Why we shouldn’t practice on Full moon and New moon

According to the Ashtanga Tradition, we take the moon days as days of rest. It’s not advice to practice on these days and the reason why is pretty simple.

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 the 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.

(Credit: Tim Miller)

If we practice on the full or New moon, not only can problems can occur in the practice maybe we feel extra energy and we push ourself too much into a pose, or maybe the issue could arise later in the week when you feel like you’ve been hit with a ton of bricks and your energy is all over the place. As humans, and in the yogic practices, we aim to preserve the energy in our body and maintain it in as much of a balance state as we can. We avoid any situation where it might change or effect our energy and this takes a lot of self-control and determination.

So, take it from me, ENJOY the rest, one day won’t hurt you.. If anything, it will benefit you, help you manage your emotions, energy and will most likely keep your practice strong and secure with none of that unwanted turbulence along the way.