Yoga Centers Portland OR

The Best Yoga Poses for Your Sign

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Reprinted from PLANETARY APOTHECARY: An Astrological Approach to Health and Wellness by Stephanie Gailing. Copyright © 2009. Published by Crossing Press, an imprint of Ten Speed Press.

ARIES
Warrior I (Virabhadrasna I). This pose is perfect for the pioneering and champion-spirited Arien, reflecting the energy of the hero who conquers adversaries.
Stand tall at the front of your mat with your hands on your hips. Step your left foot back about three feet, and bring your left heel to the mat. Rotate the toes of your left foot out about 45 degrees. Your pelvis should remain parallel to the front of your mat. Lift your arms straight up over your head without scrunching your shoulders, and then bend your right knee so it is in line with your right ankle. Hold for up to sixty seconds, and repeat on the other side.

TAURUS
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana). When your grounded nature needs an energizing lift, this all-over workout awakens the senses and is especially beneficial for neck and thyroid health.
Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip distance apart. To ensure proper foot placement, extend your arms along the ground, and place your heels in the spot where they touch your fingertips. With your feet flat on the floor, lift your hips. With your arms straight, clasp your hands behind your back. Stay in the pose for up to sixty seconds. When finished, gently roll down vertebra by vertebra as you exhale.

GEMINI
Dolphin Pose. Like a Gemini, dolphins are considered to be extremely intelligent. This pose can help you stretch and strengthen your shoulders, arms, and wrists.
Place your hands and knees on the floor in the tabletop position (your knees should align directly below your hips, with your elbows and wrists below your shoulders). Drop your elbows to the floor underneath your shoulders. Keeping your elbows in place, interlace your fingers together. Tuck your toes under, and send your hips toward the sky while pressing your forearms and wrists into the ground. The crown of your head should be facing the mat and contained within the triangle-shaped space created by your arms. Your knees can be straight or slightly bent, whichever allows your pelvis to lift away from your shoulders. Stay in the pose for up to sixty seconds.

CANCER
Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani). This gentle, restorative pose inspires calm and relaxation, helps with Cancerian water retention, and can move blood through the stomach and reproductive organs.
Sit on the floor with the right side of your body next to a wall and your legs bent and feet on the floor. Lie on your left side (perpendicular to the wall) and roll onto your back, bringing your legs straight up to rest against the wall. Scoot your buttocks forward so that they are as close to the wall as possible. Close your eyes and relax for at least five minutes.

LEO
Lion Pose (Simhasana). This asana will help you to embody the inherent courage and fearlessne...

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