Vernal Equinox: Ritual Through Yoga

Over the course of each year, our playful planet performs an elliptic dance around the sun while simultaneously spinning about its own imperfect axis, which tilts roughly 23 degrees from vertical. Born of the primordial fire, the terms of this intricate cosmic relationship are responsible for all of the natural rhythms that inform our daily lives — from changing weather patterns to reliable zeitgebers that regulate our internal clocks.
When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.
::John Muir
The Story of a Blue Sphere and a Fiery Mass
As Earth diligently revolves around the sun each year, there are four distinct sandhis, or junctures, where a clear seasonal shift occurs from our terrestrial perspective. The vernal equinox is one such juncture, marking the transition from winter to spring.
As we welcome the appearance of new life in nature, many of us remain blissfully unaware. We may neglect or even override the innate curiosity that seeks to understand how our cozy blue sphere and its fiery solar star orchestrate this magnificent show year after year. The truth is, when it comes to their relationship status, “it’s complicated.”
A Practical Approach to Visualization
Imagine yourself sitting in a camping chair with your feet warmed by the heat of a well-burning fire. Fortunately, you’re equipped with a warm scarf and hat to dull the chill you might otherwise experience as you recline back (at exactly 23.4°) to enjoy the stars. Now, without adjusting the direction your chair is facing, imagine yourself orbiting around the focal fire to the opposite side, giving the back of your head a chance to enjoy the warmth of the flame.
If your feet were the southern hemisphere and your head where the northern hemisphere, these two positions would represent the winter solstice (with more heat reaching the bottom half of your body) and the summer solstice (with more heat reaching the top half of your body) respectively.
To visualize the vernal equinox, imagine your chair was to revolve just a quarter of the way around this campfire circle. In this position, your body would be leaning neither toward nor away from the fire and the projected plane of your navel (the equator of your body) might pass directly through the center of the glow. Also, the light reaching one side of your body would match the darkness on the opposite side, much like the day and night which are of approximately equal length on the equinox.
Still confused? Don’t sweat it, simply allow yourself to enjoy the fruits of spring with a deep knowing that there are some wildly wonderful forces at play.
Emergence of the Exhale
Played out on a living, organic sphere, the seasons are guided by a unique planetary breath rhythm. The annual breath of the Earth, much like our own cyclical respiration, serves the purpose of bringing nutrients into the system in exchange for that which cannot be utilized. During the Vernal Equinox, our sleepy planet awakens from the depth of its winter inhalation and begins a 6-month out-breath.
Lean into the Light
Illustrated in the table above, the vernal equinox is a point of orbital balance marking the emergence of days that outlive nights as the axis of the planet bows once again, toward the sun. In direct response to increasingly available sunlight, a life that remained dormant in the barren winter months begins to awaken in receipt of new light. All of nature comes to life — hibernating creatures wake up with healthy appetites and germinating plants shed the shackles of their seeds.
“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it would look like complete destruction.” ::Cynthia Occelli
Subtle Body Spring: Melting the Inner Snow
As nature begins to melt the winter snow in spring, rivers and far-reaching tributaries swell with freshwater that sustains the natural environment as well as human communities. Mirroring the wisdom of the planet, now is the time to water any seeds of intention we may have planted at the beginning of the year and evaluate which future crops and creative projects we will irrigate with the melt of our inner snow.
Just as mountain rivers are swelling their waters, our bodies respond in much the same way at this time of year. This is nature’s way of melting the inner “snow” of the body.
::Shiva Rea, Tending the Heart Fire
Recalibrating Rhythm
Like a bear emerging from the deep sleep of hibernation, sometimes it can be difficult to recalibrate the body and mind for the vibrant spring rhythm. During the long period of seasonal darkness that precedes the vernal equinox, the body naturally increases melatonin production, a hormone that promotes the desire for sleep. This is the planet’s way of encouraging us to slow down and regenerate during fall and winter.
However, with the advent of smartphones and 24/7 connectivity, we override many of these environmental signals which can disrupt our natural circadian rhythms. This dissonance may leave energy levels, which were supposed to have been replenished during the winter, somewhat depleted when springtime arrives.
Fortunately, the daily increase in sunlight that occurs during this half of the year, has its own subtle body effects which include an increase in the mood-elevating hormone, serotonin as well as testosterone and estrogen.
