CAPRICORN: Yoga, Herbs + Flowers
Yoga is a practice of observation. What do we notice in stillness? What patterns emerge when we take a step back? As the daughter of an astrologer, I’ve held space to notice and observe patterns from the stars too. And in collaboration with a friend, Carrie McCann of Moonset & Co. , we’re sharing a little bit about what we’ve observed about the physical practice of yoga, herbs, and flowers that might support the Capricorn sign.
Capricorn Dates: December 22 - January 19
Anatomy: Knees
Element: Earth
Capricorn’s ambition is matched by hard work and a sense of responsibility. Ruled by Saturn, or Chronus in greek mythology, it is often referred as father time. Time is understood by length and quality with the idea that you truly reap what you sow. This energy is born of earth that gets stronger as it grows - the results are of substance that carry material value. Serious work is done wherever a healthy Capricorn is in your chart.
- David Shipman, Astrologer
Asana: BRIDGE POSE
The earth sign of Capricorn corresponds with the knees. Bridge pose is a shape we can make with our body that supports the muscles around the knees without burdening the knee joint.
Grounding down towards the earth, use your hands to support you as you safely lower down to your back. Bend your knees and place both feet on the earth. Place your feet at a distance that feels good for you - maybe your knees are aligned with your hips, maybe your feet are wide, maybe your feet are close to your body. Place your hands on the earth near your hips and choose wether your hands will rest with your palms facing down on the earth or whether you’ll explore clasping your hands under your “bridge”. Take a breath and lift your hips into the sky any amount. Choose how you’d like to ground down to the earth - pressing your feet down to feel the mat beneath you, pressing your flat hands onto mat, or gently reaching your shoulders together as you clasp your hands under your bridge.
Notice your breath. Notice your muscles engaged. Deepen and lengthen your breath as needed. When you feel complete, soften your body back down to the earth as you lower your hips.
Passionflower: RESTORE
This gorgeous flower is a lovely plant to turn to when you’re in need of some rest and restoration. A great ally for our overloaded and anxious nervous systems and for matters of the heart - just looking at passionflower makes my heart melt a little. Turn to this vining beauty when you need to turn inward and need some support finding rest and feeling grounded.
Marshmallow Root: SOOTHE
This slightly sweet root is a great ally during the dry winter times. They offer moisture and hydration to many of our bodies systems, particularly our digestive, respiratory, urinary, and musculoskeletal. Similar to the effects on our physical body, marshmallow root is a great plant to turn to when we are seeking more fluidity and tenderness in our emotional and spiritual lives and need some gentle support to feel what is there.
*A note on working with plants: The descriptions here are just small snapshots of one part of a plant. Always do your own research about plants (find at least 3 sources) if you’re deciding to turn to plants for their medicinal benefits and consult with your trusted healthcare professional, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have major health concerns. If you’re looking for an herbalist, ask them about their background, their studies, and their specialties.
YOGAMOTIF LLC AND ITS INSTRUCTORS ARE NOT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AND THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON FOR MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS, ADVICE, OR EDUCATION.
