Winter Solstice Ceremony: 108 Sun Salutations

Performing 108 Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) is a powerful meditative ritual of renewal and transformation. Traditionally practiced at the solstices or equinoxes, it invites balance between inner and outer worlds. Each repetition is a moving prayer, helping to burn away stagnation and awaken inner fire.

Why 108 Sun Salutations

• Marks change and transition—welcoming new beginnings.
• Offers a journey inward through repetition and endurance.
• Builds community and collective energy when practiced in groups.

The Power and Symbolism of 108

The number 108 holds deep meaning across spiritual, scientific, and cultural traditions. In yoga, it represents wholeness, connection, and cosmic order—the bridge between the human and the divine.

Cosmic and Mathematical Harmony

• 108 moons fit between the Earth and the Moon.
• 108 suns fit between the Earth and the Sun.
• 108 Earths fit across the diameter of the Sun.

These cosmic ratios echo the interconnectedness of all existence and the perfect geometry of our universe.

Sacred Symbolism

• 108 energy channels (nadis) are said to converge at the heart chakra, the center of spiritual awakening.
• A mala—used in meditation and mantra repetition—has 108 beads, symbolizing spiritual completion.
• In Hinduism, there are 108 Upanishads and 108 names for the deities.
• In Buddhism, 108 represents the earthly desires one must overcome to reach enlightenment.
• In Ayurveda, there are 108 marma points—vital energy centers in the body.
• On New Year’s Eve, Zen temples ring a bell 108 times, symbolizing release from the 108 human passions.

This is a challenging but rewarding practice broken into 12 rounds of 9 Sun Salutations at a time with breaks and modifications expected throughout the experience. Each round will begin with a new affirmation, a mantra to carry you through the next wave of sun salutations. Join us as we celebrate the Winter Solstice and the return of light as we head towards a fresh new year.

Recommended participants bring a small towel and plenty of water, personal yoga mats welcomed but optional.

Info: This is a yoga marathon not a sprint! We’ll move gently through 9 Sun Salutations at a time with restful child’s poses in between. Each round will begin with a new affirmation, a mantra to guide you through the next wave. Rests and modifications are encouraged as needed to properly honor your body.

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