Why the Earth’s Tilt is the Universe’s Giant Wheel of Fortune

Seasons, my dear Ashtanga aficionados, are the universe’s way of keeping things entertaining here on Earth. Picture the planet as a twirling ballerina, her axis stubbornly tilted, causing the sunlight to strike earth at odd angles as she loops around the Sun. This consistent tilt creates a cosmic game of hot and cold, with one hemisphere basking in sunlight while the other contemplates the night, resulting in our ever-changing seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere, when we’re basking in summer glory, our Southern Hemisphere friends are bundling up for winter. A curious tidbit: Earth decides it’s closest to the Sun in early January, during the heart of winter for us in the Northern Hemisphere. If Earth decided to go all minimalist and eliminate its tilt, we would face a bland, season-less existence with zero variety in day lengths or temperatures, essentially turning our world into a meteorological monotone.

Seasonal Yoga: Practicing Amidst Cosmic Dramas

In the midst of this grand celestial performance, seasonal yoga steps in, aligning our poses with these natural rhythms. It’s about achieving both internal and external harmony: polishing the unseen cobwebs of our inner selves and positioning ourselves to truly observe the world around us. This practice sweeps aside personal stories to create a deeper connection with nature’s cycles. “Ritus,” the Sanskrit term for season, springs from “ritam”—an evocative nod to that “cosmic rhythm” and “evolutionary pulse of creation.” By diving into these rhythms, we are given the rare opportunity to attune ourselves with life and embrace the energetic metamorphoses that accompany each season.

The Cosmic Sense of Seasons: Astronomical vs. Meteorological

For those who enjoy precision (a.k.a. the Ashtanga community), recognizing the distinction between astronomical and meteorological seasons can enrich our practice. Astronomically speaking, seasons are heralded by equinoxes and solstices: spring makes its grand entrance at the vernal equinox, and winter takes a bow at the winter solstice. Meteorologically speaking, seasons are boxed into neat, fixed three-month segments. In the Northern Hemisphere, this means spring leaps from March 1 to May 31, summer sizzles from June 1 to August 31, autumn paints from September 1 to November 30, and winter storms from December 1 to February 28 or 29. Meanwhile, our Southern Hemisphere friends operate in reverse.

The Cosmic Connection and the Wheel of the Year

Saul David Raye astutely points out that seasons are life’s way of reflecting its endless dance. The cyclical nature of “ritus” reminds us of our ties to the cosmic rhythm—a never-ending symphony. Each season becomes its own story in the expansive novel of our existence, presenting us with a moment to realign with our spiritual expedition on this planet. Shiva Rea emphasizes that a solar year runs a tight ship of approximately 365 days, illustrating an unceasing tango with Earth’s energies as it tilts and spins. Engaging with the Wheel of the Year ensures we strengthen this cosmic bond, embracing the subtle yet profound shifts of the seasons.

For more irreverent insights on seasonal yoga and its myriad themes, mosey on over to this link.