Wanderlust Yoga for Sagittarius Season
Sections of this article appear in The Yoga Almanac: 52 Practices and Rituals to Stay Grounded Through the Astrological Seasons, March 2020, New Harbinger Publications. Reprinted with permission: New Harbinger Publications, Inc. © 2020 Lisette Cheresson & Andrea Rice.
Check out this collection of new moon astrology courses from the author on Wanderlust TV
We have got through nearly another calendar year – and the adventurous Sagittarius energy lies before us to remind us of the final important tasks or wishes we hope to fulfill when we get to winter solstice. Sagittarius season, which runs from November 21st or 22nd every year through the official start of winter on December 21st or 22nd, calls on us to take stock of where we've been so we can prepare for where we're going walk. It's a time of year that includes the start of the holidays – a hectic time of year when we may feel drawn in multiple directions. The energy of Sagittarius reminds us of the independence of our personal needs, even when we take care of our surroundings.
The fearless enthusiasm of the fire sign Sagittarius inspires us to explore what is possible. Ruled by Jupiter, the planet of good fortune and happiness, Sagittarius is a visionary who reminds us that standing still only keeps us small. As we review our year, we may be drawn into risks that once seemed out of reach. Sagittarius is symbolized by the brave archer and encourages us to take a risk; a reminder that risk is rewarded. The courage to seek during the Sagittarius season can often be found in maintaining a sense of optimism, knowing that the dark days of winter are just around the corner. When we stand on the edge of the possible and plunge into the unknown, the excitement of playing in the game of life expands our perspectives, regardless of the outcome.
Yoga is a bold practice because it requires that we stand (or sit or lie) completely naked with ourselves, in our own authenticity and wisdom. That is what the Sagittarius season lessons and themes are all about – cultivating personal authenticity so that we can remain courageous and courageous in our outward endeavors. It is fitting that Sagittarius season begins with brooding over gratitude in the United States (a note here to acknowledge the troubled Thanksgiving history in terms of cultural genocide). In order to step into our own courage and authenticity, we often need to experience or cultivate a sense of gratitude for who we were. While the archer is asking us to aim and step into the bold energy of this fire sign, it is imperative to bring an attitude of gratitude for all that has brought us to this climax.
Wisdom is another major theme of the season as we close the final cycle of the fall transition and prepare for winter's long journey inward. When we have taken stock of where we have been and set out to achieve our goal with authenticity and bravery, we must not only rely on our inner wisdom, but gain it. The transition to autumn has given way to the brooding and introspection of the solstice. Sagittarius is the bridge that prepares us for the final journey of the astrological year.
by Yogapedia
Squat or garland pose (Malasana)
Sagittarius has mastered the hips, and this squat position is known for its ability to strengthen the pelvic floor. Because the hip flexors and groin are greatly stretched, the shape also strengthens the ankles and feet. The abdominal wall engages lightly to elongate the back and pull the spine towards neutral. Squat pose can be made more accessible by placing a block under the seat for support. This helps build stability in the ankle joints and rooted in the outer edges of the feet.
Draw the palms of your hands against your heart as a gesture of gratitude. Press the lowest part of your inner thighs to maintain the opening as the sensation seeps down into your hips. The inside edges of your feet can be brought together to extend your knees far out as your spine bends forward. This pose activates and opens the root chakra (Muladhara) and stimulates the sacral chakra (Svadhisthana) while activating the transverse abdominal muscles.
by Yogapedia
Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III) with Jupiter "Lock" mudra
Hindu mythology describes the warrior Virabhadra, an incarnation of Shiva, in three aspects that provide fodder for all three warrior poses. Daksha, a powerful priest, held a yagna (a ritual sacrifice) and did not invite his daughter Sati or her husband Shiva. Angry at her father, Sati threw herself into the fire in retaliation. Shiva was so devastated that he tore a tuft of hair from his head, from which the thousand-headed warrior Virabhadra sprang, who beheaded Daksha with his mighty sword. The shape of Warrior III dates from the moment in the story Virabhadra presents Daksha's head forward.
Warrior III stabilizes your hips, strengthens your back and works your abdominal muscles. The form tests and improves balance and requires coordination of the entire body. Jupiter Mudra can be integrated into the pose by crossing the palms of the hands over the head and stretching out the index fingers in the direction of one's own width; on the enormous possibilities of the future.
The throat chakra (Vishuddha) is activated by both posture and mudra when the cervical spine is elongated. The crown chakra (Sahasara) awakens to a higher collective consciousness and the third eye (Ajna) chakra to greater insight and clarity. The sacral (Svadhisthana) and solar plexus (Manipura) chakras are also stimulated when the abdominal wall attacks to maintain shape.
by Yogapedia
Bow pose (Dhanurasana)
The 700 verse conversation in the Bhagavad Gita between Krishna and Arjuna takes place when Arjuna puts down his Dhanu, his bow of arms, and refuses to fight. Krishna is working to convince Arjuna that the fight is indeed his dharma and part of the greater plan. The arched shape of this posture is an archetype for cultivating courage in the face of transition, relinquishing the ego, and moving forward with fearlessness and grace.
