Moon days

It has always been the tradition in Ashtanga Yoga to rest from asana practice on new and full moon days (tithis).

Question: "Why should we not practice on full and new moon days"?

Answer: "That day is very difficult day. Two stars one place (conjunction) is going. New moon also, full moon also. That day very dangerous day. You (take) practice (on that day), anyone can have a small pain starting. That pain is not going very quickly. Long time heis taking. Some broken possible. That is why that day don't do".

K Pattabhi Jois, Public Talks on Ashtanga Yoga – France 1991

On new and full moon days, the sun, moon and earth are aligned in particular ways, most visibly expressed in the stronger tides associated with these phases. Within the Ashtanga Yoga tradition, these days have long been observed as days of rest from asana practice.

When asana is practised regularly, rest is also an important part of the practice. The twice monthly Moon Days provide a natural rhythm of practice and recovery, giving the body time to regenerate and allowing us to step away from the intensity and discipline of our daily practice.

For this reason, there are no Mysore classes or Led Class on New Moon and Full Moon days.

Moon Day for seasoned practitioners: Step away from asana and allow the body to recover from the accumulated demands of regular practice. Sleep a little longer, walk, meditate, study, or simply do less. Notice what happens when the familiar discipline of daily practice is interrupted. Rest is not separate from practice, but part of its rhythm. Moon Days create space for recovery, reflection and renewed energy before returning to the mat.