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Can you feel the change in the air?
We have just celebrated Lughnasa, the midpoint between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox. The days are still warm, the light is still golden, but the sun is slowly beginning its journey inward.
This is the time of year to gather yourself back. To enjoy the summer without burning out in it. To stay connected to your body, your breath and the practices that help you feel steady. Yoga can be a beautiful anchor through this seasonal shift. Not another thing to push through, but a way to listen more closely.
This week, we wanted to share a little inspiration by diving into the story of the Warrior poses. You may know these shapes well from class, but the myth behind them might change the way you experience them.
We are also thrilled to share our recent News Shopper article, telling the story of Yoga House and our growing community, plus a little heads-up to keep Wednesday 12 August free for a rare solar eclipse moment. |
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Virabhadransana
The Story of Warrior I, II and I |
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Warrior Pose is one of the most familiar shapes in yoga. Strong legs, open arms, steady gaze. It appears again and again in Vinyasa, Hatha, Power and dynamic classes.
But beneath these poses is a powerful story.
The Sanskrit name for Warrior Pose is Virabhadrasana, named after Virabhadra, a great warrior created by Shiva in a moment of devastating grief.
The myth begins with Sati, daughter of the proud king Daksha. Sati loved Shiva deeply, though her father could not accept him. Shiva was wild, ash-covered, meditative and untamed, far from the polished husband Daksha wanted for his daughter. Still, Sati chose Shiva.
Daksha never made peace with this. Later, when he held a great ritual sacrifice, he invited gods, celestial beings and people of importance, but deliberately left Shiva out. Sati came to the ceremony and was heartbroken by the insult. When she confronted her father, he remained cold and proud. Unable to bear the dishonouring of Shiva, Sati threw herself into the sacrificial fire.
When Shiva heard what had happened, his grief became uncontrollable. In his rage, he tore a lock from his matted hair and threw it to the ground. From that lock, Virabhadra appeared. Fierce, composed and terrible, he was sent to Daksha’s sacrifice to answer what had been done.
The three Warrior poses are often seen as three moments in Virabhadra’s arrival. |
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Warrior IVirabhadrasana I
Warrior I is the moment Virabhadra rises from the earth and enters Daksha’s ceremony.
The feet root down. The legs strengthen. The arms lift overhead. The chest opens.
There is a feeling of power gathering and taking form. The pose asks us to be grounded and lifted at the same time, to stand with purpose and remember the strength beneath us. |
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Warrior IIVirabhadrasana II
Warrior II is the moment Virabhadra opens his arms and takes his gaze.
The body turns open. The arms reach wide. The eyes focus over the front hand.
This is the moment of seeing clearly. The pose asks for steadiness, stamina and presence. One arm reaches back towards what has been, while the other points towards what must now be faced. |
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Warrior IIIVirabhadrasana III
Warrior III is the moment of action. Virabhadra completes his task by cutting off Daksha’s head.
It is fierce and uncomfortable, but important. This is not a gentle story about calm strength. It is a story about grief, pride, rage and consequence.
In the pose, the body tips forward, one leg lifts behind, and everything has to organise around balance. Warrior III asks for focus, commitment and trust, but also awareness. Once we move, our actions have an impact. |
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And the story does not end there.
When Shiva’s anger softens, his grief returns. He sees what has happened and repents. Taking pity on Daksha, he restores him to life, replacing his head with that of a goat. Daksha wakes humbled and asks forgiveness. |
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This is what makes the Warrior poses so powerful. They are not about aggression. They are about learning how to stand in intensity without losing ourselves.
They ask us to rise, to see clearly, to act with awareness, and to remember that true strength also includes humility, repair and heart.
The next time you meet Warrior Pose on the mat, take a breath and feel the story beneath the shape. |
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We are thrilled to share that Yoga House has been featured in the News Shopper.
We hope the article helps more people discover what Yoga House is really about: community, movement, wellbeing and a welcoming space for all.
From our yoga classes to hot yoga, Pilates, strength, sauna, teacher training, workshops and retreats, Yoga House continues to grow because of the people who practise here.
Whether you have been with us for years, have just joined, or are thinking about coming to your first class, you are part of what makes this community so special.
We will always be a place where you can arrive exactly as you are, move in a way that supports you, and feel part of something warm, grounded and real. |
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On Wednesday 12 August 2026, the UK and Ireland will experience a deep partial solar eclipse, with around 90 to 96% of the Sun covered by the Moon.
In London, the eclipse begins at around 6.17pm, reaches its maximum at around 7.12pm, and ends at around 8.06pm.
Because the Sun will be low in the sky, the best places to watch will be higher spots with a clear view towards the western horizon.
Local places to consider include: Blythe Hill Fields Hilly Fields One Tree Hill / Honor Oak Telegraph Hill Blackheath Greenwich Park Crystal Palace Park
This is a powerful moment to pause, gather and witness a shift in the light together.
AND FINALLY BEFORE YOU GO… OUR SUMMER OFFERS WON’T LAST LONG
IT’S A GREAT WAY TO START OR CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY
Explore our summer offers on memberships and class packages.
Get our 10 class package at £152 (usual price £165) – gives you access to all Yoga, Hot Yoga, Pilates, Barre and Strength classes valid for 3 months from purchase
Strength Studio membership still @ £75 p/m – get now before it goes up to £85
Members bring a friend for free offer is currently on – email us to book your friend in*
*offer for contracted members only, open until end of Aug |
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