Supermoon

This Saturday, May 5th, is the perigee Full Moon- meaning that the Moon will be at its closest point to the Earth this year. This Moon will be so large and bright in the sky that it is titled "Supermoon." The perigee Full Moon is also when the Moon, Earth, and Sun are in direct alignment.

So, what does this mean? New and Full Moons are the strongest points of the lunar cycle, when our energy is most effected. Full Moons have a huge impact on the tides of the ocean; and because the human body is made up of a majority of water, it is logical to assume that the strong pull of the Full Moon- and especially of the Supermoon- can have a significant effect on our bodies, emotions, and consciousness.

Around the time of Full Moons, people often complain of feeling confused, overwhelmed, sluggish, or just "off"- and if this has been the case for you, Saturday's Supermoon provides the perfect opportunity to refresh & replenish your energy, and gain greater clarity. The Full Moon is the time for personal transformation- decide the areas in your life that need adjusting, and let the bright, silvery light of the Moon cleanse and renew.

Solar energy is the energy of action, youth, heat, external forces, and the nervous system. Lunar energy is the energy of rest-recovery, cleansing, internal forces, grounding, emotions, cooling, and the digestive system. In traditional Hatha yoga, practitioners strive to find balance between the Sun, and solar energy- "ha"- and the Moon, and lunar energy- "tha". But often, in the interest of physical fitness, there is a much greater emphasis on solar energy; Surya Namaskar, Sun Salutations, or longer holds in asanas that create heat in the body. The Full Moon is the perfect time to remind yourself to slow down, to nurture your soul, and take gentle care of your body.

Solar energy has long been considered masculine in nature- lunar energy is considered feminine. That's why I thought that the evening of the Supermoon, filled with feminine lunar energy, would be the perfect time for a Girls Night Out. Celebrating the sacred feminine with a spirit-lifting, gentle, replenishing practice is a great way to refresh your energy- not just for this month, but for the whole year! There will be a chance after the yoga practice for socializing and enjoying wine, tea/coffee, and chocolate snacks- what better way to spend the night of the Supermoon?

Yoga in the East traditionally was men-only, but as yoga moved to the West, it shifted into a majority-female practice. Many claim that the practice of yoga has also shifted to become more fitness-based, rather than sticking to its deeper, meditation-based roots. Take advantage of the Supermoon's strong gravitational pull to get you back to YOUR roots.

Enjoy basking in the silvery glow of the Supermoon!

Rebecca