It is traditional not to practice Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga on the full moon or the new moon. The days preceding the full moon cause an increase of fluid in the body, an internal high tide, and generally involve an increase in energy. As this tends to mean over stimulation, intense practice is not recommended on the full moon. The days preceding the new moon (sometimes called the dark moon) cause a decrease of fluids in the body. As a tendency there will be less energy, the joints will be more dry and restricted, with an increased chance of injury if you attempt an intense physical practice. This is your body’s internal low tide. Of the two it is less problematic to practice on the full moon rather than the new moon.
The twenty four hours preceding the exact time the moon is at its peak (brightest or darkest) is the day or time not to practice. If the moon is full at 2.04am on Monday morning, do not practice on the Sunday before. At 2.05am the moon is already waning (becoming darker) and so practice later on Monday morning is advisable. For further information on this subject please read Ashtanga Yoga As It Is.
The Moon sequence (available in poster format) is a pre-cursor to the Primary series and is generally more accessible for almost all Yoga practitioners. If you are having trouble with the Primary sequence, or if you are struggling with an injury, this sequence is a great alternative. Although there are no jumps in this sequence the core principles of Vinyasa, continuous flow and awareness of the breath are maintained.
Chandra Krama is intended for practice on the full moon and the new moon. Practicing an alternative gentle sequence at those times of the month can be advantageous. For example, you will avoid strain and injury if you do not do a strenuous practice at those times and you can become increasingly aware of your changing internal body condition as influenced by the waxing and waning moon. Alternatively the Moon sequence can be done at any time when you are feeling tired or incapable of doing your regular practice. Practiced with patience, this sequence is rewarding and strengthening.
The Moon sequence is accessible for almost all Yoga practitioners, though it has been designed with Ashtanga practitioners in mind. If you do not have a committed Ashtanga practice, do not attempt to do all of this sequence at once. Take your time to build your ability with the Asana and omit any postures that are too difficult. This sequence is generally therapeutic for shoulders, wrists, knees, hips and the lower back . The final back bending sequence (the last 5 Ustrasana positions) should be omitted if there is weakness in the lower spine.
The twenty four hours preceding the exact time the moon is at its peak (brightest or darkest) is the day or time not to practice. If the moon is full at 2.04am on Monday morning, do not practice on the Sunday before. At 2.05am the moon is already waning (becoming darker) and so practice later on Monday morning is advisable. For further information on this subject please read Ashtanga Yoga As It Is.
The Moon sequence (available in poster format) is a pre-cursor to the Primary series and is generally more accessible for almost all Yoga practitioners. If you are having trouble with the Primary sequence, or if you are struggling with an injury, this sequence is a great alternative. Although there are no jumps in this sequence the core principles of Vinyasa, continuous flow and awareness of the breath are maintained.
Chandra Krama is intended for practice on the full moon and the new moon. Practicing an alternative gentle sequence at those times of the month can be advantageous. For example, you will avoid strain and injury if you do not do a strenuous practice at those times and you can become increasingly aware of your changing internal body condition as influenced by the waxing and waning moon. Alternatively the Moon sequence can be done at any time when you are feeling tired or incapable of doing your regular practice. Practiced with patience, this sequence is rewarding and strengthening.
The Moon sequence is accessible for almost all Yoga practitioners, though it has been designed with Ashtanga practitioners in mind. If you do not have a committed Ashtanga practice, do not attempt to do all of this sequence at once. Take your time to build your ability with the Asana and omit any postures that are too difficult. This sequence is generally therapeutic for shoulders, wrists, knees, hips and the lower back . The final back bending sequence (the last 5 Ustrasana positions) should be omitted if there is weakness in the lower spine.
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