Once a month – if it’s clear enough – we can look up at the sky to see a big, bright and completely illuminated full moon. Two weeks later, the moon is considered ‘new’ – a sliver of her full self, with most of her body cast in shadow. Every month we are a witness to this waxing and waning cycle of the moon but what does this mean for yogis and should our yoga practices reflect these natural cycles?
The full moon – Yang time
“When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore”
When Dean Martin sang about the moon as a “big pizza pie” he was talking about the big full moon that shines at her brightest once a month. Full moons happen when the earth is between the moon and the sun and therefore the sun illuminates the full face of the moon. Considered a very active ‘yang’ time of the month, we may find ourselves drawn to more energetic, dynamic flow classes. During the days leading up to the full moon we may yearn to expand and explore the space around us with big shapes like heart-opening backbends. Even the few days after the full moon we often still want to move and practice in a way that creates heat, strength and sweat.
The new moon – Yin time
“The moon will guide you through the night with her brightness, but she will always dwell in the darkness in order to be seen” – Shannon L. Alder.
The new moon, on the other hand, is a more passive, quiet, ‘yin’ time of the month. It is the darkest time of the month because the moon is between the earth and the sun. With the sun shining behind the earth we only see a little sliver of her. This sliver begins to grow fuller as the moon begins to orbit back to the other side of the earth.
During this time of the month we may be drawn to practices that are more yin in nature – cooling, calming, relaxing, and grounding. In the days leading up to the new moon we may notice the pull to Hatha, Yin and Restorative yoga and their longer held postures. Forward folds and forward bends are perfect asanas for the new moon. Even a few days after the darkest night of the month we yearn longer Savasanas.
Setting intentions with the new moon
“The new moon is an auspicious time for a fresh start” – Cerridwen Greenleaf.
The lunar cycle from one new moon to the next is about 28 days, with new moon to full moon happening in 14 days. The new moon is considered to be the beginning of the lunar cycle. This is why a common new moon practice is to set new intentions with the hope that, with focus, time and energy, by the time of the full moon these intentions will come to fruition. Journaling and writing down our new intentions helps us to commit to them and map out the necessary steps towards achieving them.
Sankalpa is the Sanskrit word for intention
In Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra we often begin our practice with a Sankalpa, a deep, heartfelt intention. Sankalpa is a bubbling up of the heart’s deepest desire. Sankalpas are usually statements in the present tense, expressed as if the desire or intention is already true. This is similar to an affirmation – a powerful, positive statement also set in the present tense. Affirmations are great to utilise during the new moon period – especially in practices such as Yin or Restorative Yoga as both practices offer time for pause and reflection.
New moon affirmations and asanas
Before beginning your new moon asana practice with intention setting and affirmations, take a few moments to pause and notice your breath. Deepen your breath, feel yourself grow calm and centered. Take your time. Ask yourself, “What do I want?” Listen to your heart’s response. Once you hear your heart’s desire, make it into an intentional affirmation – a statement in the present tense that can be repeated over and again during your practice.
New moon affirmations and yoga asanas to repeat them in:
1. Supine bound angle pose with blocks: “I embrace new beginnings and infinite possibilities.”
2. Supported heart opening pose: “I am open to receiving an abundance of love, joy and laughter.”
3. Prone twist with bolster: “I am safe, supported and ready to receive.”
4. Easy seated pose: “I am completely aligned with my purpose and destiny.”
Month-long lunar cycle practice
I personally love new moon and full moon practices as they encourage me to continuously check in with my goals and dreams. Tuning into the subtle messages within my heart during a new moon, yin-like practice allows me to be a witness to my growth and evolution. I tend to ask myself questions such as “How are you doing?” “How are you feeling” “Are you where you want to be? Doing what you want to be doing? Creating what you want to be creating?” Once I hear my heart’s response I spend an ample amount of time journalling.
Affirmations are one of my favourite practice tools and I will utilise affirmations all the way up to the full moon. With the waxing moon growing in the night sky, my practices become more and more dynamic. Lots of core and strength-based Vinyasa flows. My breath gets loud and my affirmations get even louder! I visualise that my new moon intention is my present reality. With full moon oomph and zest I claim and exclaim. I tend to practice in the light of the full moon with tremendous conviction.
Then, after the full moon, I start that process of going within again, with fewer active flows and more forward bends. I am a fan of marinating in fulfilled intentions. I remember to honour this month’s moon cycle, the intentions I set and realised, the intentions I set and still need to realise …. and always, I listen for any new bubbles of desire rising up from my heart.
Join me in this next lunar cycle. The new moon is on July 17th 2023, the full moon is on August 1st and the new moon is on August 16th. Please feel free to reach out with any comments, questions or affirmation inspirations!
Practice in class: New Moon, new beginnings
The New Moon is a great time to begin new projects, set intentions, and bring new energy into your life. Join Laia in this gentle practice where you can use as many props as you’d like, and journalling is encouraged.
Related reads:
- How to sync your yoga practice with the phases of the moon
- How to develop a positive affirmation practice
