Hello! And welcome back to your number one astro yoga blog, Yoga Zodiac. Here we talk about the best yoga postures for each unique zodiac sun sign. Here we offer a world where the cosmic and the physical unite in perfect harmony—a place where the ancient wisdom of yoga seamlessly intertwines with the mystical insights of astrology. Check our full library here.
In this article we're diving into the deep relaxing energy that is conjured throughout Moon Salutations, also known as Chandra Namaskara. This is a fluid movement intended to give a super deep stretch deep to the muscles and to illicit slow, healing energy. Moon Salutations are a sequence of yoga poses designed to honor and harness the calming, cooling, and receptive energy associated with the moon. This exercise is perfect for preparing for bed, to calm down anxiety, or to just take a break from this fast-paced world.
For whatever reason, this style of fluid exercise is not as common as its polar opposite, Sun Salutations (known as Surya Namaskara). It seems like in just about every flow yoga class they will open with Sun Salutations as a way to warm up the body and to target each muscle group. Moon salutations can be just as useful as they stretch all the major muscle groups and flush out stale toxins by increasing circulation and igniting the digestive system. This sequence is a great way to end your day and invest in starting the next day renewed and purified.
To Practice Moon Salutations:
Start in Tadasana (Mountain Pose): Begin by standing at the right side of your mat with your feet together, hands at your heart center in a prayer position (Anjali Mudra). Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
Inhale and raise your arms: As you inhale, sweep your arms out and overhead, reaching up towards the sky. Keep your palms together and your gaze lifted.
Exhale and side bend to one side. Inhale arms back up. Exhale side bend to the other side.
Inhale arms go up, exhale big step with the left foot coming into Goddess Pose. Arms come into a football post position.
Inhale straighten the legs and straighten the arms. Exhale shift hips towards the right, reach out with the left arm and come down into an Extended Triangle Pose.
Inhale square the hips and lift the chest halfway up.
Exhale fold the chest over the left leg coming into Pyramid Pose.
Breathe here, and the on the next exhale drop the right knee to the ground. Inhale swoop the arms up coming into Low Lunge position.
Exhale hands to the ground and lower the hips to the left side of the mat coming into Half Squat Pose. Inhale flow the body through center, exhale take half squat pose on the other side.
Move through this exact sequence on the other side of the body. Moving with the breath, and flowing with your natural internal rhythm.
Finish in Tadasana: After completing the desired number of rounds, return to Mountain Pose with your hands at your heart center, taking a moment to center yourself and reflect on the calming energy of the moon.
***It's suggested to use blocks in this exercise if your hamstrings are especially tight, or if you need a little help with balance.
Now, considering these qualities of Moon Salutations, which sign of the zodiac do you suppose is best served by this flow of postures? I am definitely talking about the ultimate moon child, Cancer sign. The connection between the Cancer sign and the Moon in astrology is profound and multi-faceted. Cancer individuals embody the lunar qualities of emotional depth, sensitivity, nurturing, and a strong connection to home and family. The Moon's influence on this zodiac sign contributes to its unique personality traits and characteristics. Moon salutations are “yin energy” in design and are meant to release tension and highlight the Cancer’s primordial femininity.
Moon salutations were created in the 1980’s by a group of women at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. Their purpose was to cultivate a practice in respect to female bodies and
cycles. Moon salutations don’t have a lot of arm supporting postures like chaturanga or downward facing dog, but instead focuses on stretching the legs and low back. This is because the legs and low back are two areas that are notorious for negatively affecting rest.
The Moon is associated with the concept of "home" and our sense of security. Similarly, Cancer is known as the "homebody" of the zodiac. Cancer individuals have a strong attachment to their homes and families, often prioritizing their well-being and creating a safe, nurturing environment. They are like the protective and comforting energy of the Moon, which provides a sense of security.
Cancers, this sequence of postures is an emblem of all that is special about you. Cancer people, you are known for your deep emotional sensitivity and intuition. This emotional depth is closely tied to the Moon's influence. While you practice this sequence hone into your homebody emotional self and unify your vibrations to those of the moon. Flow with the breath and conjure the mental affirmations "I am the expression of cycles. I go with the flow of change. I nurture others going through this change."
Just as the Moon waxes and wanes, Cancer individuals navigate life's emotional tides with grace, finding solace and strength in the practice of Chandra Namaskar.
Are you a Cancer sign, and can you relate? Comment below and let's talk!
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Thank you so much for reading this post! Blessings to you. Peace. Shanti.
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