Lizard Pose This deeply stretching pose, known as Utthan Pristhasana in Sanskrit, keeps us close to the ground, and encourages us to stay for a while to go a little deeper, and let go of what holds us back. All perfect directions for the time of the new moon. This is a deep hip bend and leg stretch which can feel challenging, but which supports introspection and inner focus. As always though, we will look at options so we can reap the benefits of the pose, if the more traditi

Warrior II This pose, called Virabhadrasana II in Sanskrit, is a really strong and empowering position. In this position we are grounded and stand firm whilst opening ourselves up and looking determinedly forward. The pose is well balanced between both feet and the arms reach out providing additional balance, giving the sensation that anything is possible – what a great pose for the time around the Full Moon, or at any time when we want to feel invigorated, focused and resolu

Warrior I Pose Warrior I pose, or Virabhadrasana I in Sanskrit, is a forward looking and grounded position, from where we can move into several other poses and flows. So let’s start here and look at Humble Warrior in a moment. This classic pose allows us to feel grounded, with our feet firmly planted, giving us stability, but with an outward-looking feeling of having somewhere to go to. Coupled with the quiet steadiness, there can be amazing feelings of strength and purpose,

Crescent Moon Lunge Pose This is a pose, normally referred to as Anjaneyasana in Sanskrit, which allows us to stay rooted on the ground, but which lifts and inspires us, opening our hearts and looking forward to whatever is coming. It can be quite challenging so is ideal at the time of the Full Moon, but we will look at options so we can reap the benefits of the pose, even at times when we are not overflowing with energy, helping us to feel strong and invigorated whenever we

Sphinx For this new moon pose we are going to move onto our bellies and look at Sphinx pose, or Salamba Bhujangasana in Sanskrit. Sphinx is a pose which very grounding, as we are physically very connected with the earth beneath us, but at the same time we are given the opportunity to look forward to see our direction forward, helping us to use the more introspective time of the new moon to look ahead to what comes next. We feel supported, but still need to put some effort in

Three Legged Dog Pose This strong pose is a development of Downward-Facing Dog pose and is perfect for Full Moon energy. It helps us focus on finding different facets we might need at this, or indeed any, time: stability as we balance on three limbs, strength to hold ourselves upside-down, and stillness as we settle in to this more demanding position. Let’s learn a little more about Three Legged Dog pose, sometimes referred to as Tri Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana in Sanskrit. Th

Thread the Needle This time let’s look at another development from a starting place of Table Top pose - Thread the Needle, or Urdhva Mukha Pasasana in Sanskrit. This is a pose which is great for a relaxing twist anytime but, particularly when held, suits times around the new moon. It is a pose which helps us focus internally, as we have to consider where different parts of the body go, so we have to let go of other distractions, at least while we get settled in the pose. Twis

Balancing Table Pose This pose is a balance and in Sanskrit is referred to as Dandayamana Bharmanasana. It is another development from the starting place of Table Top pose and can also be turned into a flowing sequence. So we’ll look at the main position first and then also the option to flow and generate some full moon energy. Balancing Table pose This pose is great for balance and for strengthening the core muscles all around the torso. The abdominal and back muscles are th

Cat-Cow This movement is a combination of two poses, and is a development from a starting place of Table Top pose. In Sanskrit it is referred to as Bitilasana Marjaryasana and it is a flow between two positions. So let’s take a look at each position and the flow movement. This short sequence works well at times of the new moon, but is one of the simplest ways at any time to increase back mobility and strength, and to help you find calm, so don’t just keep it for new moons😊 W

Downward-Facing Dog Pose This strong pose is perfect for Full Moon energy but can also be a place to find peace and stability in turbulent times. Let’s learn a little more about Downward-Facing Dog (or Down Dog) pose, Adho Mukha Svanasana in Sanskrit. Downward-Facing Dog pose This is one of those strong but stabilising yoga poses which can be used to stoke up our energy, but which also gives us a slightly introspective place to be – it can be both invigorating and calming at

Table Top Pose Table Top pose, or Bharmanasana in Sanskrit, is one of the most versatile positions, as it forms the basis of many other poses and flows. So let’s take a look. This pose suits the internal focus of the new moon, allowing us turn our thoughts inwards and perhaps focus on our breath and how our body feels today. It is a very stable position and helps us feel grounded, but also brings a feeling of strength and the knowledge that from here we can move forwards in

Goddess Pose A strong, open pose for the Full Moon, we’re now going to explore Goddess pose, or Utkata Konasana in Sanskrit. For the Full Moon it feels good to find wide open poses, full of strength and energy, so Goddess pose fits the bill perfectly. Whilst embracing that high energy state it also lets us feel grounded, with the feet squarely planted on the earth and the pelvis dropping down to help anchor us, even while the arms are reaching wide and embracing that feeling

Rabbit Pose This time, let’s look at Rabbit pose, or Sasangasana in Sanskrit. This is a pose which is ideal for the new moon, giving us an opportunity to focus internally and withdraw from external influences. It perhaps takes a little determination, which can add a little to the positive feeling of deliberately taking yourself away from other concerns for a few minutes. The forward folding nature of the pose helps promote calm, relaxing the nervous system. This pose can prov

Mountain Pose A great place to start at any time is Mountain Pose, or Tadasana in Sanskrit. This pose works well at the full phase of the moon, giving us stability, helping us to be grounded but open, ready to breathe, move step forward, or face whatever challenges come our way. The full moon tends to evoke a feeling of high energy, which can be great for getting things done, but can also leave us feeling jittery and inexplicably over-excitable. So this pose is great for allo

Child’s Pose Let’s explore Child’s Pose, or Balasana in Sanskrit. This is a pose for the new moon, inviting us to be a little more introspective, to find calm, to close ourselves off a little from the outside world. The time of the new moon is great for reflection and review, so this pose helps us to draw inwards and give ourselves time to regroup, to collect ourselves together. It’s not just perfect for the new moon, it’s also great at any time when you need to withdraw a li