Prana (active energy) circulates inside Pingala, while apana (passive energy) flows through Ida. Two other significant nadis are the Ida and Pingala nadis – and these are often compared to the two hemispheres of the brain Ida reflecting the left side, and Pingala the right. ![]() The most important ‘vein’ is the shushumna nadi, which corresponds with the spine and is the vessel for awakened Kundalini energy – energy which rises and leads to enlightenment! We can think of nadis as invisible veins running throughout the body. In yoga, we have the concept of nadis, which are believed to carry this life force known as ‘prana’ (in Sanskrit) or ‘qi’ in Chinese-based systems. ![]() The science doesn’t end there, either, with yogic notions of energy and the movement of energy corresponding with Western medicine’s understanding of the nervous system. We know that our bodies are made of 70% water, and that this makes us vulnerable to the gravitational pull of the sun and moon, much like our oceans and seas. Western science is pretty much on board with the idea that the phase of the moon can affect our energy levels. People will often notice a loss of internal fluid, dry, stiff muscles and joints, decreased physical and mental energy, and a sense of lethargy and moodiness. Apranic energy is downward moving – towards the base of the spine – making this period one of elimination and reduction. When this happens, we tend to experience an increase of internal fluid, physical energy and mental activity.ĭuring the new Moon cycle, apranic energy (apana vayu) is said to be dominant. This pranic energy is upward moving – through the spine and towards the head. What goes up…Īccording to Satyananda Saraswati, author of the popular contemporary text on Hatha yoga, ‘Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha’, during the full moon cycle, pranic energy (prana vayu) is dominant. Hatha yoga, which we can consider as the umbrella term for all forms of physical yoga practice, including Ashtanga, is all about balancing heightened and subdued energy – whether these are brought about by the phase of the moon, or the time of the year. Ashtangis consider moon days as holidays, or days when they need to reduce the intensity of their practice, because it is said that when the earth, sun and moon are all in a straight line in space, universal energy is much stronger, and the possibility of injury is greater – hence, asana practice should be avoided.Ĭurious to know what phase of the moon you were born in?īut it’s not just in the Ashtanga yoga world, where we find respect for the phase of the moon, and encouragement to slow down and adapt our practice. Yoga and the Full Hunter’s Moonįor Ashtanga yoga practitioners (hello, Monday night students!), a full moon will always be worth observing – New moons, too. In India, there’s no reference to the ‘man on the moon’, but rather, the ‘hare on the moon’ – and this tale reveals why. The October Hunter’s Moon takes its name from the fact that at this point in the year, the sun sets around the same time as the moon rises, and the resulting light makes it the best time to hunt.Īt Peacock Tree Yoga, we often tell the tale of The Hare on the Moon in our October full moon classes – a beautiful tale about the Buddha’s compassion. It follows September’s wonderfully named Harvest Moon, which of course relates to the world of farming. ![]() But most people would agree that all full moons feel special somehow, and this one is no exception… There’s nothing notable about this moon – it’s not ‘super’, or blood red, and there’ll be no lunar eclipse. The October Hunter’s Moon is upon us – it’ll be at its fullest as the sun goes down on Wednesday 24th October 2018, at 17.45 GMT.
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