The Planets as Poses Part 3
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!
Mercury
Mercury
The next planet closest to the Sun is the coy and mischevious Mercury. The planet of communication, learning, intelligence and technology.
The Romans anointed this planet as Mercurius, the Greeks: Hermes. The messenger god in both traditions delivered messages between heaven and Earth. Bridging communication between mere mortals and the gods.
Cat/Cow wakes up the energy channel along the spine so that messages (Mercury) from our body’s inner wisdom can easily flow. Flowing between these two shapes also opens the throat for right speech and communication just as the messenger god delivers messages.
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 Squat and Curl.
Curling up in a ball constricts the front line of the body while opening the back line of the body, reflecting Saturn’s natural ability to hold back as we have the power to contain ourselves.
The Moon
The perfect planetary pairing to our Earth, the Moon is the most visible body in our sky that keeps the Earth’s cycles in a unique rhythm. Often known as the “Mother” in astrology, the Moon represents our inner light, soul, mood, and deep emotions. This nurturing reminder teaches us the balance of Yin and Yang.
Ardha Chandrasana or “Half Moon” resembles the first quarter or third quarter (half) moon shape. The strength in the standing leg from this pose is balanced by the softness of your gaze (drishti) to remain steady. Yoga Asana often reminds us of the balance of “strength and ease” just as the Moon as periods of strength (Full Moon) and periods of ease (New Moon). This half moon phase in the lunar cycle is an inflection point of balance with half light and half dark, embodying the balance of Yin and Yang.
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.
This Swan Pose variation speaks to the oceanic nature of Neptune with this mermaid like essence to it. The feminine, water-y-ness of this pose reflects the nature of Pisces, the sign that Neptune rules.
As you gaze up and drop the hips down, open your perspective and heart to the magic of what is possible, transcending Earthly 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.
Rabbit pose bows the crown of the head towards the Earth, reflecting Pluto’s rulership of the underworld. Pluto is all about secrets and the hard truths revealed when you truly gaze inward as you do in this pose. Facing these secrets isn’t meant to break you down but rather transform you to your next evolution.
To get in Sasangasana, start seated on your knees. Tilt the crown of the head towards the ground as your lift your hips off your knees, your knees should be hovering right over your knees. Grab the backs of your heels if possible and rock to a comfortable position at the crown of your head. If possible, send your gaze to your third eye center (space between the eyebrows) and relax
