Yoga & Ayurveda for the Sun’s Movement Through Sagittarius

Sagittarius is a jolly and freedom-loving sign. In my brother’s natal chart, his moon is in the sign of Sagittarius, therefore Sagittarius is prominent in his chart. I remember his child-self as goofy, big-hearted, and adventurous. In fact, when he was a teenager he traveled all over the United States. Sagittarius people love to “party with the best of them.”

One of my favorite scenes in the movie Bridesmaids is on the airplane when Annie, the main character, has a xanax cocktail to cure her fear of flying and is suddenly “Ready to parrrrrrttttyyyyy!” She gestures wildly and starts to dance unsteadily as her best friend stares at her, mouth agape. The point here is that too much of a good thing can, as we all know, create a mess.

In December, Sagittarius energy dominates. You may be more prone now to movement and have the desire to explore (physically and/or mentally) and expand your horizons. And that’s excellent. A few summers ago, when I had lots of planets in my 9th house (which is Sagittarius’ house), I discovered and fell in love with the flying trapeze; I spent most of my free time that summer learning new tricks on the flying trapeze. I digress.

Keep in mind, if you are engaging in fun activities and enjoying yourself, the Sagittarius tendency to overindulge or overdo. You can easily become depleted or unfocused now due to sending your energy in too many directions at once.

If this is the case, it’s Pranayama to the rescue. Pranayama refers to breath extension or technique. There are many forms of Pranayama; my ‘go to’  for when I am feeling ungrounded, unbalanced, anxious or overwhelmed is Alternate Nostril Breathing. This breathing technique balances the right and left sides of the brain and body. You will feel greatly more centered and settled afterward. Promise.

Sit in a comfortable position. Feel the ground under you supporting your entire body. Place your thumb, gently, on your right nostril and your pinky and ring fingers on your left nostril. I like to rest my index/pointer and middle fingers on my ‘third eye’ center, which is between the brows. You can rest your other hand in your lap.

Begin by plugging your left nostril with your ring and pinky fingers. Inhale gently but fully through your right nostril. Plug the right nostril, so both nostrils are closed, and retain your breath for a moment, then release your left nostril and exhale slowly and completely through your left nostril. Close the left nostril and pause the breath for a moment, then release your right nostril and inhale slowly and fully through the right side. Continue just like that, going side to side, for at least 10 breaths.

The key is breathing slowly and fully.

When you’ve completed your ten or more breaths, place both hands in your lap and return to your natural breathing rhythm. Keep your eyes closed. Notice your inhale and exhale, slower and deeper. Feel the silence inside and all around you, and the sense of peace and balance that comes with that.

Soo, if you are “ready to party” this month, remember there is always pranayama when you need it.