As it is the Fall Equinox today, and the Sun just entered Libra, I thought it would be a wonderful time to share with you all three great balancing pranayama techniques.
These breathing methods are safe, very simple, and extremely effective; they involve alternate-nostril breathing to activate the Surya (Sun) and Chandra (Moon) nadis and their corresponding energies within the body.
These sacred practices were transmitted by the Gods to the Ancient Vedic Rishis who utilized pranayama as a means of cultivating mastery over the elemental forces of the body and soul.
As we advance, various energies become activated within our soul and body. We may become too hot or too cold, over-energized or fatigued, active or withdrawn. It is important to maintain equilibrium within ourselves and keep our energetic scales even.
These practices can help us navigate these fluctuations with greater grace and awareness, allowing us to cultivate more balance and mastery over ourselves.
Practicing them throughout the day, according to our individual needs, can help us work with these energies and experience their balancing effects.
Without further ado, here are the pranayama techniques:
Surya Bhedana - (Piercing the Sun) | Solar Breath
To Perform:
Close your left nostril and inhale slowly through your right nostril for 5 seconds.
Close your right nostril and hold your breath for 5 seconds.
Open your left nostril and slowly exhale through your left nostril for 5 seconds, keeping your right nostril closed.
This completes one round.
Repeat for 5-10 rounds, without straining or forcing the breath.
This is the Surya Bhedana, which literally translates to (Piercing the Sun).
This is the Solar Breath, a practice that activates the Pingala, or Surya (Sun) nadi and cultivates the yang, masculine, solar, and active qualities within us.
We use this technique when we wish to awaken warmth, vitality, dynamism, and purposeful action, bringing more of the Sun’s active energy into our consciousness.
Surya Bhedana gives a nice energetic boost, making you feel more alert, awake, energized, and ready for action.
Chandra Bhedana - (Piercing the Moon) | Lunar Breath
To Perform:
Close your right nostril and inhale slowly through your left nostril for 5 seconds.
Close your left nostril and hold your breath for 5 seconds.
Open your right nostril and slowly exhale through your right nostril for 5 seconds, keeping your left nostril closed.
This completes one round.
Repeat for 5–10 rounds, without straining or forcing the breath.
This is the Chandra Bhedana, which literally translates to (Piercing the Moon).
This is the Lunar Breath, a practice that activates the Ida or Chandra (Moon) nadi and cultivates the yin, feminine, lunar, and receptive qualities within us.
We use this method when we wish to cultivate coolness, calmness, receptivity, introspection, and stillness, bringing more of the Moon’s gentle, restorative energy into our consciousness.
Chandra Bhedana helps to create a sense of calm and relaxation, making you feel more centered, grounded, peaceful, and receptive.
Nadi Shodhana - (Purification of the Nadis) | Solar-Lunar Breath
To Perform:
Close your right nostril and inhale slowly through your left nostril for 5 seconds.
Close your left nostril and hold your breath for 5 seconds.
Open your right nostril and slowly exhale through your right nostril for 5 seconds, keeping your left nostril closed.
Now inhale slowly through your right nostril for 5 seconds.
Close your right nostril and hold your breath for 5 seconds.
Open your left nostril and slowly exhale through your left nostril for 5 seconds, keeping your right nostril closed.
This completes one round.
Repeat for 5–10 rounds, without straining or forcing the breath.
This is Nadi Shodhana, which literally translates to (Purification of the Nadis).
This is the Solar-Lunar Breath, the practice that alternates between the Chandra (Moon) and Surya (Sun) nadis, harmonizing the yin, feminine, lunar, and receptive qualities with the yang, masculine, solar, and active qualities within us.
We use this when we wish to cultivate balance between warmth and coolness, vitality and calmness, action and receptivity, bringing the complementary energies of the Masculine and Feminine, Sun and Moon into harmony within our consciousness.
The Nadi Shodana creates a balanced energetic state, helping you feel centered, clear, grounded, and harmonized, while maintaining both alertness and inner stillness.
Conclusion
These are three simple and accessible pranayama techniques. I hope this was helpful and that you enjoy incorporating these practices into your daily life.
May they support you on your path of advancement, helping you cultivate greater equilibrium, balance, awareness, and mastery of yourself as you continue to help build the Temple of Zeus and evolve your soul.
HAIL THOTH
HAIL OSIRIS
HAIL ZEFS