Yoga by Elements

Yoga seems to be popping up everywhere -- celebre espouse its benefits and studios are opening up even in smaller cities around the world. And yoga, like astrology, predates written history. So why is it so popular now? Because like astrology, yoga can be a way to achieve self-awareness and inner peace -- not to mention that it's a great, low-impact way to get in shape! But which type of practice is right for you? Explore our recommendations based on your Zodiacal Element for some ideas!

Fire

Yoga may not be fitness first choice for all you Aries, Leos and Sagittarians … it just seems so slow! You're more attuned to high-impact, high-intensity workouts, physical challenges that offer you instant gratification. You subscribe to the 'no pain, no gain' philosophy of exercise, and so you may look at the deliberate, pretzel-like stretches of yoga and say "Why bother?" But you would be surprised how challenging yoga really is -- especially in the boiling hot intensity of Bikram Yoga or physically demanding Ashtanga, or Power, Yoga.

With the thermostat of the yoga studio cranked to the max and constant movement through the 26 asanas (poses), get set to sweat like you never have before! Bikram is based on the notion that muscles, ligaments and tendons should be stretched in a particular order and under high temperatures to really warm your body up. Sounds just right for a Fire Sign.

Take away the rain forest climate of the Bikram studio and you've just about got Ashtanga. Power Yoga, as it's commonly called, provides a very aerobic, swiftly moving workout through a series of asanas that improve circulation and focus on the harmonization of the breath (Ujjayi Pranayama) with movement. Strenuous and with an emphasis on the invigorating Sun Salutations, Ashtanga's perfect for those of you who are energetic and easily distracted.

Earth

Fitness for the Earth Signs -- Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn -- must be realistic and regimental. These persistent, practical Signs see physical health as a personal responsibility to themselves, a promise they make to themselves. Earth Signs don't mind putting in the hard work it takes to really get into good, maintainable shape. That said, they do need to know that they'll be seeing results for all their effort, or else their precious time has been wasted.

For that reason, Iyengar Yoga, with its careful attention to detail and precise positions really suits the no-nonsense Earth Signs. Couple that with the use of 'props' like belts and blocks and the strict training requirements of Iyengar instructors, and you've got a yoga practice that meets all the criteria for a sensible and effective Earth Sign workout.

There's also Jivamukti, an adaptation of Ashtanga that places more importance on the spiritual possibilities of meditation and study. This combination of challenging physical practice and more metaphysical activities like chanting could really suit the ambitious drive of the Earth Signs, challenging you to integrate your physical and mental energies in pursuit of personal enlightenment.

Air

Air Signs have a pretty indifferent, kind of laissez-faire attitude toward fitness. Geminis, Libras and Aquarians all tend to keep so busy fluttering around socially and talking up a storm that they may feel that they don't need to take time out to exercise -- much less breathe! For that very reason, yoga could be quite beneficial to these intellectual, active Signs.

In Sanskrit, Kripalu means "compassionate union of body, mind, and spirit". This "yoga of consciousness" offeres a balanced (Libras will love it!) approach that aligns the breath and the body. For Signs with such a vested interest in their mental flexibility, Kripalu can open the mind's channels to free up the energy that flows in from the world. It is said to honor the wisdom of the body.

Another physical yoga that is said to build mental consciousness is Svaroopa. For the easily bored Air Sign, this practice teaches many different approaches to the same old poses. With each new way of moving the breath and holding the pose, Svaroopa allows you to further open yourself up and release the tension created by constant activity and stimulation. You may be mentally agile, Air Signs, but your body could benefit from increased flexibility!

Water

Water Signs would seem to take most naturally to the overall philosophy of yoga. With your introspective bent and openness to the more subconscious realms of human experience, yoga's meditative qualities probably appeal more to you than do its physical benefits. You Cancers, Scorpios and Pisceans might even opt to explore the more spiritual -- non-physical -- yogic practices like Tantra or Karma Yoga. If you would like to increase your flexibility and strength, though, Ananda or Anusara Yoga could work for you.

The practice of Ananda Yoga strives for stillness and for harmony between the energies of your body and mind. The chakras play a role in Ananda, too, as do unspoken affirmations. Ananda's purpose is to stir you metaphysically, to awaken to experience that is both controlled and harmonious. The workout itself is more internal than it is aerobic -- perfect for reticent Water Signs.

Anusara literally means 'flowing with grace' or, more simply, 'following your heart'. It's a sensitive and holistic approach to mental and physical self-awareness. It's based on the notion that we gain strength and insight by opening our hearts and accepting the world -- and ourselves -- the way we are. Very respectful of individual skill levels and pace, Anusara yoga is more lighthearted than some other disciplines, emphasizing play and creativity. Each action is seen as an artistic expression.

Details on http://www.spiritualityworld.com