When the Sun is in Aquarius you will likely feel more inclined to socialize, network (this includes the online world), and your mind may have lots of interesting ideas! You may also feel a drive for more freedom in some area of your life. Aquarius is a like a spark of energy and inspiration. When I think of Aquarius, I think of thunderstorms and lightning: a bolt that comes from “out of the blue” to shake you up and change your stagnant ways. People that have Aquarius prominent in their natal charts like to be on the move (both mentally and physically): they thrive on change and need excitement to feel inspired and “alive.” You may feel more restless this month, itching to change up the “same ole’’” routines, and this can be positive and necessary, however you want to make sure that you maintain some sense of balance amid any changes and transitions you make.

In order to balance the energy of Aquarius, we want to cultivate consistency, commitment (in daily life), and flexibility. Aquarius (and other air signs) often benefit from grounding practices: simply feeling your feet on the ground is a good first step. In the yoga practice, whatever body parts are touching the ground create your foundation in a pose. Like a house, you need a solid foundation so that the rest of your body feels supported and the pose is, therefore, strong and safe. When the sun moves into Aquarius, it’s helpful to put more focus on your foundation, to really feel the connection of your feet and hands (for example, in Downward Facing Dog) on the earth and, yet, you also want to honor the Aquarius need for movement, freedom, and change. I, therefore, suggest a grounding yet creative Vinyasa Flow Yoga practice. I also suggest Four-part Breath, a simple form of Pranayama that quickly stills and calms body/mind.

Since I have the air element prominent in my natal chart, I am drawn to a creative Vinyasa Flow with plenty of grounding work. I like to get “lost” in the yoga practice, meaning I feel connected to my body and, yet, I can transcend the “mundane world.” The practice becomes a beautiful dance with spirit, both rhythmic and freeing. The key to this is that I must first connect with my foundation and my body; I cannot bypass this piece or else I feel disconnected and I am simply going through the motions. If I, on the other hand, focus too heavily on the cerebral elements of the yoga practice (alignment is important but too much becomes oppressive), I feel rigid in the practice and stuck “in my head,” and I lose the magic of the practice. I like to do long, flow-y sequences on each side (right and left), while taking care to move my body in a safe and balanced way. Click HERE and HERE for the two parts of my twenty minute creative and grounding vinyasa flow yoga video.

I mentioned consistency and commitment above. Aquarius energy does not lend itself well to consistency/commitment in terms of a daily schedule and it is, generally speaking, challenging for those with Aquarius strong in the Natal Chart to stick to one thing for long. When they have a bigger picture cause Aquarians are dedicated (don’t get me wrong), however they are not usually super focused on the details and day-to-day stuff (that’s Virgo’s domain). For this reason, when Aquarius vibes are in the “air,” it is beneficial to cultivate more consistency in your life (and this will help to ground you if do experience change now). For example, commit to doing a 20 or 30 minute yoga and/or meditation practice each day. If you make plans with friends, do your best to stick to them. Developing consistency will help you to feel more balanced this month.

The aforementioned four-part breath (also called square breath) is a simple and effective form of Pranayama (breathing technique) that is helpful to balance the heady Aquarius energy. Begin in a comfortable seated or reclined position. Breathe in slowly through your nose and pause at the “top” of the inhale, holding your breath and connecting to the space between each breath (this is called breath retention). Let your breath out slowly, following the length of your exhale and that feeling of release that accompanies it. Now hold the breath at the “bottom” of the exhale. Begin again. Take your time with each breath, and be sure to pause the breath for a few beats in between each inhale and exhale. Continue for at least 5 more rounds, and then return to your natural breath rhythm. Sit quietly for the next few minutes, enjoying this peaceful and calm state of mind/being. Now you are more centered for your inspiring and exciting pursuits!

