Full Moon Flow

We are soon approaching our next full moon, the Full Worm Moon, due March 23th, 2016.  Historically, the full moon this time of year received its name as the warming winter temps began to thaw the ground, signaling earthworms to appear, attracting the return of spring birds. This full moon cycle has also been known as the Full Crow Moon, Full Crust Moon, the Full Sap Moon, and the Lenten Moon. Despite the current sub-zero temperatures, snow, and ice blanketing much of our nation, this full moon is considered to be the last full moon of winter signaling the onset of springtime events and characteristics.

Full moon times are useful for rounding things out to full completion. In a sense, something comes to an end, ready for a brand new phase to begin. The period of time leading up to the full moon strengthens our vision, creative enthusiasm, and creative energy. With the day & night just before the full moon (March 22nd) being the most potent, often we feel more energetic, creative, and social. The day of the full moon (March 24th) marks the peak of excitement and a time for celebration. Whereas, the day after the full moon (March 24th) is a time to kick back, restore, and relax. During this time following the full moon, we are encouraged to relax and allow the pre-moon creative enthusiasm to emerge and unfold the vision of our next phase. 

When creating a vinyasa yoga flow around a Full Moon theme, you may include postures like Half-Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana), Crescent Moon Pose (modified or low crescent lunge pose), or perhaps incorporate a Mandala (circular) flow to represent the abundant shape of the full moon and the moon’s circular orbit around the earth. This Full Worm Moon occurs within the astrological sign of Aries (March 21st – April 20th). Strengths of the Aries sign are adventurous, courageous, versatile, lively, positive and passionate. Therefore a Full Worm Moon yoga flow may include yoga postures and verbal cues that incorporate and emphasize these strong Aries characteristics.   

Full Moon Flow

Integration Series

Child’s Pose – Downward-Facing Dog – Ragdoll Forward Fold – Intention Setting (Samasthiti)

Sun A

Mountain Pose – (Exhale) side bend to the right (Half Moon pose, right)

Mountain Pose – (Exhale) side bend to the left (Half Moon pose, left)

Mountain Pose – (Exhale) Forward Fold – (inhale) Half Lift – (Exhale) Chaturanga – (inhale) Upward-Facing Dog – (exhale) Downward-Facing Dog

(repeat x3)

Sun B (Mandala Flow)

Chair Pose – (exhale) Vertical Twist to the right – (inhale) Chair Pose – (exhale) Vertical Twist to the left – (inhale) Chair Pose – (exhale) Forward Fold – (inhale) Half-lift – (exhale) Chaturanga – (inhale) Upward-Facing Dog – (exhale) Downward-Facing Dog.

[from DD]

(inhale RIGHT leg high) - Low lunge – Crescent Lunge – Vertical Twist – Warrior II – Extended Side Angle – Star Pose – Warrior II (to the back) – Reverse Warrior – vinyasa to Downward-Facing Dog (to the back).

(inhale RIGHT leg high) – Low lunge – Crescent Lunge – Warrior II – Star Pose – Warrior II (to the front) – Reverse Warrior – vinyasa to Downward-facing Dog (to the front).

Repeat on the LEFT side to complete the circle.

(repeat x2 / each leg)

Standing Strength Series

Prayer Twist (right) x3-5 breaths

Gorilla Pose

Revolved Crow Pose / Arm-balance option vinyasa through to downward facing dog

(inhale RIGHT leg high) - Low lunge

(inhale) Warrior I (with a block overhead between the palms) – (exhale) block to heart center – (inhale) straighten the front leg – (exhale) Pyramid Pose (place the block inside the front foot – (inhale) ½ lift the spine – (exhale) Revolved Triangle Pose with the left hand on the block for support! (x3-5 breaths)

[transition]

Release the top arm to receive the block – (exhale) bend front knee – (inhale) Warrior I (with block overhead) – (exhale) block to heart center – (inhale) Dakasana (Airplane Pose) – (exhale) release block to the floor – (inhale) lengthen spine – (exhale) Revolved Half Moon Pose (with left hand on the block for support)

[release to forward fold] and

REPEAT on the LEFT SIDE – beginning with PRAYER TWIST (left) x3-5 breaths

Standing Balancing Series

(inhale) Single leg Tadasana (right leg up) – (exhale) Figure 4 pose (hold x3-5 breaths)

(inhale) Single leg Tadasana – (exhale) receive the right knee with both hands – (inhale) draw thigh in & strengthen shoulders back – (exhale) Tree Pose (vrksasana) x3-5 breaths

Release to standing & Repeat on LEFT SIDE

Hips / Spine / Surrender Series

Half Pigeon Right & Left (optional; as we did this standing with figure 4 pose)

Table-top, supported Revolved Dancer’s pose

Camel pose

Balasana / Child’s Pose

Supported Bridge Pose (with a block beneath the sacrum)

Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose

Happy Baby Pose

Supine Twist Pose (Right & Left)

Savasana