This lunar month we’re all about the Zodiac symbol Scorpio (October 23–November 21)! Scorpios are instinctive, loyal, and operate most often with a gut feeling. Scorpios are honest, straightforward, bold, and fearless. (If this sounds like you — or someone you know! — check out our Scorpio yoga mat!)
The poses below ignite that Scorpio energy and demonstrate their wisdom and strength. Even if you’re not a Scorpio, however, these poses can still challenge you and help you dissipate some of that energy when you’re feeling stressed or angsty or unfocused.
We’ve still got a full week left of the Month of Scorpio, so try out some of these poses in the coming week!
— Joleen
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Locust Pose • 100 Schools of Thought Machine-Washable Microfiber Suede Yoga Mat 1. Locust Pose
Don’t underestimate the power of the locust. At first glance some assume this pose is not a big deal and if you’re not being intentional it’s possible it won’t be. The way to make this pose really powerful is to press the tops of your feet into your mat as hard as you can — this will probably lift your knees off the floor. Reach your arms toward the wall behind you. As you do, try to bring your shoulder blades closer together while keeping your fingers higher than your hips. Visualize space in your collar bone and bring your shoulders out of your ears.
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Eagle Pose • Mandi’s Custom Bridal Mat Machine-Washable Microfiber Suede Yoga Mat 2. Eagle Pose
Scorpio is a water sign and maybe has a little stubborn energy that needs an opportunity to work its way out. When you wrap yourself up tight and then let go you’ll find more space in the in-betweens.
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Chair Pose • Seeing and Believing Machine-Washable Microfiber Suede Yoga Mat 3. Chair Pose with Eagle Arms
Sit in chair and put a lot of your weight into your heels — so much that you can lift your toes off the ground. Don’t allow your lower back to schwoop into a curve — too much of that will hurt. You want to keep your spine long. If your shoulders are tight and getting them into eagle arms is too much stress, just cross your arms in front of you with your hands on your shoulders.
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Exalted Warrior • I. Love. This. Quote. Machine-Washable Microfiber Suede Yoga Mat 4. Exalted Warrior
This pose is great for practicing strength and flexibility. Challenge yourself to put a little more bend in your front knee. Visualize getting your forehead to the wall behind you. Bring your exhausted arm up and out of your shoulder as you lead with your fingertips. Once all the pieces and parts are where they go — sink your front knee even a bit deeper.
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Seated Wide-Legged Forward Fold • Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica Machine-Washable Microfiber Suede Yoga Mat 5. Seated Wide-Legged Forward Fold
Your goal in this pose is to release tension. You may be tempted to force your chest closer to the ground, but take it slow and allow the backs of your knees to find space. If you round your shoulders and your upper back you’ll feel something different than if you keep your spine long and the top of your head reaching toward the ceiling. Try both — just be gentle.
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Bridge Pose • Orange Ya Glad It’s Not Bananas?! Machine-Washable Microfiber Suede Yoga Mat 6. Bridge Pose
Scorpios might benefit from a little reminder that being vulnerable is OK. Supported bridge is an excellent pose to practice letting go. With a block positioned at your lower back you can play around with stretching your arms overhead, raising one leg and then the other, bringing your chest closer to your chin, bringing your legs into inverted lotus. Lots and lots of fun ways to play and explore in bridge!
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Bow Pose • Gentle Moonlight Machine-Washable Microfiber Suede Yoga Mat 7. Bow Pose
This pose increases flexibility in your spine and is an intense heart opener. Once you have a hold of your feet kick your feet into your hands as your open up through your collar bone, bring your shoulders out of your ears, see if you can’t get your thighs a smidge more off the ground.
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Scorpion Pose • Buddha Machine-Washable Microfiber Suede Yoga Mat 8. Scorpion Pose
This is an advanced forearm inversion. Start by practicing against a wall and take it slow. Clasp your hands together so you can see just how far apart your elbows should be. Put your hands and elbows flat on the ground, work your way on to your tiptoes. Raise one foot at at time. Give it a shot, play around, laugh when you mess it up, and try again!
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Sphinx Pose • Love Your Mother Machine-Washable Microfiber Suede Yoga Mat 9. Sphinx Pose
Try to keep your big toes together with your knees wide, then bring your forehead closer to the wall behind you.
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Frog Pose • Star Sign Machine-Washable Microfiber Suede Yoga Mat 10. Frog Pose
This is another one of those that looks easy enough but for many yogis this is a hard one. Once you’re in frog remember a few of these suggestions: Keep your spine neutral and align the back of your skull with the back of your tailbone. Avoid rounding your back or collapsing into your lower back. Allow your legs to separate as much as is comfortable and stable for you. Keep your feet strongly flexed and your hips stacked over your knees.