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Both
full and new moon days are observed as yoga holidays in
the Ashtanga Yoga tradition. What is the reasoning behind
this?
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. |