How To Sync Your Yoga Practice To The Phases Of Moon
The Moon's ability to go through several cycles and not remain stable serves as a metaphor for the cycle of life as a whole. After all, we frequently go through different stages in life, some of which allow us to relax and reap the benefits of our efforts, while others require us to put in more effort to get what we desire.
Each phase of the moon has a unique significance linked with it.
New Moon: Because it is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, the Moon cannot be seen from Earth. This stage is linked to fresh starts. (The new moon's spiritual significance)
Waning Gibbous Moon: We already know that a gibbous moon is one that is waning and that more than half of it is lighted. However, when the Moon is waning, it indicates that its brilliance is decreasing. This stage is linked to thanksgiving and thankfulness. (Waning Gibbous Moon's spiritual significance)
Third Quarter Moon: We only have a partial view of the moon. however, was the exact opposite of the side we had seen earlier. Forgiveness is a characteristic of this era. (The spiritual significance of the third quarter moon)
Waning Crescent Moon: The moon is becoming less visible. Less than one-quarter of the Moon is visible. The phase is connected to giving up. (Waning crescent moon's spiritual significance)
Importance of Chandra Bhedi Pranayama
Chandra means the moon, Bhedi can be translated as passing through. In Chandra Bhedi Pranayama, left nostril is used for inhalation and right nostril is used for exhalation. Chandra Bedhi pranayama triggers the entire Ida nadi or lunar channel.
It is said that on inhalation, energy passes through Ida (Chandra) Nadi and on exhalation through Pingala or Surya Nadi. These are larger nadis that hold the balance of energy created by the sun and the moon and their magnetism. They travel from the base of the spine to the point between the eyebrows. When you are practicing Chandra bhedi pranayama, your whole attention needs to be on the Ida nadi or the lunar channel. It activates the energies of the moon inside your body and mind.
Steps
• Sit in any comfortable pose, preferably cross-legged (such as Sukhasan, Ardhapadmasan or Padmasana).
• Straighten your back and close your eyes
• The process is where you inhale from left and exhale from your right
• Close the right nostril and inhale from left, and close the left nostril and inhale from the right.
• Keep the pressure of your right thumb gentle as you close your right nostril. The purpose is to block the movement of air through the right nostril.
• Now when you are inhaling through your left nostril, make sure the pressure on your right nostril is balanced.
• Inhale, let the prana go inside
• Close your left nostril as you open up your right nostril and allow the air to exhale out of your right nostril.
• Give your attention and focus to the technique.
Opening Prayer – Mantra Chanting
• Sit in any comfortable pose (such as Sukhasan, Ardhapadmasan or Padmasana)
• Straighten your back and close your eyes
• Inhale and exhale normally
• Join your palms in front of your chest
• Recite this prayer, or mantra 1,08,000 times - Om Som Somaiah Namaha
• Release your palms onto your knees
• Gently lower your head down resting chin on your chest
• Slowly open your eyes and look ahead
• Sit and Inhale and exhale normally
Chandra Namaskar - Moon Salutation
The Chandra Namaskar contains a total number of 9 asanas woven into a sequence of 14 steps for each side, right and left. The left side is the moon energy and is represented symbolically through this flow, while the Sun is represented by the right. One complete cycle is done when you cover both the sides, and this is made of 28 counts.
Chandra Namaskar - 14 steps make half the cycle
1.Pranam asana (The Prayer pose)
2.Hastha Utanasana (Raised arm pose)
3.Padahastasana (Standing forward bend)
4.Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)
5.Inhale and bend back (Ardha Chandra asana)
6.Santholanasana (Plank Pose)
7.Ashtanga Namaskar Asana (Eight limbed salutation)
8.Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
9.Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward dog pose)
10.Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose)
11.Inhale and bend back (Ardha Chandra asana)
12.Padahastasana (Standing forward bend)
13.Hastha Utanasana
14.Pranam asana
Repeat the 14 steps with the Right leg to make it 1 complete cycle with a total of 28 counts.
