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The Pisces Full Moon Brings Intense Energy. These Poses Will Help You Stay Grounded

This watery full moon on September 20 is all about releasing your past and flowing into the self you have always wanted to be.

Photo: Getty Images

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As we near the end of September, a lot is happening astrologically that may be impacting your life in unexpected ways. We are deep into Virgo season, and Pisces—the sign of this month’s full moon—is its exact opposite, creating conflicting energy. Beyond that, we’re also entering the beginning phases of Mercury Retrograde, which is known to bring its own degree of chaos and lack of control.

Pisces is a water sign, and the oldest of the zodiac. Thus, with Pisces energy comes intense emotions, dream-like states, and loads of nostalgia. Pisces rarely feel like they live in this world, but rather are always inside their own minds. That said, this full moon will be all about releasing your past and flowing into the self you have always wanted to be. As you do this, you will find yourself spending time thinking about your past and how it has impacted your present. Yoga is a great way to release this tension, and step into your new life as the beautiful human you are.

Full moon energy is all about releasing what is no longer good for you, and manifesting the things that you want in life. In Pisces, the moon taps into your deep emotional side and will highlight exactly what is not working in your life. For yogis, a 30-minute flow will help you to pinpoint these emotions, release them, and grow through them.

See August’s full moon practice: August’s Full Moon Is Also a Blue Moon—And Its Rise Ushers in a Time of Change

A practice for the Pisces full moon

The following yoga poses will encourage you to ground yourself in meditation, let go of the energy that arises, and grow through the new energy you will create. For each pose, take as much time as you like. These poses are meant to be taken at your own pace.

A woman sits in Easy Pose in yoga

Sukhasana (Easy Pose)

Easy pose may seem, well, easy, but in reality it can be difficult to sit in silence with yourself. Sit here for a while and contemplate the areas of your life where change is deeply needed, and tap into that full moon energy. Focus on what you feel during this time, and take as much time as you need to figure out the direction of your goals, aspirations, and what you want to manifest.

Practice it: Grab a blanket and fold it to create some support, then sit on the edge of the blanket with both legs out in front of you. When you feel supported enough, cross your shins and widen your knees, slipping each foot beneath the opposite knee while folding your legs in toward your torso. Rest your hands on your knees—palms up to invite energy, palms down to feel more grounded. Take a deep breath here, and stay for as long as you need.

Seated Forward Fold

Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

In a Seated Forward Bend, you can allow yourself to release any tension that’s lingering in your lower back and pelvis. By doing this, you can let go of any tension that has built up during the emotional release of the Pisces full moon.

Practice it: Sit on your mat or a rolled-up blanket. Extend your legs long and get onto your sit bones. From here, raise your arms above your head, lifting through your fingertips with your palms facing each other. Hinge forward at your hips, eventually letting your arms fall next to your calves. Feel free to stay here and take some deep breaths for as long as needed.

A look back at July’s full moon practice: A Full Moon Yoga Practice to Help You Manifest Abundance

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

Cobra pose is essentially a backbend that opens your heart and relaxes your lower back and spine. By doing so, you release the tension that has been building up and open your heart and soul to all the new blessings the Pisces Full Moon has in store for you.

Practice it: Lie on your belly and stretch your legs back, pressing the tops of your feet and thighs on the floor. From here, spread your hands (fingertips wide) on the floor under your shoulders. Squeeze your elbows in toward your body and inhale, straightening your arms to lift your chest off the floor. Only go to the height you feel most comfortable, and maintain that connection with your legs. Deep breaths. Release.

Man in pose with block
(Photo: Chris Dougherty)

Fish Pose

Fish pose is an amazing way to open your heart and release any tension you may be carrying. Best done with a block or bolster, this pose will help you to attract the good and release the bad.

Try it: Lie on your back with your shoulders supported by the block or bolster or rolled blanket. Press your forearms into the ground just below the rib cage. This safely extends the spine and chest to life. From here, let your head fall gently toward the floor. Remember not to constrict your breath. Lay here for as long as you like.

Savasana (Corpse Pose)

Ah yes, Savasana. The best part of yoga, right? While this flow is a slower, more grounded one, Savasana is going to be the most important part. In order to sit with your emotions and work through them, you also have to give your body time to rest and restore. Enter: Corpse Pose.

Rest: Sit on the floor once again with your knees bent and feet on the floor. From here, lean back onto your arms. Move slower than you think you need to, releasing your legs and resting your arms by your side. You can also place your hands on your stomach here for added tension release. Relax. Breathe. Stay here for longer than you think you may need to, and let go.

See also: Try This Yoga Sequence for Going With the Flow, Inspired by Astrology


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