Moon Days and Ashtanga Yoga

Phases of the moon are determined by the moon’s relative position to the sun.

Full moons occur when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. During a full moon, the moon is fully illuminated by the sun and is seen as a round disc from the Earth’s surface.

New moons occur when the moon is between the Earth and the Sun. During a new moon, the moon is seen as a thin crescent from the Earth’s surface.

In Ashtanga tradition, new moon days and full moon days should be days of rest for Ashtanga yoga practitioners. By observing moon days, we recognize and honor the rhythms of nature.

The human body, similar to our planet, is affected by the gravitational pull of both the moon and the sun. The positions of the sun and moon creates an energetic experience that can be compared to the breath cycle.

The full moon corresponds to the end of an inhalation where we feel energetic and emotional, but not well grounded.

The new moon corresponds to the end of an exhalation where we feel calm and grounded, but not energetic or inclined to physical exertion.