In general, Ashtanga is a daily practice, but Ashtanga practitioners take days of rest for the new moon and the full moon. They do this in order to remain attuned to natural cycles and the rhythms of nature -- as a means to live in greater harmony with it.

Both the moon and the sun exert a gravitational pull on the earth and therefore all the entities and beings on the earth. We know the tides of the ocean are impacted by the phases of the moon, and because human beings are 70% water, we too are influenced by the moon’s phases.

In the practice of Ashtanga yoga, the position of the moon (and its corresponding position to the sun) relates to our cycle of breath -- inhalation and exhalation.

The full moon corresponds to the end of inhalation. As air fills the lungs and our chest expands to its fullest, this is when the force of prana (or life) is greatest. This inhalation of breath generally makes us feel energetic and emotional, but potentially, not well grounded.

Like the ocean tides, and all things of a watery nature (human beings are about 70% water), we are affected by the phases of the moon. In yoga, the full moon energy corresponds to the end of inhalation when the force of prana is greatest. Prana 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. We offer Guided Moon Sequence classes on New Moon Days. These classes will be complementary to the Ashtanga practice and tap into the unique internal benefit of slowing down. Shala is closed on Full Moon Days in order to rest as well as honor this special day.