FULL MOON IN PISCES - SEPTEMBER 2024

What is a Full Moon?

A full moon occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, with its face fully illuminated.

This phase marks the midpoint of the lunar cycle and is known for its brightness and visibility.

Why is the September 2024 moon a Super Moon?

A super moon happens when a full moon coincides with the Moon's closest approach to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee.

This makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual.

The full moon on Monday, September 19th, 2024, is a super moon because it occurs when the Moon is at or near its closest point to Earth.

Other names for this Moon

The full moon in September is often called the "Harvest Moon." This name comes from the fact that it occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, which traditionally marks the time for harvesting crops.

Other names include the "Corn Moon," "Barley Moon," and "Chrysanthemum Moon."

Astrological sign of this Full Moon

The full moon on September 19th, 2024, falls in the astrological sign of Pisces. Pisces is a water sign known for its sensitivity, intuition, and deep emotional connections.

Spiritual meaning of Full Moons

Full moons are often seen as a time of culmination, release, and illumination.

Spiritually, they represent the peak of energy and the completion of cycles.

This phase is ideal for letting go of what no longer serves us, gaining clarity, and making space for new intentions.

Spiritual meaning of this Super moon

Given that this super moon falls in Pisces, its spiritual significance is heightened.

Pisces energy encourages introspection, compassion, and a connection with the subconscious mind.

This super moon may inspire deep emotional healing, enhanced intuition, and a greater sense of unity with the collective consciousness.

It's a time to release emotional baggage and embrace your spiritual growth.

Rituals for a Full Moon

1. Cleansing: Use sage, palo santo, or incense to cleanse your space and yourself of negative energy.

2. Moon Water: Place a bowl of water under the moonlight to create moon water, which can be used for rituals or cleansing.

3. Journaling: Write down what you wish to release, and then burn the paper as a symbolic act of letting go.

4. Crystal Charging: Place your crystals under the full moon to cleanse and recharge their energy.

5. Gratitude Ritual: Reflect on what you are grateful for and set intentions for the next lunar cycle.

Yoga practice for a Full Moon

1. Moon Salutations (Chandra Namaskar): A sequence that honours the lunar energy, focusing on calm and cooling movements.

2. Restorative Poses: Postures like Child’s Pose (Balasana) and Savasana can help you connect with the calming energy of the moon.

3. Breathwork (Pranayama): Practice deep, slow breathing to align with the introspective energy of the full moon.

How might we feel on a Full Moon?

Many people report heightened emotions, increased sensitivity, and a sense of restlessness during a full moon. This can manifest as vivid dreams, mood swings, or a strong urge to reflect on personal issues. Some may feel more energized, while others experience fatigue due to the intensity of the lunar energy.

Meditation for a Full Moon

1. Lunar Visualization: Imagine the moon's light filling your body, bringing peace and clarity.

2. Releasing Meditation: Focus on what you wish to let go of and visualize it dissolving in the moonlight.

3. Gratitude Meditation: Spend time in stillness, focusing on gratitude for the blessings in your life.

Relaxation for a Full Moon

1. Moon Bathing: Spend time outdoors under the moonlight, absorbing its calming energy.

2. Aromatherapy: Use calming scents like lavender or chamomile to relax the body and mind.

3. Soothing Bath: Take a warm bath with sea salt and essential oils to cleanse and relax.

Summary

The full moon on Monday, September 19th, 2024, is a super moon in Pisces, offering an amplified opportunity for emotional release, spiritual growth, and introspection.

Known as the Harvest Moon, it holds a special significance as it marks the transition from summer to autumn.

Full moons are powerful times for rituals that focus on cleansing, letting go, and setting intentions.

Emotions may be heightened, and practices like yoga, meditation, and relaxation can help channel this energy into positive transformation.

Honour the Full Moon with Yoga Borne

YB Summer of Self Love FREE online via Yoga Borne YouTube is offering a selection of special full moon inspired practices. Just click here to head to our YouTube channel.

WORLD MEDITATION DAY: A JOURNEY TO INNER PEACE

May 21st is World Meditation Day, and comes just after Mental Health Awareness Week draws to a close.

