Planets and Poetry: Embodying Astrology through the Expressive Arts

Planets and Poetry: Embodying Astrology through the Expressive Arts is a five-day astrology workshop at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, led by astrologer, author, and poet Heidi Rose Robbins. It is for anyone curious about their birth chart who wants to meet it through the body, through poetry, and through making things, rather than through study alone. No previous knowledge of astrology, poetry, or movement is needed.

The premise is that your astrological chart is a lens for seeing yourself and the gifts you have to share. Over the days, the group works toward naming fears and uncertainties and offering gifts with courage, practicing loving, acting courageously, and embracing next life steps.

What to Expect

The work happens in a circle, with group counsel and shared reflection. Once you send your birth data, Heidi Rose Robbins and her team prepare your personal natal chart, and you receive it during the workshop. From there, the group:

- Explores each chart for strengths, challenges, and clues about future paths.
- Moves and stretches to embody astrological energies. No movement experience is required, and the practices are meant to be accessible to all bodies.
- Reads poetry aloud and listens for what it reveals about parts of the astrological map.
- Journals and makes collage to express the planets and signs in the chart visually.

The week begins on Monday with How to Drop into Esalen in the late afternoon and an opening session in the evening. Tuesday through Thursday each have a morning session (9:30 am to 12:30 pm) and an afternoon session (from 4:00 pm, ending between 6:00 and 6:15 pm), with open classes available around them. The days move from astrological foundations to embodiment and expression, then deepening practice. The final session on Friday morning runs until noon and is about integration and closing. The Self-Guided Exploration closing circle also takes place Friday morning.

About Heidi Rose Robbins

Heidi Rose Robbins is an astrologer, author, and poet who has helped thousands of clients around the world live with more authenticity and clarity. She hosts two podcasts and leads Radiant Life Retreats. Her newest book, the bestseller Everyday Radiance, was published by Chronicle Books in 2023. She teaches with her team.

The Setting

Esalen Institute sits on the Big Sur coast, and its approach is rooted in openness and exploration. Workshop guests have access to the hot springs, gardens, and other campus features, and can drop into classes on the open schedule. Optional evening programs are offered, and healing arts sessions are available for an additional charge.

Rooms are available after 2:00 pm on arrival day, with keys at 4:00 pm. Accommodation options range from a shared sleeping bag space (bring your own bedding) and bunk beds to standard shared rooms, private queen and two-bed rooms, and premium queen and king rooms, some with ocean or forest views, private outdoor areas, or a deck. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, with coffee, tea, and snacks. On Friday, checkout is by 10:00 am or after the final session, and lunch is available until 2:00 pm.

Getting into and out of northern Big Sur has been affected by travel advisories on Highway 1, including convoys run by Caltrans at set times. Check current conditions before you travel and plan your arrival and departure accordingly.

Before You Go

Come with an open mind and a willingness to engage with your chart. Workshop registration covers instruction, housing, meals, hot springs access, and open classes. A small additional material fee applies to the workshop. Healing arts sessions such as Esalen massage, specialty coffee, tea, or alcohol from the bar, and bookstore purchases are extra. Day passes and off-site stays are also offered, and scholarship applications are available.