«Success comes to him who is engaged in the practice. How can one get success without practice; for by merely reading books on Yoga, one can never get success. Success cannot be attained by adopting a particular dress (Vesa). It cannot be gained by telling tales. Practice alone is the means to success. This is true, there is no doubt» (Hathayoga-Pradīpikā, I.65.66).
A deal of initiative!
Neptune square Gemini gives a bit of confusion, but this month there are good news! Mars trine your Sun gives renewed energy and desire to do. Perhaps for a moment ideas come back clear, especially the first days of the month when Mercury is in a favourable position too. These are the right days to take decisions or undertake some new activity, especially physical activity, so as to vent Mars exuberance and the stress of recent times.
The term brahmacharya is usually translated as continence, that is celibacy. Considering, however, the etymology of the word (Brahmā, the Creator, or Brahman, the Supreme Reality; charya, behavior), brahmacharya seems to indicate a behaviour that helps the practitioner to achieve spiritual realization. Brahmacharya is the basic yogic teaching, according to which one must be careful not to waste energy and learn to use it in the most proper way. Excessive indulging in chatter, working excessively, accumulating stress are all examples of a lack of respect for brahmacharya.
Try, Gemini, to maintain a center and a direction. Focus your energies on an activity. Keep the focus with this sequence:
Tada-āsana, mountain pose. Still, but ready to move. Standing, the more intense the concentration, the less perceptible are the slight oscillations of the body. // 2-4 min.
Śalabha-āsana, locust pose. locust. Be strong and go get what you need. // From 30 sec. to 1 min.
Visualisation. Relax in a meditative position. Take some time to relax all the muscles. Imagine you are sitting on a flying carpet. It rises from the ground and takes you out of the house, towards the sky, towards the sun. The air is pleasant, the sun’s rays heat you up. Pass over the ocean. You see an island, observe its shape. You decide to go down. It’s a peaceful, quiet place. Walk on the beach. The sea is calm. There is only you and you can do whatever you want: explore the island, enter the water, relax, etc. When it’s time to come back, pick up your carpet and fly back to where you came from. You find yourself again in the room in a meditative position. See how you feel. // From 5 to 15 min.
TOTAL TIME: from 8 to 20 minutes.
MANTRA of the MONTH: «I am firm».
ATTENTION: each technique may have contraindications. Take proper information before practising. Ask your teacher for the correct execution. The recommended times are provided only as a guide, always adjust the practice to your own times and limits. Never force, positions must be comfortable and stable! For any doubt leave a comment below!