Yoga practices for the September full moon and Lunar eclipse

If there was ever a time this month to slow down and take a moment to completely reset, it may be the 17th of September. This day brings us a full moon in Pisces and a lunar eclipse which may bring a little heaviness to the mind. But not to worry, because it is often through these times that we give ourselves the chance to pause and figure out what areas of our life need a little declutter and cleansing. Full moons are exactly this. A period when we pause, connect within and reflect of what no longer serves us on our life path.

A lunar eclipse is like an amplification of the full moon qualities. Whilst a lunar eclipse showcases the moon in a shadowy, darkened state, the moon’s presence is indeed still illuminating through these shadows. She is the queen of the Sky after all, so powerful and strong.

Our yoga practice is a wonderful way to channel in this lunar energy and connect with the deeper layers of the self. In certain yoga traditions, it is suggested not to practice asana during a full moon due to the tense atmosphere this period can bring (and other reasons). As this is a time of cleansing and purification, we can turn to our pranayama practices, bandhas and japa for a full inner glow up.

Pranayama for the full moon

All pranayama practices help us to purify the nadis, but for the full moon we can choose the more cooling and calming styles to match the vibes of the moon. Nadi Shodhana, known as alternate nostril breathing, is well suited because it helps us to create harmony between the dual energies, masculine and feminine (Pingala and Ida). This pranayama is practiced by alternating the breath through the different nostrils, inviting us to regulate and observe the flow between the inhalation and exhalation.
Chandra Bhedana focuses on activating the Ida nadi (feminine/the moon) which helps to create a calm and peaceful state of mind. This pranayama is done by inhalation through the left nostril only and exhalation through the right nostril.

Japa meditation

Concentration and meditation practices help to steady the mind and clear away any lingering thoughts, fears, doubts or too much worry/mental activity. Mantra recitation is a practice that has been used for thousands of years by the ancient rishis, who discovered the mantras through their spiritual practices. Traditionally, mantras were not so accessible. A specific mantra was used by the disciple which was given from their master, known as mantra initiation. Now days, only some yoga traditions/teachers still do so, but these days we have access to different mantras. So whether you have a personal mantra you use or like to try new ones, for the full moon it is indicated to do a full Japa (108 times). This is said to purify the mind.

Restorative asanas for the full moon

We can certainly still go to our mat for a gentle restorative practice which gives us the gift of finding comfort in stillness, without much physical effort. Minimizing physical effort, we can maximize the focus on our breathing, to ground ourselves and create harmony.

As this full moon is in Pisces, which is a water element sign and represents emptions and sensitivity, we can focus bringing harmony to our heart space by grounding the body and through some gentle, but very relaxing hip opening.

Utthita Balasana

Hold for: 10 – 15 minutes

Reclined spinal twist variation

Hold for: 5 minutes on each side

Supta Baddha Konasana (variation)

Hold for: 10-15 minutes

Slight legs raise

Hold for 5-10 minutes

Set the mood

And finally, don’t forget to create a spacious, clean and loving atmosphere in your home during this time. Create the space you need to let go of what no longer serves you in peace and feel at ease. Candles, incense, warm chamomile or lavender tea, freshly washed bedding and a aired out space are my go to favorites on full moon nights.