and giving nature, her humor, and her sweet voice and you have the makings of an amazing experience. If you are even thinking about it, take the plunge. It’s wonderful!
~ Cammie Moore Presler
Allison is an example of a true, authentic yogini. She leads by example, as a beautiful yogi, teacher, artist and musician. The YTT is very organized, thorough and focused, yet it moves along in a very calm, playful, flexible manner. Allison translates and teaches from the texts in a way that is easy to follow, yet profound.
~ Andrea Erickson