The Planets as Poses Part 2
Introducing… Planetary Yoga!
My interpretation of embodying the planets in our sky through Yoga Asana as an Astrologer & Yoga Teacher. Through my own yoga practice and my observation of the characteristics of each planet, I found that we can understand the planet’s symbolism further by feeling it in our own bodies! Connecting to its cosmic essence.
Join me on the journey below to feel the energy of the planets within yourself. Try out these poses and let me know if it expands your understanding of these planets’ meanings!
Jupiter
The largest gas giant in our solar system, Jupiter’s spaciousness can take your breath away. Because of his grand nature, Roman myths called this planet “Zeus” - the great one. In Vedic astrology, they called him “Brihaspati” or “The Teacher” or “Guru”. Differing from his stern counterpart Saturn, Jupiter is more like a sage, teaching us mind-blowing philosophy & spirituality.
Stargazer or “Wild Thing Variation” is an expansive chest and side body opener, embodying Jupiter’s positive and optimistically expansive qualities. As you reach back and send your gaze back you may find abundance from a different perspective. Or perhaps you learn something new in bravely reaching far where you cannot initially see.
Jupiter’s trusting yet bold vision for abundance and expansion is embodied in this opening and reaching pose.
Saturn
Saturn is a gas giant with beautiful rings surrounding him, carefully establishing his boundaries and borders. In Roman mythology, Saturn ruled time, abundance, and wealth. Aligned in Saturn’s association with Capricorn, a sign that thrives with a long term game plan.
In astrology, Saturn is the father-like teacher. Teaching us hard lessons by showing us how to have rigid discipline and responsibility. The often-constricting qualities to Saturn are reflected in Eagle Pose.
Garudasana involves wrapping the arms and legs together into the midline, compressing the limbs so that when you release, fresh blood flow can return to it. Expanding circulation.
Eagle pose and Saturn reminds us that to expand in new ways, we often must be disciplined or constricted temporarily to experience the fruits of our labor long term.
Uranus
Uranus is our quirky little disruptor of our planetary system. Icy cold with gas emanating a cyan glow, ancients referred to him simply as the “God of the Sky”.
In astrology, Uranus is associated with rebellion, shifting the status-quo and innovation. Uranus is here to stand out from the pack, and to show you how to lean into YOUR unique quirks.
Bird of Paradise is a pose that clasps your hands behind your thigh then lift the leg high. This funky pose demonstrates Uranus’ unashamed “weirdness”. No matter how weird you look in this pose, it’s beautiful how individualistically it’s expressed by each practitioner.
After all, balancing on unsteady ground while in a bind is what Uranus truly embodies in order to further humanity.
Neptune
Neptune is the farthest planet in our solar system representing mystical worlds beyond. Known by the Greeks as Poseidon, the ocean association goes deeper than this planet’s ocean blue hues. In astrology, Neptune is the planet of disillusionment, dreaming and fantasy.
Legs up the wall or “Waterfall” not only speaks to the oceanic nature of Neptune but also to the nature of escapism this pose invites. As you send your legs high in the sky, you can imagine where you’d take off without the weight of gravity holding you down.
Indulge in some healthy day dreaming in this pose, a natural vagus nerve activator which calms the nervous system and envision yourself transcending realities.
Pluto
Our dwarf planet with mighty significance. God of the underworld in both Roman and Greek myths (Hades), Pluto represents wealth, mystery, transformation and power in astrology. Known to excavate shadows from death to secrets and reveal things beneath the surface that we’d rather keep below board.
Humble Warrior demonstrates both the power of the warrior and the devotion to the necessary cycle of change. As you re-orient yourself to gravity by bowing the head down, you also take a moment of reverence to the underworld. Bowing into your shadows as you gaze inward and see what you’re ready to courageously surface.
Start in a Warrior I stance, interlace the fingers and punch the knuckles down. Gaze up then hinge at the hips as your bring your third eye to the inside of the knee. This is Humble Warrior.
