MINDBODY
In Astrology, the positions and movements of the cosmos and planets hold so much sway in our characters and how we connect with the world. Our individual astrological signs even offer insight into our ideal exercises! To help establish a strong foundation for the new year ahead, Pilates Instructor Celeste will teach a virtual monthly, year-long workshop combining Astrology and Pilates. In Cosmic Pilates, Celeste explores connecting the movement of Pilates with the movement of the sun, moon, and stars. In each workshop, Celeste will cover a set of “power” Pilates moves and how they relate to each zodiac sign that month. You can find a deeper look into each Astrological sign’s personality traits and exercise style in this monthly blog series, and then put those insights into practice in Celeste’s workshops – this month is all about Taurus.
TAURUS
April 19 – May 20
Symbol: The Bull
Body Association: Neck, Throat, Shoulders, Thyroid
2nd House: Earth sign ruled by Venus; explores how we define and utilize beauty and attract our desires to us; associated with income potential and personal possessions.
To strengthen the body parts associated with this sign, the following Pilates exercised are practiced:
Control Front: Your symbol move. This Pilates move not only strengthens the shoulders (ruled by Taurus), but resembles a bull ready to charge.
Walk the Plank: Your Power move! This full-body move really works to build strength in the shoulders, while improving flexibility throughout.
Spine Stretch Side: Your centering move. Honestly, it just feels yummy…which Taurus thrives on.
Taurus Motto
“I have the enduring strength and resourcefulness to manifest my goals into reality.”
Food for Thought
Taurus, you are often called the most “stubborn” sign of the zodiac, because you can be so fixed in your ways. Yet what others perceive as your stubborn nature might actually be a reluctance – even fear – when it comes to contemplating what change could entail, and what new circumstances might come into your life, which you may not view as entirely “good”. If you can open your mind to a sense of experimentation and challenge yourself to stop being so locked in your ways, you can open yourself to more powerful ways of manifesting your goals and ideals. Reflect your inner worth to the outer world, rather than letting the outer world (your possessions, beauty, physicality) define you.
Physical You | Taurus Movement Personality
As an earth sign, you love all that the earth has to offer and seem to embrace things from a very physical perspective. Of all the signs, you are the most in touch with your body. This is likely because you feel- and connect to- the earth and the rhythm of nature in a primordial way. Highly sensitive to moon phases and earth’s vibrations, you seem to absorb the energy of the land…feel the breath in the trees. Your body is your compass, in a sensual way, and you’re always ready to make the most of what the world has to offer. Your youthful nature (as the second zodiac sign) is balanced with a wise, old-soul essence.
In my own life, I don’t find it coincidental that most of my Pilates/movement teachers and mentors have been Taurus. With a tried and true dedication that runs deep – combined with their superb connection to the body – the Taureans I’ve learned from have been methodical, patient, detailed. Taurus, you keep your students “in check” in a kind, yet straightforward manner while disseminating your knowledge in a very thorough and down-to-earth way…always considering the work of art you’re creating when helping people to “sculpt” their bodies.
The Best Advice for Taurus Friends:
Yet, there’s a potential “dark” undercurrent to your physical sense of existing in the world. Sometimes, if can go sideways, to one extreme or the other. Learn to hinder your competitive bullish nature by knowing reeling yourself back and not pushing your physical boundaries to the point of exhaustion and injury. Because you don’t like to quit, even when it’s in your best interest, learning to let go can be an important lesson for your long-term endurance. Rather than focusing on results – be proud of the road to building strength through steady persistence. Stay consciously aware of what your body can do for you, rather than pushing too far. Instead of working out for aesthetic purposes or to be the “strongest”, create some space around a regular self-care practice. Whatever you do, let it feel good – and try not to get locked up in a competitive trend that takes you to the point of breakdown. On the flip side, you might find the need to throw off your sluggishness (lazily basking in comfort and joy) and get going, refraining from letting yourself be your own worst enemy. In either situation, in fact, you could act as your own worst enemy.
