How to Harness the Power of the Moon in Your Yoga Practice

moon in your yoga practice 

As human beings living on this beautiful planet earth, we are deeply connected to our solar system and the universe at large, including the moon. One of the best ways to work with the energy of the moon is through your yoga practice.

In astronomy, it is well known that the moon circles around the earth, causing a gentle magnetic pull on our planet. This magnetic pull influences the flow of water, controlling the tides and even influencing a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Although the moon may appear far off and distant in the sky, it has a much more significant impact on us than we realize. Yoga is an energetic practice that can help us to tap into these energies within and around us so that we can harmonize with the phases of the moon and find balance in our lives.

The first step to harnessing the power of the moon in your life and in your yoga practice is to understand the beautiful complexity of the moon.

How the Moon Phases Impact Your Yoga Practice

The Indian philosophical system of yoga is intimately connected with another spiritual practice in India known as Jyotish or Vedic astrology. Vedic astrology was historically used to determine the most auspicious time for rituals, events, and spiritual practices, including specific yoga techniques. In modern times, we can also use the wisdom from Vedic astrology to inform our yoga practice, particularly its knowledge of the phases of the moon.

As the moon changes shape and passes through the different constellations in the sky, the significance and interpretation of the moon also varies, and these qualities can be balanced through yoga practice. Throughout the lunar cycle, the moon’s energy changes, and it can have a significant impact on your state of mind and body.

Beyond the connection between yoga and Vedic astrology, the moon also frequently arises in yoga practice itself. For example, the word “hatha” is commonly connected to the root words “ha” meaning sun, and “tha” meaning moon. This connection signifies the critical yoga practice of uniting the sun and moon or the feminine and masculine energies within the body.

In yoga, the moon is seen as feminine energy connected to our emotions. Many pranayama or breathing practices balance these solar and lunar energies as well as poses, such as the moon salutations (Chandra Namaskar) and half-moon pose (Ardha Chandrasana). In these yoga practices, you bring the energy of the moon into your body, harmonizing this energy and creating a deep connection between the individual soul and the cosmic energies around you.

What are the Moon Phases? – Tracking the Phases of the Moon

Tracking the phases of the moon connects us more intimately with the natural flow of nature and the magnetic pull of the universe on the body and mind. When we learn what the moon phases are and how to tune in and track these energies, we can live in greater harmony with these cycles.

There are eight phases of the moon in the traditional lunar cycle, but there are really four main phases that are significant for understanding lunar energetics. See below for a brief description of these four primary lunar phases:

• New Moon – This phase of the moon is when it is entirely invisible, also known as the dark moon. This lunar phase often represents self-reflection, introspection, and beginnings.
• Waxing Moon – In this phase of the moon, the moon gradually grows in size and brightness between the new and full moon phases. Therefore, this lunar phase often represents creativity, action, and growth.
• Full Moon – The full moon is when the moon is at its brightest in the sky, showing all of herself in full beauty. This lunar phase represents illumination, awareness, and renewal.
• Waning Moon – This is the phase of the moon where it transitions back to a new moon and grows dimmer over time. This lunar phase often represents slowing down, turning inward, and letting go.

In nearly every culture and tradition around the world, the full moon and new moon have significant meanings that vary in definition. As you begin to track the cycles of the moon, you may also notice that many religious holidays, besides Christian holidays, tend to fall on either the full moon or the new moon. The lunar calendar was used for thousands of years as the primary way to track time and connect with the cycles of the universe.

You can observe these changing phases by simply looking up in the sky on a clear night and gazing at the crescent or circular shape of the moon. If it is cloudy or you don’t have quick access to the outdoors, there are also many wonderful apps and websites that track the phase of the moon for you.

The Significance and Meaning of the Full Moon

The moon is at its brightest in the sky during the full moon, shining its healing light down onto the earth. This time is viewed as a highly charged, energetic period, and it is an excellent time to be outdoors and absorb this energy in your body and mind. In Vedic astrology, the meaning of the full moon is highly auspicious and brings many positive qualities into your life.

The full moon and yoga are deeply linked together as high energetic opportunities. Some yoga traditions advise avoiding yoga practice on the full moon, whereas others emphasize a restorative or introspective practice to absorb these energies. The full moon is an excellent time for healing rituals, meditation, and releasing what no longer serves you.

The Significance and Meaning of the New Moon

The new moon is the darkest night of the lunar cycle. This lunar cycle is often viewed as a clean slate and an opportunity to invest in personal growth, transformation, and overall renewal. In Vedic astrology, the meaning of the new moon is often seen as a possible malefic influence, so it is generally advised to lay low and tune inwards to balance these energies.

Some yoga traditions advise avoiding yoga practice on the day of the new moon, whereas other yoga traditions suggest a restorative yoga practice. Whatever you choose to do, the new moon is a great time to set an intention, practice meditation, journal, and visualize the new beginnings yet to come.

3 Ways to Embrace the Energy of the Moon in Your Yoga Practice

1. Balance the Lunar and Solar with Alternate Nostril Breathing

Within the subtle energetic body in yoga philosophy, there are two nadis or channels called the ida nadi and pingala nadi that represent the pathways of the lunar and solar energies in the body. The ida nadi is the lunar channel, and the pingala nadi is the solar channel. Alternate nostril breathing or nadi shodhana cleanses these channels and balances the lunar and solar energies in the body.

2. Embody the Moon Through Moon Salutations

The moon salutations (Chandra Namaskar) are like the sister to the sun salutations and are an excellent practice to incorporate on or around certain phases of the moon. Moon salutations help you to embody the lunar energies within and sync up with the lunar cycle. The full moon and new moon are often seen as times for gentleness, so if you practice moon salutations during these phases, then make sure to slow things down and bring some gentle energy into your practice.

3. Connect to the Full Moon with Moon Gazing Meditation

The full moon is a powerful energetic period in the lunar cycle, and absorbing these energies within your body and mind can be truly transformational. With a full moon meditation, you can begin this process of energetic attunement. An excellent way to start is through the meditative practice called trataka. Trataka is typically practiced by gazing at the flame of a candle, but another method is by gazing at the full moon. This meditation cleanses your eyes and awakens deep energies from within for a true full moon transformation.

Explore the Significance of the Moon in Yoga in Our Yoga Teacher Training

We are all constantly being impacted by the moon, whether we realize it or not. The first step to gaining access to its influence is by understanding what the moon phases are. Then, when you learn how to tune into the moon and its subtle energetic changes, you can also tune into the cosmic energy of the universe and harmonize with its flow.

As a system of energetic attunement, yoga practice is an excellent way to truly embody these changes and incorporate lunar energy into your inner being. If you are curious about the moon phases and how to connect the full moon and yoga, then you may find many answers to what you are looking for in our online yoga teacher training. In our yoga teaching training courses, we dive deeper beyond the physical body and into the subtle energies of yoga practice.

With in-depth guidance, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful yoga teacher and aligning with the moon phases in your practice and in your daily life. Reach out to us for more information on our upcoming online 200hr and 300hr yoga teacher training courses!