MOUNTAIN or TADASANA 
written by for Venus Rising Magazine
Libra 07 Issue
In astrology, Libra is associated with the lower back. This is an area where literally and figuratively, a Libra often needs to work to have a little more backbone. The tendency to "bend over backwards" for others can manifest in the physical body and cause back pain. Increasing core strength in body and mind can bring some relief from the habit of overextending the self.
A Libra loves, loves, loves to give, but a smart Libra is also able to give to herself. Tadasana pose is a great way for a Libra to re-find her center, get grounded, and build the confidence she needs to say “no” every once in awhile.
MOUNTAIN OR TADASANA
MOUNTAIN or TADASANA
Stand with the big toes touching and the heels about an inch apart. Look down, and make sure that the outside edges of your feet are parallel. Feel your feet and begin to press evenly into the base of the big toes, the base of the little toes, and the center of each heel. As you press into your feet engage the legs, lifting the knee caps. Bring your pelvis into a neutral position by moving the pubic bone and the tail bone toward each other. Let go of excess holding in the gluts. Breathe. Relax the jaw. Continue to press into your feet and feel a lift up the sides of the waist all the way to the armpit. Lift the top of the sternum gently toward the ceiling, as the shoulder blades relax down the back. Allow your arms to hang. Feel your skull resting easily on top of the spine. The back of your neck is long and the gaze is directly forward. Press more into your feet, and pull up support from the earth. Breathe. Feel your power.
PLANK
A challenging posture, plank requires that we remain steady and strong even when the sensation gets intense.
Come into a table top position with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Spread your fingers wide and tuck your toes under. Scan your awareness through your spine and feel even length through both the front and the back of the body. The sitting bones reach back toward the wall behind you, and the crown of the head reaches forward. Draw the front lower ribs into the body, and soften the space between the shoulder blades toward the floor. While maintaining the structure of the back, extend one leg at a time until the whole body is parallel to the floor. Gently squeeze the creases of the elbows towards each other and continue to soften the space between the shoulder blades toward the floor. Now, engage the legs. Reach firmly through the heels, and lift the inner thighs toward the ceiling. Draw your navel into your spine, and move your tailbone toward your heels. As the heels reach back, lengthen the base of the skull away from the shoulder blades, and gaze to the floor just between your hands. Hold for three to five breaths, and feel the structure of the pose. 
Avoid injury! When practicing yoga, listen to your body and take responsibility for your safety. Always move gently into poses, and do not push too hard.
© 2008 Venus Rising Magazine