SEE BELOW FOR OBSERVED MOON DAYS IN 2020
NEW MOON
24-Jan
23-Feb
24-Mar
23-Apr
22-May
21-Jun
20-Jul
19-Aug
17-Sep
16-Oct
15-Nov
14-Dec
FULL MOON
3-Jan
2-Feb
2-Mar
1-Apr
30-Apr
30-May
28-Jun
27-Jul
25-Aug
24-Sep
23-Oct
22-Nov
22-Dec
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 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.
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.