Happy Birthday, Aquarians!
As the Sun passes through the sign of Aquarius, I’m thinking about the significance of that sign and its modern ruling planet, Uranus.
Aquarius keywords include maverick, inventive, unorthodox, quirky, unique, and individualistic.
Uranus, The Great Awakener, is present at moments in our lives when we are liberated from old conditioned thinking and follow an urge for a breakthrough to a radical shift in consciousness.
In this week’s recordings, you’ll notice my Aquarian approach to sun salutations as well as the subtle beckoning of Uranus, The Great Awakener, in the gentle sequence. I’ll share the connection between the archetype of Uranus and the Vijnanamaya Kosha. Read below for more.
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Aquarius: 40 min. Vinyasa Flow Sequence (suggested Spotify playlist is in the Vimeo description that you’ll see once you click the link.)
https://vimeo.com/672769618/b9c871b2a2
Uranus & the Vijnanamaya Kosha: 44 min. Gentle Yoga Sequence (suggested Spotify playlist is in the Vimeo description that you’ll see once you click the link.)
https://vimeo.com/672762306/a520ced839
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These recordings are offered for free. If you enjoy them and know someone else who would like them too, please forward this email :-)
If you’re able and would like to make a $1-$5 love offering/recording, many thanks!
Paypal = shalarain@gmail.com
Venmo = @Shala-Worsley
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Unconventional approach to Surya Namaskar
If you’ve been following along with the recorded practices, or if you used to do in-person practices with me at the Asheville Yoga Center, you know that my approach to Sun Salutations is somewhat Aquarian. I start with the standard Surya Namaskar A + B from the Ashtanga Vinyasa tradition and then add in an unconventional varying series of standing poses and breathing practices intended to balance all the major body parts and clear the mind. The intent is the same as the more traditional versions of Surya Namaskar: to recognize and honor the power of the Sun and seek to embody warmth, vitality, and brightness in the present moment.
Uranus, The Great Awakener
The modern ruler of Aquarius is Uranus, The Great Awakener. The Uranian archetype connects us to the Vijnanamaya Kosha, the fourth layer of our being which holds insight, awareness, and wisdom.
Uranus has an exhilarating energetic quality similar to electricity and is felt during sudden changes, upheaval, and surprises that lead to epiphanies, breakthroughs, and insights. Aha moments are Uranian as are flashes of knowing, wake up calls, and envisioning an ideal future.
In the deep stretch and restorative section of our practice times together, we invite in the archetype of Uranus through breathing practices and spaciousness. The deep breathing helps to get prana moving in our systems, so that we feel alert, alive, and charged with Presence. Taking time in each pose, we allow space for Uranus, the Great Awakener, to communicate to us through images and flashes of insight which are typically covered up by an overly cluttered mind.
It's a pleasure practicing with you,
Shala
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