Ashtanga Yoga Moon Days
The Ashtanga Yoga tradition observes the full and new moon phases as holidays. The moon plays a vital role in the lives of all living beings on Earth, in addition to the planet itself. Being comprised mainly of water, the Earth and our human bodies, respond to the gravitational pull of the Moon’s mass. The force of the moon phase is like the energy experienced in the breath.
Moon Phases
The different phases are a result of the Moon’s position relative to the Sun and the Earth. During the full moon phase, the Moon is entirely illuminated by the Sun and visible on Earth. At this point the Earth is located between the Moon and the Sun. The energetic forces of the Moon and Sun are in opposition, as the gravitational pulls of each mass are on opposite sides of the Earth. In the new moon phase, the forces of the Sun and Moon are in conjunction. During this time, the position of the moon is such that the fully illuminated side of the moon is facing the sun. Therefore, the visible parts of the moon are due to Earthshine.
The end of inhalation represents the time when the prana force is at its strongest. This correlates with the strong oppositional forces present in the full moon phase. This is a time of great energy and upward moving forces, which lead to increased emotions, and less grounded feelings. The full moon phase is a time of headstrong behaviors. Apana is greatest at the end of exhalation, which is like the forces during the new moon phase. During this time, there is a decline in energy and interest to physically exert yourself. However, there is an increased sense of grounded behavior and a sense of calm.
Moon Day Observance
The extended practice of Ashtanga Yoga will cue us into our body’s responses to the lunar phases. As we become more attuned to the natural rhythms affecting our mood and physicality, we can appreciate the power of these forces. The observance of the lunar phases of full and new moons allows us to attend to our synchronization with the energies beyond our control.
The dates of the full and new moon for each month can be found in the Farmer’s Almanac.
2017
January
Wednesday 11th – full
Friday 27th – new
February
Friday 10th – full
Sunday 26th- new
March
Sunday 12th – full
Monday 27th – new
April
Monday 10th – full
Tuesday 25th – new
May
Wednesday 10th – full
Thursday 25th – new
June
Friday 9th – full
Friday 23rd – new
July
Saturday 8th- full
Saturday 22nd – new
August
Monday 7th- full
Monday 21st – new
September
Tuesday 5th- full
Tuesday 19th – new
October
Thursday 5th – full
Thursday 19th – new
November
Friday 3rd – full
Friday 17th – new
December
Sunday 3rd – full
Sunday 17th – new