VoyageLA Interview

Meet Tulsi Bagnoli of Chaya Collective: Vedic Astrologer and Teacher of Yoga & Meditation

Photo by Sej Saraiya

Photo by Sej Saraiya

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tulsi Bagnoli.

Tulsi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As if this journey chose me, you could say my story and connection to the Vedic tradition began in the womb. Both of my parents were teachers of Transcendental Meditation and my Father, a Jyotiṣa (Vedic) Astrologer. Since birth, I was raised in an atmosphere of mantra, meditation and spiritual lifestyle. My first formal initiation into yoga and meditation came as a young child. From the age of four, I would sit with my parents for morning and evening sadhana (practice). From that moment forward, I became a devoted practitioner and seeker of Vedic wisdom.

In my late teens, I was in a car accident that changed the course of my life. After experiencing the immense healing powers and miracles of a daily yoga sadhana, I felt a strong calling to share this practice with others. Through my dedication to growth and service, I was then guided to become a certified teacher of meditation and Hatha yoga at the age of twenty and went on to complete a B.A. and M.A. in Vedic Science.

One of my very first memories is of my Father making charts by hand. Since I can remember, I was immensely intrigued by the ancient science of astrology (science of light). From being drawn to look up at the stars, to hearing the stories of the constellations and their mythology, I felt and continue to feel a deep pull towards the further investigation into yoga and Ayurveda’s sister science, Jyotiṣa. I was first requested by friends and classmates in University to glance at their astrology charts. Over time, these readings turned into lunch exchanges, donation offerings, and once I began paying for long term studies and mentorships, with the encouragement of friends, I began to slowly charge a fee for my consultations. It wasn’t until three years ago in L.A. when I was asked by a dear friend and colleague on what my favorite topic would be to offer a workshop. My heart said Jyotiṣa astrology and from that workshop on my path was forged.

Photo by Irina Faber - ALO Yoga | Santa Monica, CA

Photo by Irina Faber - ALO Yoga | Santa Monica, CA

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like most children born into a family of yogis or any system based on universal truth and accessible tools for self-discovery, I too needed to rebel and find the truth through my own eyes. In a sense, I could say that the road has been quite rocky and looking back, every bump, twist and turn along the way has helped to contribute to who I am and the space I hold today.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Chandra Vidya: Ayurvedic Yoga & Astrology story. Tell us more about the business.
I have an established private practice as an Ayurvedic yoga and astrology consultant in Topanga Canyon where I incorporate Jyotiṣa (Vedic) astrology, yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, breathwork, Human Design and holistic modalities to help awaken the individual to their true nature and the untapped energy that flows within us all.

In my consultations, I love to unpack what is ripe in an individual’s stage of evolution. I aim to shine light on what wants to be tended to and cultivated in such a way that the client meets with more ease and grace and less resistance within the current planetary rhythms and influences – as if I’m offering a key to unlock one’s highest potential.

I teach weekly classes and workshops at L.A. based yoga/meditation studios, L.A. county libraries, and in corporate settings including Spotify, Lululemon, Free People, ALO Yoga and L.A.X. Most of these classes, including New and Full Moon women’s gatherings, have moved online. I also teach yoga and am a teacher’s assistant at a private school in Malibu and facilitate group yoga/meditation classes at drug and alcohol treatment centers, such as IOP’s for both youth and adults. Just last week I was hired as the Wellness Program Director at a rooftop lounge in Malibu.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I feel immense grace for having been raised in such a way that my foundation was rooted in consciousness-based education. One could say it was pure luck having a lineage of ancient technologies and teachings to always lean on and pull from and from another perspective, I can only assume to believe this path was chosen consciously or unconsciously from my accumulated past thoughts, speech and actions.

Photo By Sej Saraiya

Photo By Sej Saraiya

Pricing:

  • 1 hour astrology consultation $195 / 1 1/2 $225

  • 1 hour private yoga class $150

  • 1 1/2 hour private breathwork class $150

Contact Info:

VoyageLA Interview