In the Ashtanga yoga tradition, Full Moons and New Moons are days of rest. With our rigorous practice 6 days per week, most practitioners look forward to the moon days as a welcome time of respite. As dedicated practitioners, it is important to understand the rationale behind this custom.

It is common knowledge that the moon affects the tides, and with our bodies being mostly water, there is a strong (if not metaphysical) argument that the moon affects our bodies as well. Just as the water of the ocean ebbs and flows, so does the water within our bodies and we should support this natural cycle. Pattabhi Jois certainly subscribed to this thought process, teaching his students that it would be inauspicious to practice asana on the new or full moon.

Prana, (upward flowing, energizing, life energy) is heightened on the full moon. This means our emotions and energies are enhanced and we tend to be headstrong and ungrounded. This can lead to overexertion and the tendency for injury. In contrast, Apana (downward flowing, calming life energy) is heightened on the new moon. This can bring a heaviness to the body and we may shy away from physical practice. As we grow as yogis, we begin to see the patterns of parallels between the natural world and our bodies, and we learn to work in balance with these rhythms.

There is also some speculation that Pattabhi Jois introduced moon days after pressure from his wife to spend more time at home with his family. It is important to acknowledge all the conjecture around a so called “tradition” as we are learning to build this practice into our lives. Whether moon days are based on the fluctuations of life energies, or a simple need to spend more time with our loved ones, establishing harmony between intense physical practice and adequate rest is essential for building a sustainable practice.