2023 MOON DAYS
New Moon – Sunday, January 21st
Full Moon – Sunday, February 5th
New Moon – Monday February 19th
Full Moon – Tuesday, March 7th
New Moon – Tuesday, March 21st
New Moon – Wednesday, April 5th
Full Moon – Wednesday, April 19th
New Moon – Friday, May 5th
Full Moon – Friday, May 19th
New Moon – Sunday, June 4th
New Moon – Sunday, June 17th
New Moon – Monday, July 17th
Full Moon – Tuesday, August 1st
New Moon – Wednesday, August 16th
Full Moon – Wednesday, August 30th
New Moon – Thursday, September 14th
New Moon – Friday, September 29th
Full Moon – Sunday, October 15th
New Moon – Sunday, October 29th
Full Moon – Monday, November 13th
New Moon – Monday, November 27th
Full Moon – Tuesday, December 12th
New Moon – Tuesday December 26th
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.
SOURCE: ashtangayogacenter.com