Moon Days2018-05-31T09:41:20+02:00

NO ASANA PRACTICE ON  MOON DAYS

In Astanga yoga tradition both full and new moon days are observed holidays from the practice.
The moon day is generally considered to be the 23-hour period before the exact moment of either a full or new moon.
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WHY DON’T WE PRACTICE ASANA ON MOON DAYS IN THE ASHTANGA YOGA TRADITION?

Humans are 65-70% water, and as the moon phases influences the tides, it also influences us. Both sun and moon have a gravitational pull on the earth. Their position creates energetic experiences that can be compared to the cycle of the breath. The full moon energy corresponds to the end of the inhalation when prana is greatest. The expansive, and upward moving force that makes us feel energetic and emotional, but not well grounded. As stated in the Upanishads the main prana lives in the head. We are more headstrong during full moon. The new moon is corresponds to the energy at the end of the exhalation when force of apana is greatest. Apana is the downward, contracting moving force that makes us feel calm and grounded but dense and disciplined towards asana practice. The Farmers Almanac recommends planting seeds at new moon, as rooting force is strongest, and transporting at full moon when flowering force is strongest. Practicing Ashtanga yoga over times makes us more in tune with natural cycles. Observing moon day is one way to recognize and honor the rhythms of nature, allowing us to live in greater harmony with it.

It is recommended to avoid practicing asanas these days because of the risk of injury higher than usual. On the other hand, these days are considered favorable for rest.

There are many ways to connect without going through the asanas.

The lunar cycle serves as a guide to the spiritual practices of many traditions, and yoga is no exception to the rule. The goal is to create a benchmark on the one hand, but it is also a means to connect with nature. In India, the stars are consulted before undertaking any important activity, a reflex that has disappeared in the West for a long time. How to reconnect with natural cycles starting with the lunar cycle, and what are the effects on the practice of yoga?

Some say proudly “not to be sensitive to the moon”. It is very possible, but it is a lack of sensitivity, not a normal feeling. In today’s society, we are no longer connected at all to the natural cycles (seasons, phases of the moon, or even the alternation of day and night). In addition, we have forgotten to learn to listen, to probe the moments of fatigue or changes in mood.

With the anarchic rhythms of life that many of us have adopted, these changes are no longer even perceptible. But it is possible to connect to different cycles without upsetting one’s life, simply by taking the time to observe, to spend more time in nature or even to meditate. Connecting is the goal of hatha yoga!

2018

June
Wednesday 13th – new
Thursday 28th- full

July
Thursday 12th – new
Friday 27th- full

August
Friday 10th  – new 
Saturday 25th- full

September
Sunday 9th – new
Monday 24th – full

October
Monday 8th – new
Wednesday 24th – full

November
Wednesday 7th – new
Thursday 22nd – full

December
Thursday 6th – new
Saturday 22nd – full