Why Take Rest on Moon Days?

Both full and new moon days are observed as yoga holidays in the Ashtanga Yoga tradition. What is the reasoning behind this?

Like all things of a watery nature (human beings are about 70% water), we are affected by the phases of the moon. The phases of the moon are determined by the moon’s relative position to the sun. Full moons occur when they are in opposition and new moons when they are in conjunction. Both sun and moon exert a gravitational pull on the earth. Their relative positions create different energetic experiences that can be compared to the breath cycle. The full moon energy corresponds to the end of inhalation when the force of prana is greatest. This is an expansive, upward moving force that makes us feel energetic and emotional, but not well grounded. The Upanishads state that the main prana lives in the head. During the full moon we tend to be more headstrong.

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.

The Farmers Almanac recommends planting seeds at the new moon when the rooting force is strongest and transplanting at the full moon when the flowering force is strongest. 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.

Moon Days 2025

January 13, 2025 - Monday - Full Moon

January 29, 2025 - Wednesday - New Moon

February 12, 2025 - Wednesday - Full Moon

February 27, 2025 - Thursday - New Moon

March 14, 2025 - Friday - Full Moon

March 29, 2025 - Friday - New Moon

April 12, 2025 - Sunday - Full Moon

April 27, 2025 - Sunday - New Moon

May 12, 2025 - Monday - Full Moon

May 26, 2025 - Monday - New Moon

June 11, 2025 - Wednesday - Full Moon

June 25, 2025 - Wednesday - New Moon

July 10, 2025 - Thursday - Full Moon

July 24, 2025 - Thursday - New Moon

August 9, 2025 - Friday - Full Moon

August 23, 2025 - Friday - New Moon

September 7, 2025 - Sunday - Full Moon

September 21, 2025 - Sunday - New Moon

October 6, 2025 - Monday - Full Moon

October 21, 2025 - Tuesday - New Moon

November 5, 2025 - Wednesday - Full Moon

November 20, 2025 - Thursday - New Moon

December 4, 2025 - Thursday - Full Moon

December 19, 2025 - Friday - New Moon