New Moon Yoga Sequence & Intention Setting Rituals
Yoga & The New Moon
When there is a new moon on the horizon, it’s a good idea to become familiar with new moon and full moon practices. While many – yogis and non-yogis alike – tend to have their own moon cycle ritual, it is fun to incorporate that practice into your yoga flow.
Chandra Namaskara (moon salutation) is similar to that of Surya Namaskar (sun salutation) in the sense it is a great way to begin a yoga practice with gentle movement. Sun salutation brings heat into the body, while the moon salutation is a cooling flow. Think of sun salutation being your yang and moon salutation as your yin – the balance and unity of the two are vital.
How to do Moon Salutations (Chandra Namaskar) Step by Step
The moon salutation has a few variations, but the most common practice goes as follows:
Mountain Pose → With a side stretch to the left and right
Goddess Pose
Extended Triangle
Pyramid
Low Lunge
Side Squat or Side Lunge
Side Squat/Lunge on opposite leg
Low Lunge
Pyramid
Extended Triangle
Goddess
Mountain → With a side stretch to the left and right
This flow pattern will carry you around your mat in a circular motion.
What makes Chandra Namaskara so special is the quiet and calming movements that allow you to draw your attention inward. The new moon is a time to set intentions or goals and to ask the Universe or Divine for the things we’d like to see come into our lives. The full moon is quite the opposite where we release the things that no longer serve a purpose in our lives. This particular salutation practice allows you to focus inward and become self aware of the things you want or need to release.
Interested in moon rituals?
I personally keep a moon journal. It is this small notebook where I write 2-5 things I’d like to have for the new moon (goals, needs, etc.) and 2-5 things I want to let go of (people, things, emotions, etc.).
When asking the Universe and Divine for things during a new moon, I don’t say “I want” or “give me,” but instead I say “I am ready,” “I am excited for,” “I am hopeful for” and so forth. After I have decided on 2-5 things that I am going to ask for, I write down each item in a complete sentence, say each one out loud three times, and ask for it in my heart three times. I then conclude the practice by saying “This, or something better, now manifests for the highest good of all concerned.”
When releasing what no longer serves me during the full moon, I choose 2-5 things that I feel no longer serves a positive purpose in my life, doesn’t provide me joy, or brings negative emotions. I write each item down by saying “I will release,” “I am letting go of,” or “I am sending away.” I then say each item out loud three times, and release them from my heart. I conclude the practice by saying “I cleanse and release all energy that is no longer mine to carry. I shed and clean myself of any pains of the past and release myself from any guilts or regrets that are weighing me down. I cleanse myself so I can be light and free. I cleanse myself with light and loving energy.”
During my moon rituals and practices, I like to play gentle music, have low light (candles or salt lamps are perfect), I bring out all my crystals as well as my favorite seashell and a plant to represent fire, water, earth, and air elements. I tend to spend an hour to my practice through a moon salutation flow and time to write as well as mediate. I know of some who like to sage their space before hand, and energize their crystals in moon light.
No moon ritual is perfect for everyone, so find a flow that works best for you. Maybe it’s journaling, meditating, praying, or completing a moon salutation yoga flow. Find what is best for you and remember how precious it is to be connected to the Universe and the Divine.
More Simple / Modern / Practical New Moon Rituals for Inspiration, Transformation and Motivation
Eat only healthy (whole, plant based) foods and drink only water for the day
Take a different route to work
Hike a new trail
Walk yourself/your dog along a different route
Clean your bedding/bath towels
Try a new/different yoga class or sequence
Eat at a new/different restaurant
Try/cook some new/different foods
Travel to a new place
Volunteer or donate to a local non-profit
Write down and reflect on 3 goals you have for this new cycle
Fix/repair something that is broken
Engage in some random acts of kindness
Give strangers specific, genuine compliments
Donate blood
Wash & clean out your car
Get an oil change and/or other car maintenance
Sign up & start training for a fun physical challenge (5K, obstacle race, etc)
Support a new local business near you
📚 Miranda’s New Moon Library
Starting a new book with each new moon is a habit I highly recommend. Below are some of my personal favorites that have helped me grow both personally and professionally.
This is a living list so remember to come back before each new moon because i’ll keep adding more titles.
Skip to Categories:
• Business & Entrepreneurship
• Lifestyle, Science & Philosophy
• Pregnancy, Parenting & Marriage
I may earn a small commission if you purchase any of these books.
Business & Entrepreneurship
SEO Mastery by Graham Fisher
SEO Made Simple by Michael Fleischner
Lifestyle, Science & Philosophy
Pregnancy, Parenting & Marriage
Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler by Jamie Glowacki
Oh Crap! Potty Training by Jamie Glowacki
Schedule a New Moon Yoga Hiking Experience
(April - September) Looking for a fresh start? The new moon is a time for setting intentions, new beginnings, and self-improvement. After an easy, scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, join us for a hike, meditation, yoga and a mountaintop sunset to rejuvenate your body & mind.
Namaste & Have A Great Day!
- Miranda