Capricorn is the sign of the mountain goat, climbing one steady step at a time to the top. It symbolizes responsibility, hard knocks, trials and tribulations, structure, rules and authority. As a Capricorn woman, I will admit that there have been many points in my life when I have felt like giving up (just last week in fact); the mountain appears too steep and the progress I’ve made seems minimal. “I will never make it” can become a mantra for Capricorn souls, however the fear of not making it is equally great and so the Capricorn person continues to toil away, and one fine day she steps up onto the mountain peak to embrace and relish in the amazing view that has been so hard earned. A Capricorn person is said to bear the weight of the world on his or her shoulders. The first Astrologer I did a Reading with, many moons ago, admitted to me that he can spot the Capricorns walking around his neighborhood because their shoulders are up high by their ears. Guilty as charged.

When January rolls in and planets move into good ole’ Capricorn the party is over (for now) and it is time to get to work and fill your duties and responsibilities. The house is a wreck from last night’s party and you wake up  with a hangover and a few regrets; you don’t know where to begin, as you stare at the mountain of unwashed dishes, but you must start somewhere.

It’s no coincidence that the Sagittarius holidays and celebrations are followed by “back to work” Capricorn. This may feel like a somber or depressing energy yet, once you get back into the swing of it, it can be a welcome shift back to what is true and “real” (Capricorn represents the “tried and true”); it’s sort of like when you procrastinate doing something important and when you finally get to it, it actually feels liberating and energizing.

When Capricorn and Saturn (Capricorn’s ruling planet) are on the Astro scene, there are usually some obstacles and challenges to face and work through; you must be resourceful, patient, and persistent in order to get through them, but remember, once a Capricorn person has made it to the top of the mountain, this feeling of success is for keeps.

My birthday is January 17th  and, in my younger years, I felt I got the raw end of the stick (this is a common Capricorn sentiment). No one wanted to celebrate. I didn’t really want to either, if I was honest about it. At this point in the year, people are partied out. Capricorn energy lends itself well to hard work, as I’ve noted, and has a serious tone. For this reason, as you are getting back on track in January, you may notice that your mood has plummeted and be in need of a loving and supportive energy to get you through this hump. Rather than going for the comfort food (the last thing your body probably needs after the holidays), commit to extra self-care and love. In general, Capricorns need and thrive on unconditional love, which you must first provide to yourself in order to receive it from others.

I recommend the following Wellness Practices for January: A heat building Yoga Practice (if you practice yoga more regularly), Restorative Yoga (great for anyone), and Self-Massage (AKA Ayurvedic massage), also called Abhyanga.

A “heat building” Yoga practice, for me, consists of Twisting Poses to assist the release of toxins and bring the body/mind into a more balanced state (e.g., Revolved Chair and Revolved Triangle), Standing Poses for strengthening and empowerment (e.g., Warrior 1, 2 & 3), Core-Strengthening poses (such as Dolphin Plank and Side-Plank), and plenty of time for a relaxing Savasana at the end.

Restorative Yoga consists of yoga poses supported by props (e.g., blankets, bolsters, blocks), which make the poses more accessible and very comforting. You will stay in each supported pose for at least 4 to 5 minutes, allowing your body to relax fully; it’s like a massage for the inner body. An example of a Restorative Yoga Pose, which happens to be my favorite, is called Reclining Bound Angle Pose or Supta Baddha Konasana (see photo below):

Lie down, with your belly facing up, on a yoga bolster (or a firm, long pillow may work – you may need to adjust the height so your back is not too arched). I like to place a yoga blanket at the top of the bolster for underneath my head. Slide the soles of your feet together and let your legs/knees relax down toward the floor. Place foam yoga blocks somewhere under your thighs and knees (you can improvise with rolled towels), so that your legs are supported and do not have to work (this pose is about “non-doing”). You can place your hands on your belly or slide your arms a little wider apart and allow your arms on the floor, relaxing your shoulders (it’s nice to place blankets or towels underneath your forearms). It takes a little time to set up the pose, but once you’re in it, I promise, it is well worth the effort. Close your eyes. You can begin by focusing on your breath, slowly coming in through your nose and slowly going out through your nose. When you feel ready, you can let go of control over your breath and spend the next few minutes simply “being.”

