Practising by the Light of the Moon
For thousands of years, humans have looked up at the full moon with a sense of wonder and reverence. Ancient cultures planned harvests, ceremonies, and spiritual practices around the lunar cycle. Yogis were no different.
Full moon yoga harnesses the heightened energy of the lunar cycle to deepen your practice.
The Lunar Connection
What Science Says
The moon controls ocean tides through gravitational pull. The human body is approximately 60% water. A University of Basel study (2013) found sleep quality decreases around the full moon.
What Yogis Say
In the Ashtanga yoga tradition, full moons and new moons are designated rest days. The full moon is considered a time of expansion, illumination, and release.
A Full Moon Yoga Practice
Setting the Space
- Outdoors if possible — under the actual moonlight
- Candles, no electric light — soft, natural illumination
- Crystals — moonstone, selenite, or clear quartz
- Set an intention — what do you want to release or illuminate?
The Flow
Opening (5 minutes)
- Sit in meditation facing the moon
- 5 rounds of chandra namaskar (moon salutation)
Heart Opening (10 minutes)
- Cobra → Upward Dog → Camel → Bridge
- Hold each for 5 breaths
Balance (5 minutes)
- Tree Pose — each side, eyes closed if possible
- Eagle Pose — wrapping and compressing, then releasing
- Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana) — naturally!
Release (10 minutes)
- Pigeon each side (3 minutes) — hip opener for emotional release
- Supine twist each side (2 minutes)
- Happy Baby (1 minute)
Closing (5 minutes)
- Savasana with a sound bath if available
- Moonlight meditation — visualise silver light washing through your body
Full Moon Rituals to Pair with Yoga
| Ritual | How To |
|---|---|
| Release writing | Write what you want to let go of, then safely burn the paper |
| Moon bathing | Sit outdoors in direct moonlight for 15–30 minutes |
| Crystal charging | Place crystals in moonlight overnight |
| Gratitude practice | List 10 things illuminated by the past month |
Full moon yoga aligns beautifully with the philosophy described in the Bhagavad Gita — acting without attachment, flowing with nature's rhythms.
Align your practice with nature's rhythms. Join us for a class at Yoga Me Yoga You and feel the difference.
