5 yoga poses to do on a new moon day

New moons are important events within the astrological cycles, most of the time bringing endings and new beginnings. As new moons come with a powerful energy felt by almost everybody, it is a good idea to do a yoga session on the day to channel this energy throughout your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. A significant shift of energy is created towards change, bringing our awareness to what is no longer serving us and what we need to move onto, taking in consideration the changes we must make in order to continue on our authentic life path. On the 9th of September, there is a new moon in Virgo, the sign of grounding, steadiness and stability. This new moon prompts us to start new projects which can flourish provided that they are aligned with our true self. Virgo is a logical sign that always finds a solution for every problem, and this new moon brings this solution-driven mindset upon us all, empowering us to face the changes we must make in order to pass the road blocks and limitations that have been impeding our progress. Combining a yoga routine with new moon’s is a great way to channel this energy and the below 5 poses are a good way to connect with your inner self and bringing awareness to this energy shift. 

HALF MOON POSE- ARDHA CHANDRASANA

What better way to connect with a lunar energy event than with a pose that represents the moon itself.? Ardha Chandrasana or half moon pose is an intense side stretch and a balancing pose that helps us to find our balance and physical, mental and emotional strength. This asana is beneficial for strengthening the back, legs, hips and abdomen. It also improves flexibility to the spine and opens the chest. Half moon pose has a calming effect on the mind and it helps release nervous tension that has occurred within the body and mind through past events and situations. This pose will helps us release these and let go by surrendering. (click here to see the step by step guidance into this pose)

COBRA POSE - BHUJANGASANA

Bhujangasana or cobra pose made the list because apart from its physical benefits, this pose brings our awareness to what has been and simply realising what is now in the moment. Back bends are usually quite sensitive asanas to do because we tend to hold our fears, negative emotions and traumatic events in our lower back. Cobra pose helps us to go backwards with patience, not resisting to face the past but to continue to be in this present moment with confidence and gratitude, focusing on our breath to keep us centred and in the now. As this pose requires us to open the chest where the heart centre is, we are ultimately opening our heart to the world, to the all the beautiful experiences that are happening for us in the now and for what is yet to follow. (click here to see step by step guidance into this pose)

TREE POSE - VRKSASANA

Vrksasana or tree pose requires us to find our balance on each side of the body, the left and the right, the feminine and masculine. As new moons signify endings and new beginnings, finding our inner balance on each side empowers us to keep centred in the process of change. This pose is also great for activating the Muladhara chankra, the root chakra which governs stability in our lives, and basic needs being met. This means that we prepare our body and mind to be open to change by keeping grounded and composed, without reacting but instead keeping a solid stand towards what is to come. (click here to see step by step guidance into this pose)

EXTENDED PUPPY POSE - UTTANA SHISHOSANA

The moon represents the female part of our self which governs the more cooler, introverted and calm characteristics within each one of us. Extended puppy pose requires us to extend forwards, by bringing our attention within, bringing the chest and forehead to the ground, closed from external factors but open to our inner self. It is a pose that calms the mind and requires us to open up to ourselves, to take a moment and breathe deeply whilst connecting with our most inner part and understanding ourselves better in this present moment. (click here to see step by step guidance into this pose)

CHILD'S POSE - BALASANA

​Although balasana doesn’t require much physical effort, this asana can have great therapeutic benefits for the mind and soul. Child’s pose is a reflective pose, closing off from everything external, and taking a moment to acknowledge what is going on inside of ourselves. Stay in balasana for 2-5 minutes and really take this time to reflect upon all that is happening for you and how you are really feeling physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Connect with yourself and release what is no longer needed before you are ready to open up and face the world with complete freedom. (click here to see step by step guidance into this pose)
I encourage you to finish the above yoga sequence with a 5/10 minute meditation using Garuda Mudra. 

GARUDA MUDRA MEDITATION

What do you need to let go of to feel completely free? Garuda mudra helps release any blockages and limitations that prevent us from clarity, inner peace and living as our most authentic self. Letting go of negative emotions, situations that no longer serve us and it helps us to reconnect with our inner strength and guidance towards complete personal freedom. Whilst doing the Garuda mudra, meditate on what you are releasing and use your breath to help you. Inhale deeply through the nose and exhale through the mouth and let go. Embrace the beauty, courage and strength that is within you and let these blossom in the present moment. ​