My interest in the unknown began after a fully-cognizant near-death experience at 3 ½ years of age. Following this, I spent much of my childhood pondering the other side and the world beyond—while internally seeking answers about Life, Divinity, and the Cosmos. Unknown to my family and friends, I could sense and read the energy of people around me—seeing and hearing things others did not discern. I hid this from the world and split myself to conform to societal conventions. I lived a double life, awkwardly divided between my inner self and an outer self who fit in with the norm.
In my early teens, I received my first Bhagavad-Gita and a translation of the Srimad Bhāgavat Purāṇa, which set me on a lifetime path of studying Sanatana Dharma. At 18 years of age, I became intrigued by the science of sidereal Vedic astrology when I met my Jyotișa vartma-pradarśaka guru. Upon meeting him, I discovered that Jyotișa deeply validated my interconnection with the Macrocosm. Spiritual seeking eventually led me to become an initiate of the Sri Rupa Sanatana Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition and later of an Adi-Shaivite Sampradaya. While serving/residing in ashram and traveling through India and the world, I visited many holy places—and feel blessed to have received auspicious blessings/teachings from various teachers. I trained in temple lifestyle rituals of mantra, puja, bhajan, kirtan, and the art of preparing prasadam. I formally studied yoga, pranayama, and kriya—certifying as an RYT 500-Hour Level Yoga Instructor, teaching in Hong Kong and New York City. Over time, I established Naga Yoga in the heart of NYC's TriBeCa neighborhood, partnering with athletic brand Lululemon to launch their flagship boutique as an integral part of our holistic center.
After moving to Hawai'i, I continued to study in multiple schools and traditions, including 2 years of daily Medicine Buddha Sādhana, 5 years of dedicated Mysore Ashtanga Yoga practice, 5 years of Shaivite Prathama Vinyasa Krama (108 daily asanas), and 6 years of Indian martial club, eventually studying Karlakattai to become a Kshathiriyi with the Jothi Silambam Kshakthiriya Gurukulam of Pudicherry, India. My fascination with natural healing opened the path to becoming an ordained Brahmendra energy medium. This interest in the healing arts led me to become a Level-3 certified Herbalist of Traditional Chinese Medicine through the Institute of Chinese Herbology, a Karma Kagyu Buddhist Feng Shui consultant, and a practitioner of Vastu—Jyotișa’s sister science of Vedic geomancy.
Over the years, I investigated the works of several Jyotișa scholars and learned from various astrologers. Eventually, my lifelong passion for understanding the microcosmic-macrocosmic relationship as per the Vedas brought me to attain an M.A. in Vedic Astrology with the University of Vedic Astrology. Because the science of Jyotișa is a vast and unending ocean, I consider myself forever a student. I am an interpreter and a channel, so please forgive any oversights—my intention is always to serve you and give you the best. My education and explorations are always expanding—research and study are daily and ongoing. My current focus is on Divine Feminine wisdom—helping women discover their innate Feminine power through the Lens of the ancient traditions. My book on this subject is available on Amazon. I also offer Goddess Retreats on the Big Island of Hawai'i—bringing women from all over the world to drop in and reconnect with their own Divine Feminine.
I offer my obeisances at the feet of my gurus and the great Ṛṣis of this tradition who have allowed me to become a learner on this path. Last, I am a certified Dharma Ambassador with HAF, the Hindu American Foundation (https://www.hinduamerican.org), dedicated to preserving and promoting the authentic narrative of Hinduism and Sanatana Dharma.
Namaskaram and aloha 🙏💛
LL Ishana Shivashakti
https://www.kalashalavedicastrology.com