Moon Days

In traditional Ashtanga Yoga, asanas are not practiced during the full moon and the new moon. Much like planet Earth, our bodies are roughly 70% water (depending on body size).  As such, we are affected by the gravitational pull of the moon. Tim Miller, the first American certified to teach Ashtanga Yoga by Pattabhi Jois, explains it beautifully:

The full moon energy corresponds to the end of inhalation when the force of prana is greatest.  This is an expansive, upward moving force that makes us feel energetic and emotional, but not well grounded. The Upanishads state that the main prana lives in the head. During the full moon we tend to be more headstrong.  

The new moon energy corresponds to the end of exhalation when the force of apana is greatest. Apana is a contracting, downward moving force that makes us feel calm and grounded, but dense and disinclined towards physical exertion.

Under the effect of these energy extremes, we are more likely to suffer injuries on these days - either from over-exertion or fatigue. 

This may seem a bit hokey at first, but as your practice continues and becomes more regular you will begin to recognize the many ways our bodies correspond with the rhythms of nature.

Tomorrow is a new moon. Take the day off from asanas and just observe how you feel in comparison to the remainder of the week.