Chandra Namaskara
A yogic approach to the Full Wolf Moon in Leo
Below are the handouts I used for this month's full moon salutation practice.
Theres a link to the actual replay of the practice here -
FULL WOLF MOON IN LEO – January 28, 2021
Chandra Namaskara (moon salutation)
This first full moon of the new year gets its name because of the hungry, howling wolves of mid-winter. It has several other names, like Cold Moon, Frost Exploding Moon, Freeze Up Moon, Severe Moon, Hard Moon, and Center Moon, the last of which is used by the Assiniboine natives of Canada, named so because this moon roughly marks the midway point of winter. Interestingly, this also coincides with the Gaelic festival – Imbolc – celebrating that same center/midway part of the season and the coming of spring.
The Chandra Namaskara can be found at https://yogahealer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/moon-salutation-cheatsheet.pdf - moon salutations 2. I have included the English names for the Sanskrit asanas at the bottom of this document.
5 POSITIVE ACTIONS FOR THIS FULL MOON IN LEO
1. Toot your own horn. With the full moon being in Leo, this is a wonderful time to recognize your strengths and SHARE THEM with the world. Rather than being braggadocious or narcissistic, sharing your talents is a healthy way to express your gratitude for where you are in life. There is a difference in seeking applause or external validation and sharing your gifts as an act of service. This is not about the ego – quite the opposite – it’s about putting your strengths to work.
2. Be BOLD…maybe even a bit daring. Leo is that gorgeous, fiery lion who is unafraid and unapologetic of its creativity, flare for the dramatic, and leadership. Let your outer expression reflect the work you’ve done on the inside, whether that be through something as simple as dressing up for no reason (and maybe in something a little outside your comfort zone) or something more challenging, like recognizing some area of your life that requires you take more responsibility – and going for it!
3. DANCE! Again, recognize the Leo energy, here, and let loose with your body. Give a full-blown performance with your radio as you drive down the street, or dance-it-out in your own living room wearing your pj’s. Whatever feels good, whatever works for you – just get your body moving in a rhythmic way that holds no rules.
4. Clean/Charge your space – both physical and mental. The full moon is the PERFECT time to charge crystals, if you have them and believe in their healing, protective energies. But also, clean and charge your own spirit. If you’ve got pent-up energy that seems to no longer be doing you any good, or maybe it just needs to be redirected, now is the time to pay attention to that and release it. Let it go.
5. Chillax, meditate, and release - similar to the cleansing/charging mentioned above, but taking it a few steps more. The bright, beautiful full moon is about ENDINGS, not beginnings (that’s for the new moon). Evaluate where you’re pouring your energy, and pay special attention to those places that aren’t helping you grow – relationships, habits, behaviors. It’s time to sit with those things, recognize their lack of value to you right now, in this moment, and release them to the universe. “You are right where you’re supposed to be” (Melissa Pierce), and it’s time to make the most of that.
5 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF UNDER THIS FULL MOON
(taken from Yasmin Boland’s book – Moonology)
1. Have I been too self-centered, egotistical, or proud?
2. Have I been treating the people around me like minions?
3. Have I been arrogant, vain, pushy, or pompous?
4. Have I been expressing myself creatively enough?
5. Have I shown myself enough self-love?
RELEASE RITUAL FOR THE FULL WOLF MOON IN LEO
With this full moon, consider a forgiveness exercise. Bring someone (or several someones) to mind that has wounded you (from any point in your life), and spend a few moments writing down their name and their offense. Don’t forget that you may need to include YOURSELF in this exercise. Oh, the damage we do to our own psyches! Once you’ve written all you feel you need to write, burn the paper you’ve written on. Release it to the full moon, letting it all go…and forgiving. As is well-known, we don’t forgive for others. We forgive to free ourselves.
After this exercise, move on to writing about what you’re thankful/grateful for. This could include people, feelings, accomplishments, etc. – and also, again, YOURSELF. I encourage you, for at least a few days, to hold onto these writings and read over them as often as you like. Replace what you’ve let go with positive, grateful musings, and let them fill up the holes of release. Breathe in your bounty.
“You can only lose what you cling to.” – the Buddha
“Whatever we leave empty, grace will fill.” – Helen Schucman, A Course in Miracles
SANSKRIT ASANA TRANSLATIONS
Below are the English translations, from Sanskrit, for the poses you find on the referenced Chandra Namaskara/Moon Salutations link near the top of this document.
Tadasana – Mountain Pose
Indudalasana – Standing Crescent Pose
Utkata Konasana – Goddess Pose
Pancakanasana – 5-Pointed Star Pose
Utthita Trikonasana – Extended Triangle Pose
Parsvottanasana – Intense Side Stretch Pose
Ashwa Sanchalanasana – Low Lunge
Uttana Eka Pada Malasana – One-legged Garland Pose
Prapadasana – TipToe Pose
Anuvittasana – Standing Back Bend