Hi everyone.
Most of you will be aware of the Eastern practice of Yoga- a movement and posture based form of spiritual exercise which is also very popular here in the West.
Well I personally love to practice Yoga at home (did classes whilst at university and I much prefer to be at home going at my own pace).
Today I returned to my Yoga practices after a break, and I have been using my Pocket Yoga App and Pocket Yoga Practice Builder App to organise my Yoga routines and work outs.
Today I started with a short Meditative practice, followed by a slow moving relaxation practice that I had ordered myself.
It was nice to get back into the postures, and even better that I started on the ‘slow burn’ movements rather than rushing into a full workout.
I have been inspired by Carli SuSu (owner of the beautiful shop for little and adult Faeries alike- SuSu Mama) who has been doing a daily Yoga challenge.
I have decided therefore that I will be completing at least a 30 minute session every day this week, in an attempt to get back into my Yoga routine. It helped me so much with my bad back before and gave me that time of spiritual breathing and contemplation time. If I have time to sit on the sofa in the evenings then I have time for yoga!!
Further to this, I will be looking at the Avalonian Landscape Postures- a form of Meditation and Yoga combined- created by Writer of ‘Avalon Within’ Jhenah Telyndru.
These are a series of postures, based on 5 areas within the Glastonbury-Avalon landscape. Each posture also connects to the 5 stations in the cycle of healing, and the 5 key areas of the Avalonian tradition.
The idea is that each posture is held for a period of time (15 minutes to start, longer if you so choose) as you take part in an Immrama or ‘Journeying Meditation’ to that location within the Landscape. Jhenah has written and recorded her Immramas, or you can hold your own.
The idea is that during the posture, you can physically connect through body and breath to the meditative visualisation that you are following, and make a deeper connection to it.
I will therefore be having a go at meditating with each of these 5 postures, and their corresponding Immramas over the next 5 days.
I have listed them below if anyone would like to have a go themselves 
Forgive the photos- they are taken from Jhenah’s book. I tried to pose for them myself but it just looked rubbish!
Posture 1: Y Tarddell Rudd~ The Red Spring (Chalice Well)
This posture links to the Station of Descent in the cycle of healing.
Within the Avalon landscape it is the Red Spring, or a Chalice Well.
Knell with your legs close together.
Keep your back straight and your torso upright.
Extend your arms at a 30- degree angle from your body.
Flex your hands at the wrists, keeping your fingers together.
The position of the arms and hands suggest the fountaining forth of the waters from the ground.
This can be hard on the knees so if you don’t own a yoga mat, consider using a pillow or cushion beneath your knees.
Practice rhyming breathing and play either a drumming soundtrack or tranquil music while you meditate on the Red Spring of Avalon.
Posture 2: Y Twrr~ The Tor
This posture links with the Station of Confrontation in the cycle of healing.
In the Glastonbury-Avalon Landscape it represents the Tor itself.
Lie on your left side with one leg on top of the other and both bent at hip and knee.
Keep your carves parallel to our torso, with both feet pointed in the opposite direction of the head.
Your upper left arm is on the floor and bent at the elbow.
Rest your forearm against your abdomen and place your left hand face down on the crest of your right hip.
Keep your upper body propped up on your left side with your right shoulder rolled back and your chest twisted to point towards the ceiling.
Your head is facing forward with your left cheek on the floor.
Extend your right arm behind your head and rest it on your right wrist and hand, which is palm up on the floor.
Again, Practice rhyming breathing and play either a drumming soundtrack or tranquil music while you meditate this time on the image of The Tor.
Posture 3: Y Tarddell Wen~ The White Spring
This Posture links with the station of Emergence in the Cycle of Healing.
In the Glastonbury-Avalon landscape it represents The White Spring
Kneel with your legs hip distance apart.
Extend your legs straight back from the knee at right angles to the torso.
Keep your back straight, your torso upright, and face our head forwards.
Raise your arms at a 60-degree angle to your body, keeping them bend at the elbows.
Flex your arms at the wrists, keeping your fingers together.
Again this can be difficult on the knees to yoga mat or cushions needed.
Practice rhyming breathing and play either a drumming soundtrack or tranquil music while you meditate this time on the image of the White Spring flowing forth.
Posture 4: Bryn Modron~ Modron’s Mound/Chalice Hill
This Posture links with the station of Resolution in the cycle of healing.
In the Glastonbury-Avalon Landscape it represents Chalice Hill, otherwise known locally as Modron’s Mound (Modron being the Mother Goddess).
Kneel with your calves extended behind your torso, keeping them parallel and close together.
Support the weight of your upper body with your arms straight forward and parallel to each other, bent slightly at the elbows for comfort.
Round your back to approximately the shape of the hill (as seen in the photo)
Tuck your head under slightly to round your shoulders.
Use a yoga mat again for comfort.
Practice rhyming breathing and play either a drumming soundtrack or tranquil music while you meditate this time on the image of Chalice Hill. See it as part of the body of the Mother Goddess.
Posture 5: Ynes Affalon~ The Island of Avalon
This posture links with the station of integration in the cycle of healing.
In the Glastonbury-Avalon landscape is represents the Isle of Avalon as a whole.
Sit with your right leg extended outward from your body at a slight angle. Fold your left leg towards the body, creating a space between the leg and your slightly left leaning torso.
Round your arms in front of your body with open, palm up hands resting on the floor between your left leg and your body.
Face forward with your shoulders slightly rounded.
Practice rhyming breathing and play either a drumming soundtrack or tranquil music while you meditate this time on the image of the Isle of Avalon, surrounded by mists.
With all of these postures, practice the Immramas when you know them, or create your own visualisation/journeying meditations where you move around these sacred places and experience their energies.
I can’t wait to get back to Glastonbury and practice these postures in the locations they represent!
If any of you do have a go at these postures as well, please message me through the blog, or on the Celtic Moon website in my group ‘The Hearth of Avalon’ as I’d love to know about your experiences as they will help me with my studies and the talk I am going to give Celtic Moon in a few months time!
Blessings,
Breaca
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