Venus Rising

Yoga for LivingIssue: Gemini 07

Get the Summer Moving with Half Wheel and Headstand

BALANCED

Gemini is ruled by the element of air. She likes to move. Whether from place to place or from thought to thought, Geminis have the ability to adapt and flow with life’s changes. They are comfortable moving from one thing to the next, and at times, find it hard to stay still. Change keeps our minds stimulated with new ideas, places, and sights and a Gemini’s intellect thrives on this stimulation.

Openness to change and to life is a quality that is represented well by the wheel pose in yoga.  The wheel pose requires an open heart and throat.  The shape of the wheel is an arc or a half circle.  If we placed one wheel on top of another it would make a complete circle.  This circle represents the continuum of life, from birth, through the stages of life, to death.  This cycle is symbolic of change itself and our movement through the cycles of life.  Geminis unhinging desire to experience and explore is a celebration of life and a reminder to live our lives now, without fear.

URDHVA DHANURASANA/ FULL WHEEL

Lie on your back with your knees bent.  Plant your feet parallel, hip width apart, and just a few inches from your buttocks.  Press into your feet and lift your hips up towards the ceiling, coming into a bridge pose.  Now, plant your hands on either side of your head with your fingers pointing toward your shoulders.  Reach your elbows toward each other, bringing them in line with your wrists.  Press into your hands and lift the crown of your head onto the floor.  Squeeze the elbows in and draw the shoulder blades down the back.  This may be enough for your body.  If this feels like a big enough stretch for you, stay here and give the shoulders and chest some time to open.  With time, you may be able to move deeper into the pose but there is no rush.  Listen to your body. If you feel okay and you would like to move deeper, then press into your hands and lift your head off the floor.  Work to straighten the arms.  Keeping your feet parallel, hug your legs toward each other to protect your lower back.  Press your shoulders away from the knees and feel your chest open.  Breathe.  Allow your body to open.  When you are ready to come down, tuck the chin in toward your chest and lower onto your upper back.  Roll down one vertebrae at a time and hug the legs into the chest.  Feel the rush of energy through the body.  Let it flow.