If you’re new to yoga, you might have wondered why special sessions are often held around the full moon, or why the moon is given extra attention during class. So, what makes the full moon so unique in a yoga practice?
What is the Full Moon?
The full moon is a phase of the lunar cycle when the moon is fully illuminated and visible from Earth. This occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned, with the Earth positioned between the Sun and the Moon. During this phase, the moon shines brightly and prominently in the sky, inspiring reflection, rituals, and meditation for centuries. The full moon appears roughly every 29.5 days and is associated with symbolism and traditions across many cultures.
The Lunar Cycle and Energy
The moon moves through four phases, each with its own energy and meaning:
- New Moon: a period of quiet, introspection, and contemplation. Perfect for turning inward, meditating, and setting intentions for the coming month.
- Waxing Moon: the phase of growth and building. A time to make plans, develop ideas, and strengthen yourself.
- Full Moon: a peak of energy and emotion. A moment to harvest, release what no longer serves you, and consciously connect with yourself and your surroundings. Many people experience more intense emotions and heightened energy.
- Waning Moon: the phase of completion and letting go. Ideal for reflection, rest, and releasing old patterns.
Yoga Aligned with the Full Moon
Full Moon Yoga often focuses on gentler, calming styles such as gentle flows, yin yoga, or restorative yoga, which help balance the heightened energy. Meditation or Yoga Nidra can also be included to promote deep relaxation and release old patterns.
In some traditional yoga styles, like Ashtanga, physical practice is generally avoided around the full (and new) moon. These practices are physically demanding, and the full moon’s energy can make the body and mind more sensitive. This period is therefore used for rest, introspection, and meditation, allowing the moon’s energy to be harnessed safely and therapeutically.
Full Moon According to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the moon represents yin energy: he cool, calm, receptive side of life. The full moon is a peak of yin, which can make the body and mind more sensitive. This supports gentle, introspective practices such as meditation, yin yoga, or Yoga Nidra. The moon is also thought to influence the body’s water balance and energy circulation, which may explain the heightened sensitivity and emotions often felt during this phase.
Symbolism and Rituals During the Full Moon
Across cultures, the full moon is used as a time for rituals that support introspection, release, and personal growth. Examples include writing intentions, guided meditation, or other symbolic practices that encourage awareness of energy, emotions, and inner balance.
A more modern addition to yoga is the moon salutation (Chandra Namaskar). During Full Moon Yoga, it is often used to cultivate calm and focus. Unlike the traditional sun salutation, designed to energise the body, the moon salutation is primarily symbolic and introspective. It offers a mindful way to connect with the full moon’s energy, even though it does not have the same historical roots in yoga tradition as the sun salutation.
Yoga Poses for the Full Moon
During the full moon, it’s beneficial to choose poses that encourage relaxation, introspection, and letting go. Yin, restorative, and gentle hatha poses help balance the heightened energy. Examples include:
- Camel Pose (Ustrasana): opens the heart area and helps release emotions.
- Forward Bends (Paschimottanasana, Uttanasana): calm the nervous system and invite introspection.
- Child’s Pose (Balasana): promotes relaxation and turning inward.
- Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana): opens the hips and pelvis, areas where tension and emotional energy often accumulate.
- Reclined Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana): encourages relaxation and relieves tension in the spine.
- Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana): ideal for deep relaxation, especially combined with breathwork or Yoga Nidra.
- Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani): supports the nervous system, improves circulation, and promotes overall calm and rest.
Why Full Moon Yoga is Popular Among Yogi’s
Full Moon Yoga offers a unique combination of physical, mental, and energetic benefits:
- Experience the natural lunar cycle: become aware of nature’s rhythms and how they can influence body and mind.
- Introspection and personal reflection: take time to check in with yourself, your intentions, and your emotions.
- Group connection: practicing with others fosters shared energy and focus.
- Conscious relaxation and letting go: sessions help release tension and cultivate deep calm, transforming a regular yoga class into a special experience of peace, reflection, and inner balance.
Upcoming Full Moon Yoga on Curaçao
On Curaçao, I occasionally host special Full Moon Yoga sessions when it fits the schedule. The next session will take place this Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at Villa Passaat, with stunning views of Spanish Water and Table Mountain. Click here for more information.