Solar eclipse yoga (and a new moon too)

Today, we’ll experience the annular solar eclipse.  The moon will block part of the sun today for a sensational celestial sight for those who can see it.  So what does this mean for yogis?

Like during a full moon, energies fluctuate greatly during solar and lunar eclipses . Emotions can be heightened, and we can feel overwhelmed or even drained — even for several days before and after the eclipse.

We, ourselves, may feel these shifts intensely or we may simply feel the effects of everyone and everything around us in heightened states. Like full moon yoga, there are many different interpretations of what, if any, yoga to do.

For me, I’m often so full of energy that I’m buzzing like a kid on sugar only to crash from the overwhelming build up within me.  So, I tend to get on the mat and practice a steady vinyasa flow FULL of breath linked with movement.  This both helps to release and draw on some of the amazing energy circulating at the time in a healthy, productive way.

It’s also a great time to experience connectedness, and with the new moon, it’s a great time to shed what’s no longer serving you mentally and spiritually, and start anew.

Here’s a practice you can do for the next few days in celebration of the solar eclipse and new moon.  I recommend focusing on your breathing, flowing from each pose to the next on an in breath and out breath.  Feel free to sneak a vinyasa or your favorite transition in between the standing poses and inversions.

1. Kapalabhati Breathing – Here’s a video for those unfamiliar with the practice

2. Gentle warm-up – Whatever creatively moves through you to get the energy flowing.  Perhaps some cat cow, or hip circles or even some meditative, child’s pose to release tension.

3. 3 – 5 Rounds Surya Namaskar A Sun Salutations – There’s  a chart within this post if you need a reminder of the poses.

4. 3 -5 Rounds of Chandra Namaskar (moon salutations) – Here’s a post with a chart if you’re unfamiliar with moon salutations.

5. Tree pose – Hold for 5 breaths on each side.  Don’t be surprised if you’re wobbly, just stay with it. If you topple out of the pose, just get back in and laugh.

6. Child’s pose – Hold for as long as you need

7. Inversion of choice – You may want to pick something like headstand or shoulderstand.  If you’re energy is off and you’re feeling weak, go for supported shoulderstand with a block under your sacrum

7. Gomukhasana Cow Face Pose – Hold for 10 – 15 breaths, and switch sides

8. Savasana – Give yourself 10 minutes to integrate your practice

9. Meditation – If you have a meditation practice already, try doing 15 – 20 minutes.  If not,  you may choose simply to sit still and allow yourself to be present; you may choose to silently repeat a mantra or send an intention out with the new moon.  Or you could try this Solar Eclipse Kundalini meditation by CatalystYogi.

Enjoy your practice whatever you do, and take time to observe the energy swirling around you and within you.

Namaste.

– Your Charmed Yogi

(Photo: Colleen Pinski / Caters News) 

Related posts:

• Yoga with intent by the Supermoon
• 5 downloadable yoga sequences for all levels