2013 moondays
*no early morning Mysore practice on these days*

Full moon:	New moon:
27 January, Sunday	12 January, Saturday
26 February, Tuesday	10 February, Sunday
27 March, Wednesday	12 March, Tuesday
26 April, Friday	10 April, Wednesday
25 May, Saturday	10 May, Friday
23 June, Sunday	9 June, Sunday
23 July, Tuesday	8 July, Monday
21 August, Wednesday	7 August, Wednesday
19 September, Thursday	5 September, Thursday
19 October, Saturday	5 October, Saturday
18 November, Monday	4 November, Monday
17 December, Tuesday	3 December, Tuesday

Why don't we practise Yoga on moon days? Full moon and new moon days are days of rest in the Ashtanga Yoga tradition.

Through practising Yoga we become aware of our own tendencies and the natural cycles that occur within and around us. Hopefully, over time we are able to function more harmoniously with ourselves and with the environment we live in.

Observing moon days connects us with the functioning of the universe and makes us aware of the effect the universal energy can have on us individually.

The phases of the moon are felt throughout the natural world and humans, being 70% water are subject to the moonâs gravitational pull at different times of the month, giving rise to different energetic experiences.

The full moon is a time of heightened energy, of strength and abundance. It is likened to the end of the inhale when the upward force of prana is at its fullest. Whilst the new moon is a time of calmness, of introspection, the small pause before growth and expansion. It is likened to the end of the exhale, when the downward force of apana is greatest.

Because of these differences in energies it is advised to take rest from your yoga practice. It is also said that practitioners are more likely to injure themselves on moon days..therefore best to rest!