While the shift in our internal chemistry generally increases energy and vitality, this period of hormonal recalibration puts a strain on the endocrine system which can leave us feeling a little tired as we meet the seasonal transition. To navigate the changing internal landscape, any effort to cleanse and detoxify the body can help alleviate energetic stagnation in preparation for the luminous spring ahead.
The Kappa Season
The predominant dosha during springtime is kappa, comprising earth and water. With heavy rains and warming temperatures, the elemental density and heaviness of kappa in late winter continues into spring. As we approach the equinox, it becomes necessary to balance these kappa qualities in order to alleviate winter-induced inertia and energetic malaise. The ideal rhythm for springtime is kappa-pacifying: meet the cool, oily, and heavy qualities of earth and water with the arid warmth and lightness of air and fire.
- Lighten Up. The vernal equinox welcomes a thorough spring cleaning, in our homes and in our hearts. Start by addressing any clutter that has accumulated during the winter and dispose of it in a meaningful way. In your home, this might be as simple as donating articles of clothing or re-purposing a piece of furniture. In your heart, you might tune into the presence of any heavy emotions, assimilate what you can learn from, and let the rest dissolve. Write in a journal to rid your subtle body of excess energetic weight and to create space for what is to come. Only once you have cleared any obstructions, can you begin a deep clean.
- Cleanse. Since kappa is able to sustain with or without food, enjoy a short fast or cleanse during the spring season using astringent fruit juices or warming, spiced kitchari. To stimulate the digestive fire before meals, try chewing on a small slice of fresh ginger. Shed layers of winter skin by dry-brushing before bathing and minimize the use of body oils. If you find yourself battling allergies with spring fever, consider cleansing the nasal passages with nasya, herb-infused oil, to facilitate the clear exchange of Prana. Alternatively, this can be done with warm salt water using a neti pot.
- Nourish. Concentrate on slow, mindful meal times so that your body experiences maximum satiety to avoid overeating or emotionally driven consumption which are symptoms of excess kappa. Favor light foods that are easy to digest with pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes. Foods like apples, pears, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and carrots for instance. Avoid heavy, oily foods with sweet, salty and sour tastes which increase kappa.
Invigorating Yoga Practices for the Spring Equinox
To bring balance to the gunas (attributes) of the kappa season, we emerge from the regenerative practice of the cold winter months and transition into the increased energy and mobility of spring. As we adapt to the seasonal rhythm, the most beneficial physical practices are those that enliven vira rasa. The term rasa can be used to define the intrinsic energetic quality or essence of being and vira is a word for hero. Vira rasa is the embodiment of potency and courage which are reinforced by an active, solar practice. This particular movement alchemy is appropriate for any time when we are experiencing a cycle of growth and renewal.
- Summon Your Strength — Enjoy arm balances and core cultivation as well as heating inversions to experiment with a new strength that has developed from the fortifying rest of winter.
- Clear Congestion — Relieve physical and emotional congestion by practicing dynamic postures with a vigorous pace before exploring strong, standing hip-openers, and activation. This can mobilize stagnant earth and water elements that may have accumulated here through winter.
- Burn Bright — Experience the ardent internal cleansing of heat-inducing pranayama such as kapalabhati, bhastrika and surya bhedana.
- Detoxify — Any process of purification requires a great heat. In the same way that steam can disinfect the surfaces in your home, internal heat and massage can assist the body’s natural metabolic processes which rid the system of toxins and purify the cells while reducing inflammation. Focus on postures that stimulate the circulatory, digestive and lymphatic systems like bound twists and activating backbends.
Spring Equinox Sequence: Moving Meditation for the Whole Body
Heart
Tap into your innermost virya, meaning vitality, enthusiasm, and effort, with focus and attention. Maintain an affirmative inner dialogue and embody the heart of a warrior. Either internally or aloud, invoke the mantra of supreme light with reverence to the sun, our absolute source of sustenance. Allow this to be a mantra of purification and release as you move toward internal balance.
OM HRIM HAMSA SO’HAM SWAHA
om: the primordial sound of the universe, the vibration of all creation, the guru
hrim: bija, seed sound for clarity and dispelling illusion, mantra for the cosmic light, the sun
hamsa so’ham: the balance of light and dark, sun and moon, Shiva and Shakti, the power of the breath for bringing vitality
swaha: let it be so, dedication to the light
*translations by David Frawley
Breath
During this stimulating practice, focus on powerful ujjayi breathing to circulate a steady supply of oxygen through the blood. Maintain a strong, audible breathing rhythm through the nostrils, releasing heat through the mouth on the exhale as needed. With this victorious yogic breath, internal body heat increases as does the circulation of Prana.