Bow Pose is a huge backbend. Although for many practitioners the shape prompts the hip flexors to move beyond a functional range of motion, you can use a harness to make the arch pose more accessible. While mobilizing your back and stretching your abdominal wall, Bow Pose expands your chest and chest muscles across the front of your body to open your heart. The length is created from the tailbone to the top of the head, especially along the cervical spine to open up the neck.
This posture is energetically significant because the heart chakra (anahata) is the transition point from the lower (material) chakras and the upper (spiritual) energetic centers. The bow position also activates the throat chakra (Vishuddha) and stimulates the courage to speak our authentic truth.
Hip circles
Going around the hips is not a traditional yoga asana, but it is often practiced in a modern classroom. It's an exploration of the basin. Start in a table position, with your knees just behind your hips and your palms just above your elbows, anchoring your knees, shins, toes, and palms in the ground. Rock back and forth to stimulate the flow of energy from the base of your spine upwards. Squeezing with your hands and pushing away from the floor creates more space between your shoulder blades in the back of your heart.
Moving in circular motions helps relax and strengthen your lower back as it gently stretches the outer hips and activates the pelvic floor. Tearing off the deep core muscles stretches the intercostal muscles between the ribs while tightening the arms and shoulders.
Hip Circles are energetic "stirring the pot" that awakens creativity by sending the flow of prana directly to our sexual center, the sacral chakra (Svadhisthana). This is the seat of our creative and passionate forces, where is what we really are and what we cultivate. In this position on all fours, he is encouraged to explore any type of intuitive, organic movement that the body craves – with reference to the practice of physical svadhyaya. Hip circles are a great way to start an authentic conversation with your body.
by Yogapedia
Simple Seat (Sukhasana)
When Prince Siddhartha sat under the Bodhi tree for seven weeks to understand the meaning of existence, he vowed not to leave his place until he found a way to end the suffering of the world around him – even if he did this meant his own death. During those 49 days he realized that the cause of human suffering was greed, selfishness, and stupidity, and that we could find true happiness and contentment if we could rid ourselves of these senseless emotions. With this revelation, he attained enlightenment and reappeared as Buddha.
This simple sitting position helps relax and open the hips and groin, the area ruled by the shooter, elongate the outer thigh muscles or abductors, and stretch the ligaments in the knees and ankles. By straightening the spine, the back is gently strengthened. If your hips and knees are tight, sit on a folded blanket or yoga block for extra support. Easy Seat also works wonders in reducing stress and anxiety.
Energetically there is a feeling of grounding in the sit bones in order to activate the root chakra (Muladhara) at the base of the spine. Since the entire spine is kept upright, a sense of length created from the base of the spine through the top of the head could essentially open all seven chakras.
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<img alt="lisette_cheresson_2021_headshot "width =" 200 "height =" 300 "srcset =" https://wanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lisette_cheresson_2021_headshot-513×768.jpg 513w, https://wanderlust.com/wp- content / uploads / 2021/08 / lisette_cheresson_2021_headshot-662×992.jpg 662w, https://wanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lisette_cheresson_2021_headshot-768×1151.jpg 768w, https://wanderlust.com/wp- content / uploads / 2021/08 / lisette_cheresson_2021_headshot-1025×1536.jpg 1025w, https://wanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lisette_cheresson_2021_headshot-1367×2048.jpg 1367w, https://wanderlust.com/wp- content / uploads / 2021/08 / lisette_cheresson_2021_headshot-200×300.jpg 200w, https://wanderlust.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lisette_cheresson_2021_headshot-scaled.jpg 1709w "src =" https://wanderlust.com /wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lisette_cheresson_2021_headshot-513×768.jpg "data-sizes =" (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px "class =" alignleft wp-image-297056 lazyload "/> Lisette is the author, Yoga teacher and content director. She is a member of the founding team of Yoga Unify, a new nonprofit yoga organization, director of marketing at the Mammoth Yoga Festival, and co-author of The Yoga Almanac. Lisette completed her 200-hour training in Brooklyn and her Reiki attunement in India and deepened her studies with Leslie Kaminoff from the Breathing Project, Tiffany Cruikshank and Andrew Holecek. She is also a grief coach and death doula, whose work focuses on integrating the tools of mindfulness and asanas for grief healing and end-of-life anxiety. As a past life filmmaker, Lisette has shot videos with community leaders such as Dharma Mittra, Eddie Stern, and Eoin Finn. She lives in the Hudson Valley, NY with her husband and animals.
Andrea Rice is a health and wellness writer and editor. Her work has appeared in the Yoga Journal, The Wanderlust Journal, mindbodygreen, Astrostyle, SONIMA and New York Yoga + Life. She also worked as a journalist for The New York Times and INDY Week. As a yoga teacher with decades of experience, Andrea completed her 200-hour training in New York, NY; and promoted her training with Elena Brower and Alexandria Crow. She has also studied astrology extensively with The AstroTwins, Ophira and Tali Edut. Andrea has taught yoga, meditation, journaling, and creativity workshops in Brooklyn and Manhattan in New York, NY; and was a moderator at Wanderlust. She lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband and cat, where she teaches yoga at Blue Lotus and the North Carolina Museum of Art.
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