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Understanding Moon Phases

Yoga and manifesting alongside the moon

Have you ever stood outside under a star filled sky and felt so small? I have this realization when I least expect it. Usually when it’s dark outside and I’m rushing home. The bright moon catches my attention and I pause mid step in awe of her beauty. In that moment chills cover my body and I know there is much more than we’ll ever figure out about the universe. Things science and books can’t explain. Some things can only be felt by the heart. The moon and its feminine energy can be one of those things.

We’ve all heard that around the full moon people act psychotically and women go into labor. Studies show these events occur more often under a full moons influence. The gravitational pull of the moon is what pulls the ocean tides and since human bodies are up to 60% water and the brain and heart alone are made up of 73% water, wouldn’t it make sense that we too are pulled by the moon?

Now that we know this, what can we do to align ourselves so we use the moon’s pull for our benefit? One way is to connect our yoga practice with the phases of the moon. Recognizing these moon phases like we recognize the seasons can help. Often what we are feeling is similar to what the moon phase is symbolizing. Know that we all wax and wane just as the moon waxes and wanes.

NASA’s/Bill Dunford captures the phases of the moon.

Dark moon: The moon is not visible here and there is no light at all. At this time your energy can be low and you may seem to be going back in your mind reviewing past events.

What to do: Wipe the slate clean. Yoga Nidra or meditation can be great at this time. Going with the flow of energy that’s asking you to look within. The goal here would be to not react with an undercurrent of past pain or trauma but to let go of what no longer serves. Recognize the lesson in what’s coming up so you can better move into the next phase of the moon where you can begin to manifest your goals and hopes.

Let your creativity flow with the New Moon

New moon: A waxing crescent as a tiny sliver of light begins to brighten our night sky again after darkness. Your energy will begin to rise. New ideas and creativity are being born now. The new moon is a great time to start new projects. As your energy heightens during this 2-week period the moon gains more light every day.

What to do: A Vinyasa Flow Yoga practice would be very supportive to help direct your energy and focus. This is a time of working towards your dreams and getting things done. Be active here.

Release repressed emotions with the Full Moon

Full moon: Three days before the moon waxes to its peak when the full moon makes her appearance bright, you will begin to feel a huge rising of energy. The energy of the full moon is asking you to release. Intentions that were set at the new moon may come to fruition now. The key here is to recognize what needs to be released.

What to do: Yin Yoga at this time allows us to go deep into the connective tissue of the body where we hold trauma and repressed emotion such as in the hips. Rituals of writing down what you are trying to release and burning it with a white candle in representation of turning it over to the divine is a good idea here. Use sage or Palo Santo to clear your energetic space such as, your home or office.

Get introspective with the Waning Moon

Waning Moon: The energy of the waning moon can feel almost depressive to some as we go from the high intense energy of a bright moon to a diminishing light. As the moon loses light your focus is forced inward. Look at what the last moon phase taught you. What seeds or goals were planted at the new moon and what was harvested at the full moon? Try my favorite Yin Yoga video below.

What to do: Self-care is important under the waning moons influence. Ritual baths with essential oils, candles, dried herbs can uplift and heal your spirit. Massage, pedicure or manicure can be great for self-care. Some time alone to sort out thoughts and feelings can be great as well. A hot sweaty yoga practice can be perfect at this time to get yourself focused and prevent feeling melancholy. Also, begin to think about what you will birth at the new moon. You are still releasing things here energetically for the next 2 weeks until all of the light from the moon goes dark and you start the process all over again.

The moon is often referred to as having feminine energy. The phases of the moon closely mimic the ebb and flow in our bodies as well. The female energy of the moon teaches us that change is beautiful. Next time you are struck by the moon light, take the time to reflect on the connection you and your body have with the night sky and create a yoga practice that follows the example of the divinely created moon.

Look out for my next post on Must haves for every yogi!

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DISCLAIMER: This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content on voicebowl.com is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment. Please seek professional care if you believe you may have a condition.
COOKIES POLICY: This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse on this website, you accept the use of cookies for the above purposes.