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magyarPractical Yoga Tips for the Different Moon Phases
Yoga and the moon phase are connected to each other through sacred meaning. Each moon phase has its own asanas and meditation practices. They correlate to the various effects the moon has on our emotional and physical world in a quest to create harmony. Reconnect with nature with our yoga tips for the different moon phases.
With our yoga tips for the different moon phases you will practice yoga and meditation in harmony with nature.
The Spiritual Meaning of the Moon Phases
The lunar phases are a reflection of the cycle of birth, life and death in nature. This cycle determines that all beings on earth are born, live and die. Then the cycle repeats itself. The sun rises, the sun shines on us, then sun sets. Trees sprout in the spring, bear fruits in summer and then drop their leaves to be reborn in spring again.
In humans, we can observe this process even on an emotional level. When an emotion is born in us – be it positive (joy) or negative (anger) – this emotion begins to live in us, then after a while passes and then it rises again.
The cycle of the moon phases as well as the cycle of life are subject to the laws of nature and unchangeable. So it is always good to live in harmony with the moon as well as with the other manifestations of birth, life and death (which is not to be seen negatively, but as a symbol of passing and making space for something new) in nature.
This is how the moon phases relate to this circle and our daily lives:
- The new moon is the phase of birth, when we make room in ourselves for the birth of new things, planting new seeds of thought and intention.
- The waxing moon stands for development and reception of new things
- During the full moon the planted seeds of your intentions start to bloom, reach their potential and fill the space within us
- During the waning moon we can practice letting things pass and letting things go. It is a good time to let go of emotions, ideas, thoughts that no longer help us and everything that does not add to our development
An Analogy of Lunar Phases in Yoga and Meditation
The basic theory of yoga is to combine the energies of the moon and sun. The moon represents the feminine energies as passive and receptive while the sun represents the active and warm masculine energy.
Ha-tha yoga also carries this meaning. The ha is the sun and the tha is the moon. We’ve written before on the practice of sun salutation, but it’s sibling, the moon salutation is less known. To keep balance, it is recommended to practice both flows.
The phases of the moon, as we know, also affect the tidal phases of the oceans. For both the people of the East and the people living in close touch with nature, the full moon and the new moon are the dates of their ceremonies.
For their effect on our lives different moon phases with their different characteristics call for different yoga and meditation practices. Our yoga tips for the different moon phases will help you to choose the right practice at the right time.
Moon Phase I: New Moon – Renewal
We speak of a new moon – astrologically – when the moon and the sun stand in one line. The sun shines from behind the moon, so its rays can’t illuminate the moon from the front.
The new moon marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle, and it could easily bring new stages into our lives as well. Therefore, this period is the most expedient for self-reflection, setting new goals. In some cultures, this is the time to sow the seeds. We can interpret this as sowing the seeds of our intentions.
If we have practices that are oriented inward, be it meditation, yoga, or any other, it is recommended to time your practice with the new moon.
If you keep a diary and write about your inner life, this is a great time to look at your inner development and inner feelings. This is also the time to formulate your goals, your dreams, which can turn into an inner ritual that is connected to the moon phases.
Light an incense burner or a candle and immerse yourself in your favorite yoga practices. Practice online yoga offerings or look for a guided meditation that is right for you, but sound therapy also has a wonderful effect during this period. The focus is on intention and immersion.
Moon Phase II: Waxing Moon – Growth
After the new moon, the moon begins to grow. Many people have a hard time at what stage the moon is, if they look at it. The arc of the moon helps us. In the northern hemisphere, the first quarter always points to the right with its convex side, and in the last quarter it points to the left (in the southern hemisphere, just the opposite).
In English you can use the mnemonic DOC, where D stands for the waxing moon (D is rounded on the right side, just like the waxing moon), O stands for the full moon and C stands for the waning moon, with the waning moon resembling the shape of the letter C.
In the first quarter, during the waxing moon, it is worth strengthening the intentions we have set during the new moon and to develop inward attention. By being able to implement a morning routine that includes contemplation (meditation) and movement (yoga practice), we are well on our way to building inner balance.
Some asanas, such as the Warrior pose 2, also called Virabhadrasana II, can have a beneficial effect during this time. We look ahead and know where we are going while the position of the legs is stable, grounded. With the courage of the Warrior, we can endure this pose and cross the lunar stretch with strength.
Moon Phase III: Full Moon – Fulfillment
The full moon affects us, even when we are not aware of the moon phases. When the sun, the earth, and the Moon are in this order that stands for coexistence, we speak of the full moon. The very strong effect of the full moon has been known since ancient times. The behavior of animals changes and even we humans can experience irritability and stronger emotions.
This is the time when we can try a more intense yoga practice that touches these strong emotions and energies. Or you can practice a very specific flow of yoga exercises tailored to the full moon, like in the video below. The focus is on observing and to keep our energies and our bodies moving.
Rituals deepen the inner consciousness, the intention with which we connect to our deeper selves and hearts. That is why it is worth staying in touch with our hearts and intentions during this energetic, charged, fulfilling period.
Moon Phases IV: Waning Moon – Towards Rebirth
After the full moon, the round moon begins to wane again. In nature’s cycle of birth, life, aging, death, we are moving towards death to begin rebirth. The waning moon represents the disappearance of life and light, and then, after the new moon, rebirth begins.
On the plane of our inner life, this lunar phase represents the passing, the end of a phase. We can let go of things and, with an open heart, let life and pranic energy flow.
It is worth practicing pranayama, that is, breathing exercises. But Cakrāsana is also an extremely good asana to practice now, because of its harmonizing and heart-opening effect.
The Effect of the Lunar Phases and Science
The moon strongly affects the tidal motion of the Earth’s waters, and as we know, the human body is 70% fluid, so more and more research is underway to examine the extent to which lunar change affects human behavior. Some research has examined that human hormones also change, and there are parallels between conception, the menstrual cycle and birth rate, and the lunar phases.
It was also research during which lunar period more burglary and accidents happen. In the animal kingdom, especially the reproductive habits of fish are studied in connection with the lunar phases. This is a very interesting area of research, and scientists are sure to find many more interesting connections.
If we are aware of all these connections, we can develop an inner rhythm as well as incorporate yoga and meditation practices into the days of the full moon and new moon.
We can observe our emotional and physical states and record it on a lunar calendar. If we discover some pattern (such as headaches or insomnia at full moon, openness, creativity at new moon), we already have our own experience of the effects of the lunar phases. It’s not just an interesting thing, but it’s also a good practice and observation opportunity.
Include our yoga tips for the different moon phases and you will get to know yourself on an even deeper level. If you need some support, check out the best yoga studios in Budapest, where you will find amazing teachers and a group of like-minded people.
