Moon Cycles
It takes 29.5 days for the Moon to cycle through all 8 phases (from New Moon to New Moon), though it takes 27 days for the Moon to orbit fully around the Earth.
Some phases will be more Yin or more Yang energy wise.
I invite you to notice any shifts within your body, in relation to the different phases of the Moon, to see how it feels to sync your body with the natural world. What are you feeling physically and emotionally?
You can adjust your yoga practice to work with these phases and your own energy. You may even play with the planetary shifts and the horoscope signs.
Some people find it helpful and empowering to check in with the lunar phases and how they sync with your menstrual cycle. (The link between the Moon phases and the menstrual cycle was celebrated thousands of years ago by many cultures. A woman's cycle was celebrated and honored. There were sacred circle and moon lodges.) This offers you the opportunity to reconnect with your body and the natural world. The Moon is even said to represent the Feminine.
If you are post- menopausal, you may choose to honor the cycles of the Moon (instead of your menstrual cycle) through your yoga practices.
New Moon
This is the beginning of the cycle, when the Moon is dark in the sky (the illuminated side is facing the Sun).
You may feel tired and introspective.
This is a time to invite yourself inwards- to feel rather than think about what is going on within, to feel physical sensations & be present in your body.
The New Moon is the time for intention setting. What are you calling in to your life?
It is considered a Yang phase as it's a time of acting or doing (setting intentions...)
Sometimes called the White Moon Cycle (period on the New Moon, ovulate on the Full Moon).
Waxing Moon
The Moon phases between the New Moon and the Full Moon are called Waxing (Crescent and Gibbous), along with the First Quarter moon at the halfway point. Waxing means that the illuminated part of the moon is getting bigger.
Your energy may start to increase. You might feel inspired to start acting on your intentions.
This is a time for gratitude, inviting in the energy of your possible manifestations. Reflect on any obstacles and try to go with the flow. Trust in your intuition and any redirections on your path forward.
The Waxing Crescent and Waxing Gibbous phases are Yin, while the First Quarter Moon has Yang energy.
Sometimes called the Pink Moon Cycle (period when the Moon's waxing, ovulate when the Moon is waning).
Full Moon
During this phase, the Moon appears fully illuminated.
You may feel extra energy, tension, and heightened emotions. You might feel ungrounded or out-of-sorts.
Channel this energy into your creative passions and projects.
The Full Moon is the time for moving forward with manifesting your intentions. If it isn't the time for those intentions, let them go and create space.
The Full Moon is considered a Yang phase as it's a time of acting or doing.
Sometimes called the Red Moon Cycle (period on the Full Moon, ovulate on the New Moon).
Waning Moon
The Moon phases between the Full Moon and the New Moon are called Waning (Gibbous and Crescent), along with the Third Quarter moon at the halfway point. Waning means that the illuminated part of the moon is getting smaller.
Your energy may start to decrease and you may want to rest more.
You might connect with gratitude for your manifestations- or even for the things that didn't come to be. It's a time to release any heavy emotions, anything weighing you down. Make space for new manifestations. Invite yourself into trusting and surrendering.
The Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent phases are Yin, while the Third Quarter Moon has Yang energy.
Sometimes called the Purple Moon Cycle (period when the Moon's waning, ovulate when the Moon is waxing).
