Both full and new moon days are observed as yoga holidays in the Ashtanga Yoga tradition. Like all things of a watery nature (humans are about 70% water), we are affected by the phases of the moon. The phases of the moon are determined by its relative position to the sun. Full moons occur when they are in opposition and new moons when they are in conjunction. Both sun and moon exert a gravitational pull on the earth. Their relative positions create different energetic experiences that can be compared to the breath cycle.

The full moon energy corresponds to the end of inhalation when the force of prana is greatest. This is an expansive upward moving force that makes us feel energetic, but emotional, not well grounded.

The new moon energy corresponds to the end of exhalation when the force of apana is greatest. Apana is a contracting downward moving force that makes us feel calm and grounded, but dense and disinclined toward physical exertion.