Winter Solstice, The Moon and Me
By Eve DelachartreSeason’s Greetings and Welcome Winter!
Even though we are familiar with season changes, seasons don’t unfold in exactly the same way each year. It is interesting to be aware of this ever so changing phenomenon. In the modern world in which we live, dominated by technology, we have a tendency to lose track of this fact. The weather channel doesn't give all the answers. The moon cycle in combination with the sun cycle is a factor of change to consider, always.
Cultures all around the world have respected the moon, studied it and tried to make the best of it. Many cultures have their holidays at full moon because the energy is high. You might have noticed that your personal energy matches the cycle of the moon. During the waxing of the moon, our energy increases. At the full moon we have the most energy. It is a time when we are most successful in accomplishing many tasks in a short period of time. During the waning of the moon, our energy level diminishes until we reach the new moon with our energy being dormant. The new moon is a time for rest, reflection and meditation.
This year the winter solstice will fall during the waxing moon (the period from new moon to full moon). This is a time when the energy is on the rise even though the days and sunlight are shortest. What does that mean in the Yogic world?
The change of season and moon cycle affects our Yoga practice. In the winter, we need to boost our immune system and warm up the body. This is not necessarily accomplished by moving faster but rather by practicing warming postures like twists, inversions and postures that require the use of more abdominal strength. Cold weather can make us stiff. Moving into gradual stretches helps us avoid injuries. Practicing dynamic forms of asana (postures) in harmony with the breath, warms up the body very well and in turn detoxifies. Staying in a pose a little longer warms us too.
When the moon ascends and the days are short, Yoga practice is ideally a combination of warming postures in dynamic form and reflective reset. When the moon waxes just before the winter solstice, like this year, there is a combination of ascending energy for a short period of time. It is an exclusive moment to prepare for celebration. We naturally anticipate joy in the making. Let’s make good use of the ascending energy to lift our spirit even though we are not yet out of the woods so to speak, with the unique challenges facing us.
Luna Press calendar page shows moon’s waxing from Dec. 14 to Dec. 29, 2020.
As we pass the winter solstice, our energy level will continue to rise until the full moon (Dec. 14 to Dec. 29, 2020) and as a result of the days becoming longer again. Matching consciously our activities with the combination of sun and moon energy helps us ease the tasks at hand and be in tune with the harmony of the universe. Riding on this high energy, this is also a great time to set intentions for the new year.
If you are interested in obtaining a lunar calendar, visit www.thelunapress.com.
Wishing you a happy winter solstice and a happy holiday season!