Body
This practice is a pilgrimage to Natarajasana that alchemizes twisting and backbends to open the channels of the spine and create space in the body. Beginning with an energizing kriya, we employ the breath to heat and polish the body from the inside out. What follows is a series of progressive twisting namaskars to energize and open before diving into standing backbends. The practice will close with deep-seated hip openers to alleviate emotional congestion before releasing into final relaxation.
To support your self-practice, please refer to the pose breakdown below with links to photos and alignment for each posture or enjoy the complete guided sequence video.
Complete Guide to Mudras and Their Meanings

Mudras, subtle yet powerful gestures made with the hands, are a bridge between the earthly and the spiritual. In this article, we explore how these symbolic gestures not only enrich our yoga and meditation practices but also guide us toward a path of self-knowledge and personal growth.
Table of Contents
- What Are Mudras and What Are They For?
- In What Practices Are Mudras Used?
- Exploring Mudra Types and Their Meanings
- Prana Mudra – The Mudra of Vital Energy
- Gyan Mudra – The Mudra of Wisdom and Knowledge
- Surya Mudra – The Mudra of the Fire Element
- Uttarabodhi Mudra – The Mudra of Spiritual Transformation
- Vayu Mudra – The Mudra of the Air Element
- Shambhala Shield – The Mudra of Protection and Strength
- Shunya Mudra – The Mudra of Emptiness and Pacification
- Apan Mudra – The Mudra of Purification and Elimination
- Prithvi Mudra – The Mudra of Stability and Balance
- Healing Mudras: Benefits of Practicing Hand Mudras
- Are Mudras Only Performed with the Hands?
- History of Mudras: What Is Their Origin?
What Are Mudras and What Are They For?
Mudras are gestures performed with the hands and other parts of the body, widely used to enhance spiritual connection and emotional balance. Each mudra has a unique design and a specific purpose, such as promoting healing, facilitating meditation, or increasing concentration. These gestures are based on the idea that different areas of the hands are connected to specific parts of the brain and body, stimulating these connections to provoke desired changes.
Moreover, mudras not only influence our energy and mental state but can also have a physical impact. By adopting certain hand positions, the energy flow through the body’s meridians can be stimulated, which may help relieve various ailments and improve overall well-being.
In What Practices Are Mudras Used?
Mudras are found in a wide range of spiritual and wellness practices, including yoga, meditation, and certain forms of dance and art. In the context of spirituality, mudras are used as symbolic tools in rituals and ceremonies and are especially prominent in various cultural and religious traditions.
Mudras in Yoga: Uniting Body and Mind
In yoga, mudras are used as a tool to connect the body and mind, directing energy in a specific way. Their incorporation into asanas (yoga postures) enhances the effects of the practice, promoting greater balance and energy flow. These gestures not only complement physical postures but also enrich the meditative experience of yoga.
Mudras for Meditation: Deepening the Connection
During meditation, mudras are important tools for deepening the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. Adopting certain mudras can influence mental and emotional states, facilitating a deeper and more focused meditation experience. These gestures can calm the mind, balance emotions, and foster a sense of inner peace.
Exploring Mudra Types and Their Meanings
Mudras offer a rich variety of forms and purposes, each adapted to specific needs and goals. Below, we explore some of the most influential mudras, highlighting their significance and how they can be incorporated into daily life to enhance well-being.
Prana Mudra – The Mudra of Vital Energy
Prana Mudra is known for its ability to increase and channel vital energy (prana) throughout the body. It is beneficial for revitalizing the body and strengthening the will to live.
How Is It Done? The tips of the thumb, ring finger, and little finger are joined while the index and middle fingers remain extended. This position stimulates the flow of vital energy, helping to overcome fatigue and lethargy.
Gyan Mudra – The Mudra of Wisdom and Knowledge
Gyan Mudra is valued for its ability to enhance concentration and stimulate wisdom. It is ideal for meditation and intellectual development.
How Is It Done? The tip of the index finger joins the tip of the thumb while the other fingers remain straight and relaxed. This position promotes mental clarity and spiritual awakening.
