Moon Days
In the tradition of Ashtanga Yoga, the days of the full moon and new moon are considered 'yoga holidays'. We do not practice Ashtanga Yoga on those days. During moon days the sun and moon are aligned in such a manner that they exert a greater gravitational force on the planet.
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It has been very common in India for a long time to take a day off during the new and full moon. This has also been a tradition that has been embraced by the system of yoga, and therefore as Ashtanga practitioners, we get some extra time off as well.
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The best example of the effects that the moon cycles have on our planet and our planet's waters can be seen in high and low tides. These are caused by the moon. Since our bodies are made up of approximately 60% of water it only makes sense that the moon has a huge effect on us as well. That is why, in Ashtanga Yoga, we choose to live in harmony with the rhythm of nature, and take a rest day on both full and new moon days.
Moon Days 2024
* All times are local time for Madeira
January
Thursday 11 – new moon
Thursday 25 – full moon
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February
Friday 9 – new moon
Saturday 24 – full moon
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March
Sunday 10 – new moon
Monday 25 – full moon
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April
Monday 8 – new moon
Wednesday 24 – full moon
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May
Wednesday 8 – new moon
Thursday 23 – full moon
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June
Thursday 6 – new moon
Saturday 22 – full moon
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July
Friday 5 – new moon
Sunday 21 – full moon
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August
Sunday 4 – new moon
Monday 19 – full moon
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September
Tuesday 3 – new moon
Wednesday 18 – full moon
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October
Wednesday 2 – new moon
Thursday 17 – full moon
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November
Friday 1 – new moon
Friday 15 – full moon
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December
Sunday 1 – new moon
Sunday 15 – full moon
Monday 30 - new moon