It is also during a month when Yoga Borne have been offering the FREE experience of “Meditate Through May” via Yoga Borne YouTube.

Every day in May we have uploaded a new meditation to our YouTube channel.

All offerings on Yoga Borne YouTube are completely FREE, and a real passion project of mine, as part of spreading holistic Yoga far and wide, and being as accessible and inclusive as possible.

Just click the link below to head over to our YouTube channel, and start or continue your holistic Yoga and wellbeing journey.

MEDITATE THROUGH MAY - MORE INFO HERE!

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique, such as mindfulness, focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity, to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.

It has roots in ancient traditions but is widely practiced in modern contexts for its numerous mental and physical benefits.

History of Meditation

The practice of meditation dates back thousands of years and spans various cultures and religions. Some key historical milestones include:

Ancient India: The earliest references to meditation are found in the Hindu texts known as the Vedas. Techniques like Dhyana (concentration) were developed and refined in the traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

Buddhism: Buddhism extensively incorporates meditation practices, including Vipassana (insight) and Samatha (tranquillity).

Daoism: In ancient China, Daoist meditation practices emphasised harmony with nature and the Dao / Taoism.

Western Practices: Meditation reached the West and has been adapted into secular forms and integrated into psychology and wellness practices.

Different Types of Meditation

Meditation encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques.

Some of the most well-known include:

Mindfulness Meditation: Originating from Buddhist practices, it involves paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. This is often practiced through techniques like mindful breathing.

Transcendental Meditation: A technique which involves silently repeating a mantra to settle the mind into a state of restful alertness.

Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta): Focuses on cultivating an attitude of love and compassion towards oneself and others.

Zen Meditation (Zazen): A practice from Zen Buddhism that involves seated meditation, focusing on the breath and observing thoughts without attachment.

Guided Meditation: Involves listening to a guide or instructor who leads the meditation, often incorporating visualization techniques.

Yoga Nidra: Also known as yogic sleep, it is a form of guided meditation that induces deep relaxation.

Who is Meditation For?

Meditation is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or belief system.

We hope that “Meditate Through May” can show you that meditation is a part of Yoga that is accessible and inclusive to everyone and every-body.

Mindfulness and meditation practices are not always taught as part of a Yoga class, as “Asana” (the movement part), tends to be a bigger focus in the West.

However at Yoga Borne we believe in a well rounded, holistic (whole) approach, and want to show how the rich tapestry of Yoga can be incorporated into our classes and your lives!

Meditation can be particularly beneficial for:

Individuals seeking stress relief: Meditation helps reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation.

Those looking to improve focus and concentration: Regular practice can enhance cognitive functions.

People with mental health concerns: It can support emotional health and is often used in conjunction with other treatments for conditions like depression and PTSD.

Individuals on a spiritual path: Many use meditation as a means to explore and deepen their spiritual life.

Anyone aiming for personal growth: Meditation fosters self-awareness and personal development.

What Are the Benefits of Meditation?

The benefits of meditation are well-documented and include:

Mental Health: Reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD; improves emotional health by fostering a positive outlook and emotional resilience.

Physical Health: Lowers blood pressure, reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and can alleviate chronic pain.

Cognitive Function: Enhances concentration, attention, and memory; promotes better decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Emotional Regulation: Helps manage stress, increases self-awareness, and fosters compassion and empathy.

Overall Well-being: Contributes to a sense of inner peace and balance, helping to improve our overall quality of life!

On World Meditation Day, we want to take a moment to honour and celebrate this ancient practice that continues to offer profound benefits in our modern lives.

Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, take a moment today to explore the peace and clarity that meditation can bring.

Meditation Classes at Yoga Borne

Monday (bi-weekly) 8pm - Mindful Meditation (online live via Zoom)

Thursday (weekly) 8pm - Yoga Nidra (online live via Zoom)

Our public classes all offer some exploration into mindfulness and meditation. Especially Pregnancy Yoga, RELAX on a Wednesday and Friday evening, SLOW FLOW on Wednesday evening, and FLOW on Sunday morning.