Moon Day Tuesday Feb. 24

Dear Yogi's,

A reminder that we will cancel both morning and evening Mysore classes this Tuesday Feb. 24 in observance of the New Moon Day.

For those yogi's new to the Traditional practice, I thought I would take a moment to briefly explain the deal with taking off on New and Full Moon Days.

The first reason is because this is how we have been guided to pass on the yoga by our Guruji, Sri K.Pattabhi Jois. Guruji is actually from a family of Astrologers (his father's profession) and we can observe many nuances in Ashtanga that relate to planetary cycles.

In fact, each day of the week has a different energy based on the ruling planet. For example, Saturday is taken as a rest day from yoga because it is ruled by Saturn, considered a malefic planet. Saturn's energy is one of contraction and limitation (not good for yoga). Saturday is a good time to take care of yourself. Many Ashtanga Yogi's will take an oil massage and enjoy a "zero day."

One of our favorite Ashtanga Teachers, Sri Tim Miller has written a short article detailing the moon's influence on the body and why yogi's rest on these days. Read here:
http://www.ashtangayogacenter.com/moon.html

Last, I would like to explain when the moon day is typically observed. The twenty four hour period preceding the exact time of the moon's peak is the day not to practice. For example, the Feb. 24 moon will be at it's darkest point at 5:35 pm according to Jim Maynard's professional astrology handbook, therefore we will observe the rest day on that Tuesday.

This time may change depending where you are on the globe. Also, your Ashtanga teacher may "move" the moon day to better suit the yoga schedule. For example, in Mysore, Guruji would often "move" the moon day to a Friday so that he may visit his family in Bangalore for a two day weekend.

In closing, enjoy your day of rest. Observe your energy level on the New Moon, how do you feel? And I'll see you dark and early on Wednesday.

All the best,
Adarsh