Since going on my Yoga Teacher Training Course I've been making an effort to be more aware and present. More aware of how I feel, what I feel, when I feel, why I feel and acknowledging and accepting these sensations.
One of the many hundreds of things we were taught on the course was about the moon cycle and how much of an impact it has on us both mentally and physically depending on its position.
On New Moon and Full Moon days, many people don't practice yoga, especially ashtanga, because the energy level is either lower or higher, caused by the gravity of the moon and we become imbalanced. Yoga, in this case, would actually enhance the imbalance rather than rectifying it. The theory is that because we are made of about 70% of water the moon's pull has an effect on us and we should honour and recognise these natural rhythms.
During a new moon, when the moon is at it's furthest from the earth, like this Friday 20 March, we feel less energised, sluggish and tire faster. This phase is related to the apana, a contracting, downward moving force that makes us feel calm and grounded, but dense and disinclined towards physical exertion. This is a time for planting seeds when the rooting force is strongest.
A full moon, when the moon is closest to the earth and the gravitational pull is stronger, can make you feel more energised, active and alert. It's related to prana an expansive, upward moving force that makes us feel energetic and emotional, but not well grounded and is the suggested time to transplant seedlings and harvest.
The full moon is a great time to have a clear out and get rid of what you don't need in your life whereas the new moon can bring you feelings of excitement and hope. It's a time for setting new goals and thinking about what you'd like to accomplish over the next month.
So you may be the same as I was when we were told this, thinking "yeah, yeah, whatever" but what if there is some truth in it all. A number of people this week have said they're feeling shattered/strange and when I've said "It's the moon" I've seen a lot of eye-rolling and some "don't worry about her she's that weird yoga girl" looks.
Before you judge, take some time to consider how you've felt this week, how you feel on Friday and then around the next new and full moons, which is what I've been doing for the past couple of months. I know that I've been shattered, more emotional, introspective and more anxious around the new moons and anyone who came into contact with me on the last full moon definitely saw the feisty side of me (sorry!).
And this Friday's new moon is extra special. It's not just the new moon. It's a Super new moon, solar eclipse and spring equinox all in one go. Three rare celestial events and a highly potent combination. It's been described as being the most intense day of the year so far.
- A solar eclipse can actually only happen on a new moon. It refers to a phenomenon where the sun and moon line-up, so that the latter obscures the former and is said to herald major beginnings and endings. It will take place between 9:20 - 9:40 Friday 20 March in the UK depending on where you are based (the more North you are the later it is).
- A Supermoon happens when the full or new moon does its closest fly-by of the Earth, making it look bigger than it normally does
- The spring equinox refers to the time of the year when the day and night are of equal duration, mid-way between the longest and shortest days.
So what does this all actually mean? Eclipses and new moons are about transformation and starting new things. For all you astronomers out there, the new moon on Friday is in Pisces, the most psychic, spiritual and sensitive sign in the zodiac. Friday is, therefore, a time for you to go deep within yourself and to connect with your Inner Being.
According to Leah Whitehorse and Kelley Rosano, you are likely to feel strongly and deeply and may be moody and introspective. Any pent-up frustrations should be expressed and you may have increased physic abilities and a strong intuition, which you must trust. You could also have spiritual experiences and insightfulness. This is the time to dream big around what you heart desires most. This eclipse may also act to bring certain situations to a close, which may be emotional. Perhaps it is a time to say goodbye to some of those things in your life you've been holding onto.
The moon enters Aries less than an hour after the eclipse, followed by the sun where you feel a shift in mood. This is all about new beginnings and using your dreams and meditations to guide you and your passion to make things happen. Take your dreams and put them into motion NOW is the message.
So regardless of whether you believe these happenings or think it's a load of bulls**t (I imagine you haven't read this far if it's the latter) don't be afraid to spend some time being more aware of your feelings. Below are the dates for the next new and full moons. Maybe write them in your diary and just see over the next couple of months if the way you feel changes in line with the moon. You might just be surprised...
Full Moon: Saturday, April, 04, 2015
New Moon: Saturday, April, 18, 2015
Full Moon: Sunday, May, 03, 2015