Surya Mudra – The Mudra of the Fire Element
Surya Mudra is known for its ability to increase internal fire and improve metabolism. It is useful for weight loss and improving digestion.
How Is It Done? The ring finger is bent under the thumb, while the other fingers remain extended.
Uttarabodhi Mudra – The Mudra of Spiritual Transformation
Uttarabodhi Mudra is appreciated for its ability to inspire transformation and spiritual growth. It serves as a tool for opening the heart and mind to new perspectives.
How Is It Done? The fingers of both hands are interlocked, extending the index fingers and thumbs to form lotus wings. This mudra symbolizes liberation and spiritual elevation.
Vayu Mudra – The Mudra of the Air Element
Vayu Mudra is effective in regulating the air element in the body, contributing to improved comfort and digestive balance.
How Is It Done? The tip of the index finger is placed under the base of the thumb and pressed with the thumb while keeping the other fingers extended. This mudra helps balance air in the digestive system, promoting better gastric function.
Shambhala Shield – The Mudra of Protection and Strength
The Shambhala Shield is known for its ability to offer spiritual protection and mental strength. It is used to overcome fears and find inner stability.
How Is It Done? The tips of all fingers are joined, forming a dome or shield-like shape. This mudra symbolizes defense against negative energies and strengthening the spirit.
Shunya Mudra – The Mudra of Emptiness and Pacification
Shunya Mudra is valued for its ability to calm the mind and alleviate ear and balance issues.
How Is It Done? The middle finger is pressed with the thumb while the other fingers remain extended. This gesture promotes calmness and helps with auditory and balance problems.
Apan Mudra – The Mudra of Purification and Elimination
Apan Mudra is recognized for its ability to facilitate elimination and bodily purification. It is useful for detoxification and improved digestion.
How Is It Done? The tips of the thumb, middle, and ring fingers are joined while the other fingers remain extended. This gesture stimulates elimination and purification in the body.
Prithvi Mudra – The Mudra of Stability and Balance
Prithvi Mudra is appreciated for its influence on physical and emotional stability. It helps balance the elements in the body and strengthens the connection with the earth.
How Is It Done? The tip of the ring finger joins the tip of the thumb while the other fingers remain relaxed. This gesture promotes stability, balance, and a deeper connection with nature.
Healing Mudras: Benefits of Practicing Hand Mudras
The practice of performing hand mudras offers a variety of significant benefits for physical, mental, and emotional health. These gestures, both simple and powerful, can enhance concentration, promote relaxation, balance vital energy, and strengthen overall health, contributing to comprehensive well-being.
- Improved concentration: Mudras help focus the mind and enhance concentration, making them especially useful in meditation practices.
- Promote relaxation: Certain mudras induce a state of relaxation and calm, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Balance our vital energy: Mudras help harmonize the body’s elements and vital energy, fostering a sense of harmony and well-being.
- Support overall health: Some mudras are known for their healing properties, aiding in both physical and emotional well-being.
- Encourage spiritual connection: In addition to their physical and mental benefits, mudras can be powerful tools for deepening spiritual connection and meditation practice.
- Stimulate circulation: Some mudras improve blood circulation, benefiting cardiovascular health.
- Relieve pain and discomfort: Specific mudras help alleviate pain in various parts of the body, such as the head, neck, and back.
- Enhance self-awareness: Regular mudra practice increases awareness of the body and mind, fostering greater self-knowledge and personal growth.
Are Mudras Only Performed with the Hands?
Although the most well-known and widely practiced mudras involve the hands, they are not limited exclusively to them. In some traditions, mudras can incorporate the entire body, using specific postures that involve movements and bodily alignments. These full-body mudras are just as powerful and can complement hand mudras, offering a more integrated and holistic experience in yoga and meditation practices.
History of Mudras: What Is Their Origin?
Mudras have an ancient origin and are deeply rooted in various cultures and spiritual traditions. It is believed that they originated in India as an integral part of yoga and meditation practices and have since been incorporated into many other traditions, including Buddhism and Hinduism. In these traditions, mudras are used not only to influence the body’s energy and mind but also as a means of symbolic expression in art and dance.
Over the centuries, mudras have evolved and adapted to different cultures and spiritual practices. Today, they are used worldwide as a tool to enhance meditation, yoga, and overall well-being. The history of mudras is a testament to their power and versatility, and they continue to be a valuable part of many spiritual and wellness practices.