See a demonstration of the Pilates Taurus Moves:
https://youtu.be/6FmIslcLDDo
Personal You | Going Deeper
Taurus, your ruling planet is Venus, so it’s natural that you appreciate art, beauty, music, and all the creature comforts of life. You are the artisans and master crafters of the zodiac. As you accumulate and build things that endure, you always ask: is it beautiful, useful, creative? In the studio or the kitchen, there is always an earthy and sensual undertone to your work, be it singing, gardening, pottery, flower arranging, painting, and sculpting. Your sign is associated with the neck, throat, shoulders, and thyroid – and Taureans tend to be epicureans. You have a heightened sense of taste and often consider food to be an art. Every Taurus I’ve known has had some particularly special relationship with food. Either prone to overindulgence OR on a highly-restrictive diet, they all seem to appreciate the importance of what they ingest…and often find great pleasure in cooking, creating perfectly seasoned dishes with whatever is on hand. And Taureans usually make sure they have plenty of hand. My nutritionist in LA was, naturally, a Taurus, and she taught me more about food sensitivities than I ever knew existed.
You Belong Among the Wildflowers
When the sun shifts into Taurus, ushering in the heart of spring, the creative forces in the universe become feminine and magnetic. This aids in your innate gift of manifestation, your ability to hone in on your desires and accomplish them in a dedicated manner. Your Venusian energy has gifted you with the ability to picture yourself worthy of all the finer things in life, and you have NO guilt complex about enjoying luxuries. You display an unswerving loyalty and devotion to those you love. You expect your loves and friendships to last and grow, just like the money you have stored in the bank. The ultimate BFF, you acquire your friends and feel like you have them for life…and honestly, they are lucky to have you. You enjoy making people happy and being kind, sharing the pleasures of life with those you love. You will be the one to teach people how they can love and admire each other, as well as the things they own.
Taurus, be on guard against allowing yourself to be affectionate to the point of “grasping” onto the things and people you feel you own. Of course, none of us actually own anyone or anything, but for you, letting go can be especially difficult and heart-wrenching. Learn to give others their breathing room. Otherwise, you could invite rebellion from loved ones and experience the very change you fear. You may find that sometimes you don’t only claim your own space but may bullishly claim others’ space as well, so be sure not to overstep your bounds. You enjoy an aura of “peaceful and calm”, but if you become threatened, this atmosphere can become a turbulent scene, like the bulls charging through the streets of Pamplona…thrashing wildly, everything all akimbo. While you are tenaciously loyal, take a moment of pause to ask yourself where you loyalty lies. Are you directing your energies in a constructive manner? Or maybe tying yourself to situations that might be obstructive to your own growth? Periods of self-contemplation are as necessary as food or water, so learn to appreciate times of going inward to gain personal growth.
In It to Win It
Taurus, not only are you the artisans of the zodiac, but the bankers too, with a consuming interest in real estate and stocks. Needless to say, you are an excellent business or work colleague, because you are some of the best organizers of the biz world. Not so much for taking chances but for the ability to see and hold onto things of value. You can be depended on to follow every step of the plan deliberately, and know how to sustain an effort towards security and finance…especially when you know your reward will be luxury or pleasure. Similar to a bull with a matador’s red cape in his sight, a Taurus can become so set on a goal that they see little or nothing else. Therefore, it might behoove you to include in your plan a little room for flexibility and change in order to attain your goals, to adjust for unexpected circumstances that might arise.
Keep it in your heart that your power of manifestation must benefit not just you but others as well. Honor your soulful values by considering what’s best for all involved. Use your creativity to dive into the complexities of life rather than getting stuck in a “rut”. Ultimately, learn to battle fear with love to see your dreams manifest…for the good of all.
Don’t miss Celeste’s Taurus-centered Cosmic Pilates workshop…it’s a special one! This virtual workshop will be included in our week-long National Pilates Day celebration…meaning it will be FREE! Tune in on Sunday, May 10 for this monthly Cosmic event!
