In this conversation, we speak with Sarah Yantra (Sarah Tomlinson), internationally acclaimed Yantrika, yoga teacher, artist, author, and lineage holder in the Sri Vidya tradition.
We begin inside a ritual container, each drawing a card from Sarah's Yantra Oracle Deck, sounding the bija mantras associated with the Yantras we received, and chanting the mantra of the Moon in honour of the day on which the conversation was recorded. From there, Sarah introduces the foundations of Tantra, describing how Yantra and Mantra work together as complementary spiritual technologies that form the basis of Tantric practice.
Sarah shares her journey into the world of Yantra through her apprenticeship with Harish Johari, the teacher who introduced the Yantra tradition to many in the Western world. She reflects on the initiation she received into the Sri Vidya tradition from Sri Amritananda of Devipuram and the path that has unfolded from that transmission ever since.
Together, we explore Yantras as sacred geometric forms that serve as doorways into consciousness. Sarah shares how colour, shape, symbolism, and gaze can be used as contemplative tools, and how the same principles expressed through gods, goddesses, myths, sacred art, mantra, and astrology can also be encountered through geometry.
We discuss the bindu, the significance of the triangle, the Sri Yantra, and the ways these forms can be approached as living practices rather than symbolic images alone. Sarah reflects on the many paths through which human beings enter into relationship with archetypal forces and deeper dimensions of awareness, and how Yantras offer a unique yet complementary access point into the same underlying realities of consciousness.
The conversation also traverses the relationship between Yantra, astrology, Ayurveda, and pilgrimage traditions within India. Sarah shares stories from a recent pilgrimage she led to the nine planetary temples of South India, accompanied by Seema Johari, daughter of her teacher Harish Johari. Together, they guided participants through a contemplative journey into the living traditions of planetary veneration, pilgrimage, and ritual. Sarah reflects on the cultural role of these traditions and offers insights into traditionally feared planetary influences such as Saturn and Rahu, exploring how they can be approached as opportunities for growth, awareness, and transformation.
We also speak about Sarah's consultation work, which weaves together astrology, Ayurveda, and Yantra to help individuals better understand their unique gifts, challenges, and life path. Through this process, Yantras become tools for contemplation, healing, and transformation — bringing ancient wisdom into everyday life.
Toward the end of the conversation, Sarah shares a beautifully accessible way of beginning a relationship with Yantra through the simple practice of drawing them freehand. We reflect on how these sacred geometric forms are not reserved for specialists or initiates, but can become contemplative companions for anyone curious about stillness, reflection, and deeper dimensions of awareness.
Throughout the conversation, we reflect on sacred geometry, lineage, devotion, consciousness, spiritual practice, and the enduring relevance of ancient technologies of consciousness in the modern world.
Further Exploration
Tools for Tantra — Harish Johari Nine Designs for Inner Peace — Sarah Tomlinson Colouring Yantras — Sarah Tomlinson
Connect with Sarah Yantra
Website: https://www.sarahyantra.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahyantra/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCsPvCpzQopfsfjE_bVsJsw September 2026 Glastonbury RetreatCelestial Healing: Mantras of the Nine Planets Yantra Oracle Deck