COBRA POSE Bhujangasana Begin lying flat on stomach, hands back by the base of the breastbone. Uncurl toes and press into floor. Bring energy to the legs. Inhale up, shoulders on the back. Hiss like a snake. Benefits Cobra Pose Good for strengthening the back and spine. Expands the chest. What it looks like A snake, a piece of rope, a walrus.
Tadasana Stand with feet fist–width apart. Weight evenly distributed through all four corners of the feet. Muscles of the ankles, calves, knees and thighs engaged and hugging the bones. Inner thighs are back, tailbone tucked. Shoulders are on the back, hands pointed down. Feel the energy from the earth and feet drawing up into the core and extending out through the hands and head and feet. Benefits Naturally aligns the entire body. Spinal alignment. Teaches proper standing. Develops concentration. Makes back strong. Relaxing. Lotus Pose Mountain Pose What it looks … Continue reading
Navasana Begin seated with knees bent. Bring arms out straight in front near knees. Use stomach muscles to draw legs in and up. Extend legs out for full position. Benefits Strengthens abdominals. Improves digestion. Tones kidneys. What it looks like A boat with oars, the letter V, a bowl of soup, a train.
The final nakshatra, Revati, consists of thirty-two faint stars in the southern tail of Pisces, the fish. Being the last lunar mansion, Revati relates to endings, completion and the finality of time. Its symbol is a drum or mridanga which is used to mark time. Revati means “the wealthy” and is usually associated with abundance or prosperity on all levels. It is an auspicious star for spiritual growth and produces great intuitive gifts. The primary motivation of this asterism is moksha or spiritual liberation. It is also associated with deep faith and … Continue reading
The twenty-sixth lunar mansion is named Uttara Bhadrapada, which resides entirely in the constellation of Pisces, the fish. It consists of two stars, Pegasi and Andromedae, which form the remaining two legs of the bed combined with the stars of the previous nakshatra. Purva and Uttara Bhadrapada together form what is known in the West as the square of Pegasus which represents the bed or funeral cot. These two lunar mansions combined also depict the two-headed man discussed earlier in Purva Bhadrapada and which is symbolized by Agni, the fire … Continue reading
The twenty-fifth nakshatra is named Purva Bhadrapada and is located primarily in the sign of Aquarius, with one pada in Pisces. It consists of two main stars (Markab and Scheat) in the body of Pegasus, the winged horse. The symbols for this lunar mansion include a sword, two front legs of a bed or funeral cot, or a two-faced man. Purva Bhadrapada translates as “the former lucky feet” or the “feet of a stool or bench.” This also refers to the deity of this nakshatra, which is Aja Ekapada, the … Continue reading
The twenty-fourth nakshatra is called Shatabhisha and resides in a large group of faint stars in the constellation of Aquarius, the Water-Bearer. The Water-Bearer is depicted as the “physician of the gods,” pouring the sacred pot containing the divine nectar of immortality’ Shatabhisha literally means “the hundred physicians” or “hundred healers.” It bestows gifts in the healing arts by pouring forth the cosmic waters from the Aquarius pitcher to nourish humanity. Shatabhisha is also known as a “hundred stars,” which reflects the regal, royal quality of this lunar mansion. It … Continue reading
The twenty-third lunar mansion, Dhanishtha consists of a small group of four stars located in the head of Delphinus, the Dolphin. Half of the nakshatra resides in Capricorn the Sea-Goat and the remaining half in Aquarius the Water-Bearer. Dhanishtha is called “the star of symphony” with its symbol being a musical drum. The drum is Lord Shiva’s musical instrument of time, called a mridranga or tabla. Usually, a love of music and talent in singing or reciting chants can be observed here. There is great wealth as well as difficult marital karma found in … Continue reading
The twenty-second nakshatra, Shravana, consists of three stars in the head of the eagle, Aquilla. The stars also form the three footprints of Vishnu, the deity of this nakshatra and preserver of the universe. Lord Vishnu helps us to perceive the truth of manifestation concealed by the world of maya or illusion. This asterism’s power is that of providing connection faamhanana shakti).’ Its natives can li’nk people together by connecting them to their appropriate paths in life. Shravana resides entirely within the sign of Capricorn and is ruled by the Moon. Called … Continue reading
The twenty-first nakshatra is Uttara Ashadha, consisting of two stars in the breast of the Archer. Uttara Ashadha has one pada in Sagittarius and three in Capricorn. Ruled by the Sun, its symbol is an elephant’s tusk, reflecting Ganesha’s blessing on our activities. Another symbol is the planks of a bed, which symbolize the securing of rest and peace. Called the “universal star,” this asterism reflects deep humanitarian concern and fairness to all races. Abraham Lincoln had his natal Moon in this nakshatra. Uttara Ashadha is ruled by the Universal … Continue reading
