What do you do when you first wake up in the morning? Do you reach for your phone and start checking your notifications, answering emails, and preparing for your day? Do you sluggishly move through your early tasks, making coffee and getting dressed on autopilot? Or do you start your day gently, taking a moment to orient yourself in your body and just be? So often, in small ways, we lock ourselves inside our own heads, setting us up for overthinking and disconnection.
The first quarter moon is a turning point, a moment of tension and momentum where we commit to the intentions we set on the new moon. It’s the push forward, the action phase. And if last week was about recognizing where we’re stuck in our heads, this week is about actively stepping back into our bodies.
Especially if you're someone who tends to overthink, embodiment can feel like an almost impossible task, something that requires effort, structure, or the "right" method. But really, getting back into your body doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as a breath, a stretch, or a moment of stillness where you consciously reconnect with yourself.
Try this: Right now, wherever you are, pause for a moment. Take a slow inhale through your nose, hold for a second, then exhale through your mouth. Roll your shoulders back, unclench your jaw. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Notice the sensation of being alive, right here, right now. That’s embodiment. Nothing elaborate, just feeling your own body.
Tarot Guidance
The Knight of Wands is a fiery guide for us this week, full of passion, drive, and an almost reckless enthusiasm for movement. This card encourages us to take action, boldly, imperfectly, without overthinking. It’s about moving first and analyzing later, trusting that your body knows what it needs.
On the other hand, The Empress brings a softer energy, reminding us to nurture our physical selves with love rather than criticism. She asks: Are you treating your body as a home, or as a problem to fix? Embodiment isn’t about pushing yourself to the limit; it’s about honoring yourself, feeling what needs to be felt, and embracing the natural rhythms of your being.
Together, these cards invite a balance between action and care, reminding us that movement should be joyful, nourishing, and intuitive.
Astrological Influence
Last week we looked more specifically at the sign and house that our Mars is in, but today we’re just paying attention to the element, which can reveal the most aligned ways to reconnect with your body:
Fire Mars (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) You need dynamic, high-energy movement to feel present. Dancing, running, or even shaking out excess energy helps you ground.
Earth Mars (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) Slow, steady, and intentional movement works best for you. Yoga, walking, or a deep stretch session allows you to drop into your body.
Air Mars (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) Breathwork is your best friend. Practices like paced breathing, singing, or even speaking affirmations aloud can help regulate your nervous system.
Water Mars (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) Fluid, emotional movement like swimming, dancing, or even taking a long bath helps you reconnect to yourself.
While Mars is a natural ally in our journey to reconnect with our bodies, other placements can help us too. Venus rules beauty, self-love, and balance, which can be helpful when we see embodiment as an act of self care. The 1st and 6th houses both have to do with our bodies as well, with the 1st house ruling our physicality and the 6th house ruling our health. If your Mars element advice doesn’t feel right for you, try looking at the elements of those other placements!
Questions to ask yourself this week: What movement, sensation, or practice makes me feel the most present in my body? Where am I resisting embodiment, and what small step can I take to reconnect?
This week is about trying, experimenting, and noticing. Let your body guide you instead of forcing a predetermined idea of what movement should look like. Some days, embodiment might mean stretching or going for a walk. Other days, it might mean putting on music and shaking off stagnant energy.
Whatever you choose, do it with curiosity. Next week, we’ll pause to reflect and celebrate how far we’ve come!