Moon Days

Both full and new moon days are observed as yoga holidays in the Ashtanga Yoga tradition. Like all things of a watery nature (human beings are about 70% water), we are affected by the phases of the moon. The phases of the moon are determined by the moon's relative position to the sun. Full moons occur when they are in opposition and new moons when they are in conjunction. Both sun and moon exert a gravitational pull on the earth. Their relative positions create different energetic experiences that can be compared to the breath cycle. The full moon energy corresponds to the end of inhalation when the force of prana is greatest. This is an expansive, upward moving force that makes us feel energetic and emotional, but not well grounded. The Upanishads state that the main prana lives in the head. During the full moon we tend to be more headstrong.

The new moon energy corresponds to the end of exhalation when the force of apana is greatest. Apana is a contracting, downward moving force that makes us feel calm and grounded, but dense and disinclined towards physical exertion.

The Farmers Almanac recommends planting seeds at the new moon when the rooting force is strongest and transplanting at the full moon when the flowering force is strongest.

Practicing Ashtanga Yoga over time makes us more attuned to natural cycles. Observing moon days is one way to recognize and honor the rhythms of nature so we can live in greater harmony with it.

2011 & 2012

Full moon New moon

2011
December
Saturday 10th
Saturday 24th
2012
January
Sunday 8th
Sunday 22nd
February
Tuesday 7th
Tuesday 21st
March
Thursday 8th
Thursday 22nd
April
Friday 6th
Saturday 21st
May
Saturday 5th
Sunday 20th
June
Monday 4th
Tuesday 19th
July
Wednesday 3rd
Wednesday 18th
August
Wednesday 1st
Friday 17th
Friday 31st
September
Saturday 15th
Saturday 29th
October
Monday 15th
Monday 29th
November
Tuesday 13th
Wednesday 28th
December
Wednesday 13th
Friday 28th