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[/two_third][one_third_last]CosmoMuse yogi, Brooke Musat, brings us some Scorpio Season intensity with two poses that help us balance our yin & yang energy during this transformative season. Photography by Bus Couch.
In the height of the transition between fall and winter upon us, we welcome Scorpio into her reign. Harnessing the power that is transformation, now is the perfect time to turn lessons learned into lessons shared. With Mars in Scorpio’s corner, the courage within will help us as we turn toward our hidden depths. Because Scorpio energy calls upon our inner detectives, consider this an opportunity to dig a little deeper into what you desire. Don’t shy away from identifying what it is you want, need, or simply crave. If what you desire feels a little avant garde or taboo, find comfort that identification is the first step in the healthy exercise of self-discovery.[/one_third_last]
[full_width]With Pluto, Scorpio’s second ruling planet in your court, your intuitive abilities should be easier to call upon. Knowing what is right for you and when to act, are powers you already embody. Know though, that your journey to seek that which you desire does not need to be a lonely one. Sure, Scorpio season strengthens our self-control, but Scorpio season also reminds us there is power in intimacy. Give yourself permission to open up and share your truths with others. The essence of who you are is worth celebrating with company and embracing both your dark side along with your light side will bring greater empowerment!
The Yin and Yang poses of Scorpio season will keep you balanced as temperatures drop and the scenery shifts. With focus on caring for the loins and the heart, we are reminded that sometimes access to our desires requires a great deal of concentration and hard work. Steadiness achieved through strong feet, hamstrings, and quads, we recognize that transformation isn’t fleeting, but rather best initiated by finding strength on a cellular level.
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[one_third padding=”26% 0 0 0″]Yin Pose :: Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (Folded Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose)
o Stretches the hips, shoulders, and hamstrings
o Strengthens the ankles and legs
o Can help to strengthen the tiny muscles in the feet to help with cultivating a better sense of balance
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[full_width]Fire Signs (Leo, Aries, Sagittarius):
Fire Signs, practice this pose only after warming up the hamstrings and opening up the hips. Don’t let your ego tell you props aren’t permitted. A strap looped around the foot in the air is a great way to give tight hamstrings room to breathe.
Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn):
Earth signs, your tendency may be to focus on the foot that is connected to the ground or your mat, try to avoid this, as it may throw off your balance. Instead, try to bring your focus to the lightness of the leg suspended in the air. You could even try letting go of the foot with the hand and using your core to hold the leg up.
Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius):
Air Signs, we challenge you to hold this pose for more than 1 minute. If your hamstrings are tight, bend the knee, and take both hands to the shin, then draw the knee closer to chest.
Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces):
Water Signs, focus on trying to make this posture comfortable. You may need to play with bending either the standing leg’s knee or the knee of the leg in the air. Relax the shoulders and break in this pose in as it feels right for you.
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[/one_third][two_third_last padding=”5% 0 0 0″]Yang Pose :: Dancer’s Pose (Natarajasana)
o Strengthens the core and legs
o Opens the heart and chest
o Stretches the shoulders and back
Fire Signs (Leo, Aries, Sagittarius):
Fire signs, be aware that this pose should be eased into. Draw your attention to the tension of the foot in the hand and make sure your knee (of suspended leg) is pointed down toward the earth.
Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn):
Earth signs, recognize this pose is quite an opening for your chest, back, shoulders, and heart. If you begin to feel vulnerable or trapped, try bending the standing leg, focus on the breath, or acknowledge you need to come out of the pose and try again.
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[full_width]Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius):
Air signs, consider bringing the hand into the foot and aligning the knees. From there slowly begin to push the foot into the hand. With every breath you can focus on bringing the leg a bit higher. Once you’ve reached your peak, exit the pose the same way you entered it.
Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces):
Water signs, bring your attention to the shoulders and the arm suspended in space. Play with the angle of the suspended arm, reaching up toward sky, or reaching forward and parallel with the earth. Try to keep the shoulders squared toward the front of your mat. [/full_width]
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