Yoga and the Moon

As water-based beings of the Earth, we are inevitably influenced by the comings and goings of the Earth’s biggest satellite – our moon.

To ‘yoga’ is to connect – to connect to our self from the outside in – and to connect to all that is, from the inside out. And if we are to connect to all that is, from the inside out, then we must consider our relationship both to the Earth on which we live, and to our moon.

The moon’s journey

The moon travels around the Earth – completing one full cycle every (just over) 28 days. The phases of the moon are said to influence our physical and mental well-being and rather than ignore this relationship, does it not make more sense to work with this natural cycle?

The New Moon describes the phase where, emerging from displaying her dark (unlit) side, a thin sliver of moonlight appears. A rising New Moon will appear in the east around the same time as sunrise. It is said that a new moon brings with it the opportunity to set new intentions. An energy of renewal, hope and rising potential.

As the moon makes her path around the Earth – the ‘waxing’ phase, if you will – this potential rises. Maintaining energy and working with the intention set in the early stages of the New Moon, this phase can be one of creativity.

14 days after the New Moon sees the rising of the Full Moon – again in the east, but now moon rise is at approximately the same time as sunset. The full moon is aligned with our intentions and work reaching a stage of completion. Fruition, if you will.

From here the Moon begins again to show more of her dark side – the ‘waning’ phase. This can represent a stage of increasing stillness – a letting go, an appreciation of what we have – and, as the days pass, a ‘letting go’ of all things superfluous.

And so we return, about 28 days later, to the dark side of the moon. Still, dark nights. A pause. Rest. Meditate. Relax. Get ready for the cycle to repeat. And so it will – every 28 days, 13 cycles per year.

In yoga we connect with the moon’s energy because it feels natural, healthy, grounded, connected.

In class we often turn to the moon for inspiration and embrace her energy. Join us in Whitley Bay