One of the cultural practices of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is the observation of moon days. These are days of the new moon and full moon, and are rest days from asana practice.
One traditional explanation is that our bodies are mostly water and therefore are affected by the phases of the moon, much like the tides. Another tradition is that a new moon or full moon are auspicious days to start something new or begin a new commitment.
That’s all fun to think about, but all of it is optional. I like the idea of more closely aligning my life with nature’s patterns/cycles–and two extra days off a month are a nice rest and opportunity to reset.
2026
January
- Saturday 03rd ○ full moon
- Sunday 18th ● new moon
February
- Sunday 01st ○ full moon
- Tuesday 17th ● new moon
March
- Tuesday 03rd ○ full moon
- Thursday 19th ● new moon
April
- Thursday 02nd ○ full moon
- Friday 17th ● new moon
May
- Friday 01st ○ full moon
- Saturday 16th ● new moon
- Sunday 31st ○ full moon
June
- Monday 15th ● new moon
- Tuesday 30th ○ full moon
July
- Tuesday 14th ● new moon
- Wednesday 29th ○ full moon
August
- Wednesday 12th ● new moon
- Friday 28th ○ full moon
September
- Friday 11th ● new moon
- Saturday 26th ○ full moon
October
- Saturday 10th ● new moon
- Monday 26th ○ full moon
November
- Monday 09th ● new moon
- Tuesday 24th ○ full moon
December
- Wednesday 09th ● new moon
- Thursday 24th ○ full moon