Lunar yoga is yoga practice that is aligned with the phases of the moon. It involves practicing yoga meditation, pranayama and asana poses and sequences that correspond with the energy and qualities of each lunar phase. Lunar yoga is a way to connect with the natural rhythms of the universe and promote greater balance and harmony in one's life. It can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth.
The connection between the moon and yoga lies in the principles of Ayurveda and the ancient Indian system of medicine and wellness. Ayurveda recognizes that our bodies, minds, and spirits are intimately connected with nature, and that we are affected by the cycles and rhythms of the natural world.
The moon is a powerful symbol in Ayurveda, representing the feminine, intuitive, and cyclical aspects of nature. The moon's energy affects the tides, the seasons, and the growth of plants, and it also affects our bodies and minds. In Ayurveda, the moon is associated with the watery element and is said to govern our emotions, intuition, and creativity.
The moon phases
The moon has been a symbol of femininity, intuition, and cycles for centuries. It is no wonder that it is also a significant aspect of yoga practice, as yoga aims to connect mind, body, and spirit with the universe.
In this blog post, we will explore how to align your yoga practice with the moon cycle.
The moon has four phases: new moon, waxing moon, full moon, and waning moon. Each phase represents a different energy and can be connected to different aspects of our yoga practice. Let's take a closer look at each phase and how we can align our yoga practice with it.
Note: There are typically eight moon phases in a lunar cycle, this guide is simplified for a clearer understanding of the differences in the moon phases. Sign up for our newsletter for new Lunar Yoga blog posts!
New Moon: New Beginnings
The new moon is a moon phase when the moon is not visible to us from earth. It represents a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and planting seeds. It is a time of manifestation and intention setting. During the new moon, it is recommended to practice grounding and centering asanas with slow and intentional movements to help you connect with the earth and set your intentions for the lunar cycle ahead.
New Moon: Asanas
Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)
Child's Pose (Balasana)
Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)
Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)
Gentle Twists (e.g. Bharadvajasana I)
New Moon: Pranayama
Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
Brahmari (Bumble Bee Breath)
New Moon: Meditation
Body Scan Meditation
Chakra Meditation (focusing on the Root Chakra)
Waxing Moon: Dynamic Yoga
The waxing moon represents a time of growth, expansion, and abundance. It is a time to focus on increasing your energy, stamina, and strength. During the waxing moon phase, it is recommended to practice more dynamic and energizing yoga poses, such as Sun Salutations, Warrior Poses, and backbends. These poses will help you harness the growing energy of the moon to achieve your goals and bring abundance into your life.
Waxing Moon: Asanas
Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar)
Warrior Poses (Virabhadrasana I, II, III)
Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana)
Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)
Waxing Moon: Pranayama
Kapalabhati (Skull-Shining Breath)
Ujjayi (Victorious Breath)
Waxing Moon: Meditation
Visualization Meditation (e.g. imagining the light of the moon filling your body)
Gratitude Meditation (focusing on gratitude for abundance and growth)
Full Moon: Manifestations
The full moon represents a time of heightened energy, illumination, and manifestation. It is a time to celebrate the progress and growth you have made during the lunar cycle. During the full moon phase, it is recommended to practice heart-opening yoga poses, such as Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), and Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Facing Bow Pose), to help you connect with your inner self and express gratitude for your achievements.
Full Moon: Asanas
Moon Salutations (Chandra Namaskar)
Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana)
Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)
Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
Full Moon: Pranayama
Sheetali (Cooling Breath)
Chandra Bhedana (Moon-Piercing Breath)
Full Moon: Meditation
Moon Gazing Meditation (focusing on the visual and energetic qualities of the full moon)
Chanting (e.g. chanting the moon mantra "Om Chandraya Namah" or the moon goddess mantra "Om Shrim Chandrayai Namah")
Waning Moon: Let go
The waning moon represents a time of release, letting go, and reflection. It is a time to release what no longer serves you and make space for new opportunities. During the waning moon phase, it is recommended to practice yoga poses that focus on surrendering and letting go, such as forward folds, twists, and inversions.
These poses will help you release any tension, stress, or negative energy you may be holding onto and prepare you for the next lunar cycle.
Waning Moon: Asanas
Forward Fold (Uttanasana)
Pyramid Pose (Parsvottanasana)
Plank Pose (Phalakasana)
Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Waning Moon: Pranayama
Bhastrika (Bellows Breath)
Sitali (Cooling Breath)
Waning Moon: Meditation
Letting Go Meditation (focusing on releasing negative thoughts and emotions)
Silent Meditation (focusing on inner peace and stillness)
Lunar Yoga: Align your yoga practice with the moon cycle, you can use the following tips:
Create a lunar calendar
Use a lunar calendar to track the phases of the moon and plan your yoga practice accordingly.
Set intentions
At the beginning of each lunar cycle, set intentions for what you want to achieve during the cycle. Use your yoga practice to help you focus on these intentions and manifest your goals.
Choose appropriate yoga poses
Select yoga poses that align with the energy of each lunar phase. For example, practice grounding and centering poses during the new moon, heart-opening poses during the full moon, and surrendering poses during the waning moon.
Meditate
Incorporate meditation into your yoga practice to help you connect with the energy of the moon and tune into your inner self.
Connect with nature
Take your yoga practice outside during the full moon to connect with the energy of the moon and the natural world.
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