The following is a Guest Post by Emily Ridout, AstroYoga Specialist, Yoga and Astrology Teacher
Did you know that yoga practices traditionally lined up with the timing of the planets, sun, and moon?
From a yogic perspective, everything is connected, and so it is of the utmost importance to practice in harmony with nature, astrology, and your body.
You may already be familiar with a wide swath of astrology-yoga alignment practices, such as altering flows on new moon and full moon days, creating balance at the equinoxes, and flowing through sun salutes at the solstice.
But did you know that there are specific practices that can be done for more specific astrological events?
On Thursday, June 10, 2021 there’s a solar eclipse in Gemini.
This by itself is interesting, but solar eclipses mean something energetically specific for you and your practice.
The Sun and the Moon live in our collective consciousness in ways we at once recognize and take for granted. You always, for example, are likely to know whether it’s day or night outside. When someone wants to say something with conviction, they’ll often add the phrase ‘as sure as the sun will rise’.
The Sun feeds the crops that feed us, giving nourishment and light to the world. Without the Sun’s heat and rays, life simply wouldn’t exist.
Solar eclipses are moments when the sure-fire, dependable movements of the sun alter for a moment. They have a tendency to cause an energetic shakeup that creates shifts for months to come.
In astrology, this particular solar eclipse has some big implications.
All solar eclipses take place during the new moon, when the sun and moon are together in the zodiac. This particular eclipse is also conjunct Mercury Retrograde, which has a big energetic message.
The energy of the sun and moon are the forces of light in the world, and they likewise represent the force of enlightenment in your psyche.
Mercury represents the quality of thought, communication, and the mind. With Mercury in retrograde, these qualities are turned in on themselves, opening to a process of deep reflection.
Plus, all of this takes place in Gemini, the sign of dualistic thought, differences among individuals, and diversity within community.
When you put it all together, this eclipse opens a powerful portal through which you can call in profound realizations in regard to the way you relate to the mind, communication, and opinions in a way that can both shine light in the darkness and see what light is already present in these areas of life.
A message that comes through this event is: things are not as dark as they seem.
Another message is: You have an essential part to play in shining and sharing light with others who don’t have to share the same opinions, background, or thought-style as you.
Generally, on the day of the eclipse, it’s traditional to forgo intense asana practice, but the reverberations from this eclipse will be felt for the next 6 months.
In the body, Gemini rules the shoulders, arms, and hands.
These relate to the energetic meridian that connects to the heart, and Gemini also relates to the Vishuddha (throat) chakra, which governs your voice, as well as your listening skills.
Gemini also rules the lungs, so when you practice yoga to integrate these eclipse energies, remember to breathe!
If you find yourself questioning how you fit into this often dualistic material reality, here’s a yoga sequence specifically designed to help you integrate these energies to draw light into yourself and into the world.
Downward Facing Dog
Humble Warrior
Standing Wide-Legged Forward Fold
Side Crow
Eagle
Foot to Hand Pose
Savasana
This has been a Guest Post by Emily Ridout, AstroYoga Specialist, Yoga and Astrology Teacher
