Lunar Energy Can Enhance Your Life

The moon may have a somewhat modest appearance, but it has a strong influence, both physically and mentally, on us human beings. When the Moon is full, some people tend to experience poor sleep, for example, and children may be noisier than usual.

The Moon is a feminine energy and therefore she hides, shines, waxes and wanes, and we all sense her influence, be that on a conscious or an unconscious level. But one can dance to the tune of the Moon and so experience all the energy and harmony it can bring.

So, how exactly does the Moon have the effect that it does?

May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night…may you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life ~ Apache Blessing

According to Yoga wisdom, our bodies are like little miniature versions of the Universe itself and everything contained within it. Therefore, the Moon’s energy resides within us also, specifically on the left (feminine) side of our bodies. It is here where our Prana or life energy flows via a female channel, known as Ida, who represents the cool, calm, dark and emotional lunar energy. This energy focuses on rhythm and living in the here and now.

The Pingala channel is on our right-hand side and this is through which the hot, active, rational and bright masculine solar energy flows. This particular energy focuses on our future and any high achieving goals we may have.

What is most fascinating is that our bodies contain thousands and thousands of channels through which the sheer energy of life itself flows. However, the main channels are Pingala and Ida, and a third one known as Sushumna, which is understood to be the middle canal. These channels travel up and down our spines but they are ethereal and cannot be seen.

So, how can all this benefit you? Well, by bringing about a balance between Ida (the Moon) and Pingala (more balanced, thus allowing you to rest adequately at night and perform at your very best during the day.

Interestingly, either your solar or lunar energy can be the stronger at any given moment. Generally speaking, while one sleeps the other is active, although this does tend to change during the course of the day. Furthermore, the length of which your lunar or solar side is dominant is unique to you.

So, just how do we bring about this balance? Alternate nostril breathing, mantras and meditation are great ways to achieve this objective. Once Ida and Pingala become active simultaneously, energy can begin to flow through Sushumna, the middle channel too. At this point, your Kundalini energy, based at the bottom of the spine, may awaken.

Alternate nostril breathing involves gently closing one nostril and breathing in and out through the other nostril three times. Repeat this process on the other side and do three cycles in total. It should help to bring about a sense of balance and calm.

Woman is the moon. It wanes and waxes. Everything grows because of the moon. Everything ripens because of the sun. And everything is conceived because of the combination of the harmony and those two polarities of male and female, sun and moon ~ Yogi Bhajan

Now, once the Kundalini energy is released massive growth should follow. For example, you should become more mindful, alert, better able to deal with all that life throws at you and more relaxed and happy to boot! How good is that!

While Kundalini Yoga concentrates on the Moon when it is full, it does take into account the other periods that go around it.  The first period of the Moon, then, is synonymous with new beginnings, so that should be the perfect time to go for that new job, book those driving lessons or embark on learning something completely different.

Around the time of the Full Moon, however, should be an ideal time to really take the bull by the horns and let the world see what you are made of by sharing your ideas, plans and experiences with others.

The period which follows is known as the waning period, during which time you need to return to yourself, while leaving behind anything and everything that is no longer needed. Once the New Moon puts in an appearance, however, there should be plenty of room for new things to be embraced.

According to Kundalini Yoga, we become connected with the Universe via the Moon, because each and every month, the full moon enters a particular sign in the Zodiac. Now each sign corresponds to a particular physical organ (or on occasion two) which, in turn, has a monthly theme upon which we can concentrate. It is understood that the energy produced by the waxing moon exerts pressure on the particular organ of any given month and this pressure reaches a peak when the Moon is full and starts to diminish during the waning period.

If you maintain a healthy diet, practice meditation and exercise regularly and correctly, Kundalini Yoga should assist you in preventing any kind of imbalance this pressure may bring about.  Otherwise, you may find yourself feeling somewhat unsettled or even irritated or frustrated during Full Moon. When the organ of any month is balanced, however, the pressure can bring about a purifying effect and help create a heightened balance with yourself, both spiritually, mentally and physically.

Thankfully, as the Moon travels through each and every sign of the Zodiac, it means that in a fixed period every organ gets its due attention. This would give you, then, the perfect opportunity in supporting both your mental and physical health.

That said, if you choose to live with the Moon’s rhythm, you may feel that you are giving up some of your personal control to a power which is far, far, bigger than yourself. For some people this can be a daunting thought that would take time and effort to adapt to. However, the general consensus of those who work with the Moon’s natural rhythm is that they feel more naturally connected with the Universe and at harmony within themselves as a result.