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.  

Ayurveda – Wisdom of Life

Ayurveda, a holistic system for wellness rooted in India, translates to the Wisdom of Life. I love this definition because it highlights the truth that our health and well-being cannot be separated from the larger whole; we are intrinsically connected to the environment we live in and what is outside of us is also within us. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, there are three Doshas or constitutions/body types. They are Vata (made up of air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). By the month of October, here on the east coast of the U.S., Vata (air and space elements) season is in full swing.

During the fall season, as the weather becomes cooler and dryer, the elements of the Vata dosha dominate. The qualities of Vata are: cool, light, dry, mobile, subtle, erratic, and changeable. During the transition from Summer to Autumn, “change is in the air” as people shift their routines and schedules and get back on track so to speak, preparing for the months ahead. People who have the qualities of Vata dominant in their body makeup (e.g., you get cold easily, your skin tends to be dry, and you are drawn to movement) may feel ungrounded and, even, anxious now due to the feeling of change (note: if you are a healthy Vata person you will be less affected, however if you have a Vata imbalance you will likely feel ‘thrown off’ during this time). For others, with Pitta and/or Kapha dominant constitutions, the change of weather and routines may be welcome and refreshing.

According to Ayurvedic teachings, opposite elements and qualities create balance while the same ones can send us further out of balance. For example, if you have a predominance of Vata in your constitution you will, as I noted above, be more likely to feel thrown off balance now and, therefore, it is wise to focus on bringing into your daily life the opposing qualities of Vata, such as steadiness, a slower pace, routines/structure, warmth, and moisture. You can do this through food choices (e.g., increase warm and wholesome food, such as stews and grains and cooked veggies, and take it easy on salads and raw/cold foods), daily yoga (or exercise) and breathing practices (but nothing too intense; slow and steady wins the race right now). Some signs that you have a Vata imbalance are: light-headedness (you may feel space-y or dizzy), inability to focus (i.e., mind is scattered and jump-y), low energy/tired/drained, a feeling that you can’t warm up easily (e.g., cold feet and hands), erratic appetite (i.e., you may forget to eat or not feel hungry), bloating and gas, constipation, interrupted sleep/insomnia.

Solutions for Vata Overload

For those who are experiencing Vata overload, it’s crucial to bring more structure into your life. You can do this by creating a consistent daily schedule, such as going to sleep and waking at the same time each day, eating your meals at about the same time each day, etc. Eating a bigger/more substantial lunch and a smaller/lighter dinner is a wise idea for everyone and, especially, if you have indigestion and/or trouble sleeping. Meditation and yoga connect the body, mind and spirit, metaphysically speaking, and create a feeling of harmony and well-being (note: even if you mediate for just 4 minutes each morning you are doing something significant–consistency is the key with Vata imbalances).

Autumn can be Balancing for Kapha and Pitta

If, on the other hand, you are Kapha (earth and water) or Pitta (fire and water) dominant, you may, as my mother says, be “feeling your oats” during the Fall season and relish in the lively feel of change. Pitta people run hot by nature, so the cooler temperatures are balancing for them. Pitta, similar to Vata, likes to be “on the go” and so a steady, slower-paced routine, as we transition into Fall, is balancing for both Pitta and Vata. Kapha dominant people are steady, grounded and slower moving by nature, and when out of balance they feel lethargic, so the Fall may feel invigorating for Kapha folks, putting some pep in their step.

The way you handle the change of season depends on your natural constitution (i.e., the dosha(s) you were born with; most people are born with one or two dominant) and any imbalances you are currently experiencing (this is your current state of being and may or may not conflict with your dosha). In general, it is beneficial for everyone to slow down a bit now in order to take stock and reflect on what you would like to create and shift going forward.