In the tradition of Ashtanga Yoga, the days of the full moon and new moon are considered 'yoga holidays'. We do not practice Ashtanga Yoga on those days. During moon days the sun and moon are aligned in such a manner that they exert a greater gravitational force on the planet.

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It has been very common in India for a long time to take a day off during the new and full moon. This has also been a tradition that has been embraced by the system of yoga, and therefore as Ashtanga practitioners, we get some extra time off as well.

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The best example of the effects that the moon cycles have on our planet and our planet's waters can be seen in high and low tides. These are caused by the moon. Since our bodies are made up of approximately 60% of water it only makes sense that the moon has a huge effect on us as well. That is why, in Ashtanga Yoga, we choose to live in harmony with the rhythm of nature, and take a rest day on both full and new moon days.