The Ashtanga Moon Series: A Closer Look at a Sacred Practice

Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous and therapeutic form of yoga believed to incorporate a set order of yoga poses. Within the various aspects, the Moon Series is distinctly notable as it offers, unlike the traditional Ashtanga sequences which are quite intensive, a less vigorous and more inward-looking practice. Thus, this article will try to look at the Moon Series, its essence, significance and its applications in practice.

The Ashtanga Moon series explained

The Moon Series includes a number of asanas (postures) which are practiced on specific lunar days while the moon is waxing or waning. Customarily, these alimentary practices are practiced on full and new moon days, as it is believed that the position of the moon has an effect on one’s health both physically and mentally. In particular, this series adopted the restorative approach to a very high degree, which is why it is an excellent addition to the rather physically demanding primary and intermediate series of the Ashtanga yoga. According to historical Context the origins of the Moon Series can be found in the principles espoused by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the progenitor of Ashtanga yoga. He too understood the well-being influence of the moon to practitioners and advised them to respect the moon cycles and alter their practice. This is in keeping with the practice and beliefs of yoga that seeks to sustain a balance with all living things and the universe at large. The Moon Series is usually a collection of poses aimed at achieving calm, rootedness, and introspection among the practitioners. Although the specific order may differ, certain aspects are recurrent:

Soft Sun Salutations: They are quite the same as the regular Surya Namaskars but these movements emphasize on exploring every aspect of breath through movement, thus warming up the body prior to undertaking stretches.

Standing Asanas: These may comprise easier versions of standing asanas like Trikonasana and Vira Bhadrasana, where the focus is on standing still without movement.

Lying and Sitting Postures: The sequence incorporates the use of some more stretching postures like Paschimottanasana and Supta Baddha Konasana where the practitioners are allowed to relax and go within themselves.

Meditation and Pranayama: The final is either sitting in silence or ending with pranayama practice for mental focus and emotional clarity.

Advantages of Practicing the Moon Series such as the Moon Series stands to offer several advantages with regard to physical aspects and to mental as well as emotional aspects

Calming the Nervous System: Stress and tension are relieved thanks to the restorative nature of the postures.

Increasing the range of motion: There are many restorative poses which allow the students to extend themselves more than in a full Vinyasa class without the emphasis of full stretching training.

Mindfulness: Cultivating awareness of breathing as well as meditating in this way encourages attention to the current moment and even enhances the active practice of mindfulness session within a day.

Contrary to what one may think, in considering these energy drawing practices, being in touch with nature as these practices contain some rituals is an added advantage to the sophisticated practices that help one attain energy or seek restoration.