Moon Day – Ardha Chandrasana – Half Moon Pose

Good morning Yogis! Today would normally be Santosha/contentment Day.. but it is also Moon Day, honoring the 51st anniversary of the day we landed on the moon! So, we are going to talk about one of my favorite balancing poses that you should practice with Santosha in mind – Ardha Chandrasana (ARD-ha chahn-DRA-sa-nuh) or Half Moon Pose.

This is a common pose for intermediate level and above Yogis. This pose can also be a good challenge for motivated beginners who work their way up to the pose properly. There are so many incredible, strong, and flexibile Yogis on Instagram! However, you often do not see the work to get into advanced poses – usually some Asana practice prior to the photo with easier similar poses, and years of practice before that day!

You should first practice getting into Ardha Chandrasana with easier but similar poses. Some poses to work on first, and that Yoga Teachers frequently use, include Utthita Parsvakonasana/Extended Side Angle, Trikonasana/Triangle Pose, Tri Pado Adho Mukha Svanasana/Three Legged Down Dog, and/or Virabhadrasana III/Warrior 3. Also, a block can be helpful for some Yogis under the front hand (ironically I have less balance with the block). Since this is a fairly complex pose that is best worked up to in a series rather than practiced on its own, I am recommending an Asana series building up to this pose!

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try an Asana series working into Ardha Chandrasana / Half Moon Pose for Moon Day! If you are a new Yogi, be gentle with yourself and practice Santosha/Contentment, and notice and accept where you are on this “journey” pose.. this is a difficult Asana, and there is a lot going on. It took me quite a bit of practice to hold this pose without falling over!

Vinyasa building to Ardha Chandrasana / Half Moon

Detailed breakdown of Ardha Chandrasana / Half Moon Pose

PS If this is a bit too advanced for you right now, honor Moon Day with some Hatha, which can be translated as “sun and moon.” Check out our recommended Hatha Yoga series!

PPS If you are comfortable with Ardha Chandrasana and/or variations of this pose, please tag us with your half moon on Instagram!

Please comment to share your experience! Have you tried Ardha Chadrasana / Half Moon Pose before? Always remember, be kind!