The Pull of the Moon by Clayton Horton

In the Ashtanga Tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, both full and new Moon days are regarded as holidays and asana practice is not recommended. Guruji explains that when the triad of the Earth, Sun and Moon are all in a straight line, universal energy is much stronger on these days and the possibility of injury is greater. Injury during this period is often more intense and the injury takes longer to heal.
Scientists agree, our bodies are made of 70% water and we are subject to the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon much like our oceans. The month’s highest tides are during full and new Moons. During a full Moon, the Sun is in opposition to the Moon and planet Earth is found in between them; we see the Moon rise in the East as the Sun sets in the West at this time. Usually 14 days later, we will experience a new Moon in which the Sun and Moon are conjunct. We will not see the Moon when it is new because it is in between the Earth and the Sun. Sometimes the new moon is referred too as the dark Moon. The day after this new Moon, we will see a small sliver of the Moon after sunset.
After the new Moon, the Moon will be waxing and collecting more light from the Sun day by day until it becomes full 2 weeks later. After the full Moon, the Moon is waning, appearing smaller and smaller in visible shape day by day.
During the full Moon cycle, pranic energy (prana vayu) is dominant. This pranic energy is upward moving, towards the head and north pole of the spinal axis. This period sees an increase of internal fluid, physical energy and possible over stimulation of body and mind.
During the new Moon cycle, apranic energy (apana vayu) is dominant. Apranic energy is downward moving towards the south pole of the spinal axis. This period is decreasing and eliminating in nature. Individuals experience a loss of internal fluid, dry, stiff muscles and joints, decreased physical and mental energy and can often appear moody or lethargic. Due to this downward dominant force of the new Moon, Farmers have found this the optimal time for planting their crops. The uplifting and flowering time of the full Moon is optimal for transplanting and harvesting.
In traditional cultures, new and full Moon periods are favorable times for rituals, auspicious beginnings and endings, more intense sadhana (spiritual practice), ceremonies and important decision making. Astrologers are forever watching the Moon in their predictions and scheduling of important calendar dates to find the most advantageous times for a variety of occasions such as the signing of contracts, weddings, birth and death. Women are often much more cognizant of and sensitive to the Moon cycles due to the Moon’s direct connection to the menstruation cycle. This is the natural sacred cycle of fertility and creation itself.
Living in highly industrialized areas, human beings generally become less attuned to lunar cycles. Often, we do not see the rising or setting of the Moon if we live in an area with tall buildings. We do not rely on lunar light for night vision as our ancestors. We are frequently tuned into the cycle of a 9-5 workday and a 5 day work week more than anything.
Tuning into, witnessing and perhaps even celebrating the lunar cycles of the full and new moon is a way for us to connect to the internal cycles of our own bodies as well as the macrocosmic dance of the Earth, Sun and Moon. Where is the Moon?