Moon Salutations and Lunar Energy: Honoring Selene

BY NICOLE LAU

If Sun Salutations are the yoga of fire, action, and yang energy, then Moon Salutations are the yoga of water, receptivity, and yin energy. While the sun represents the active, masculine, outward-directed force, the moon represents the receptive, feminine, inward-turning power.

Moon Salutations (Chandra Namaskar) are less well-known than their solar counterpart, but they are equally essential for a balanced yoga practice and a balanced life. In a culture that glorifies constant action, productivity, and solar energy, Moon Salutations offer a radical alternative: the power of receptivity, the wisdom of cycles, and the magic of the feminine.

The practice honors Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon, along with Chandra (the Vedic moon deity), Diana, Artemis, and all lunar goddesses who govern the tides, the cycles, the mysteries of the night. When you practice Moon Salutations, you align yourself with lunar rhythms, cultivate emotional intelligence, and access the deep wisdom of the subconscious.

This article explores the sacred feminine energy of the moon, the practice of Moon Salutations, and how to work with lunar cycles for emotional balance, intuition, and spiritual depth.

The Moon as Sacred Symbol

The Moon in Vedic Tradition

In Hindu philosophy, Chandra (the moon) governs the mind, emotions, and the subconscious. While Surya (the sun) represents consciousness and the soul (atman), Chandra represents the mind (manas) and the emotional body.

The moon represents:

• Manas: The mind, especially the emotional and subconscious aspects
• Soma: The nectar of immortality, the divine elixir
• Cycles: The waxing and waning of all things, impermanence
• Reflection: The moon reflects the sun's light, just as the mind reflects consciousness
• Fertility: The creative, generative power of the feminine

The Moon in Greek Tradition

Selene was the Greek goddess of the moon, driving her silver chariot across the night sky. She represents the full moon in its glory, while Artemis represents the crescent moon and Hecate the dark moon.

Selene represents:

• Illumination in Darkness: The light that guides through the night
• Cycles and Rhythm: The eternal waxing and waning
• Feminine Power: The sovereign goddess energy
• Mystery: The hidden, the intuitive, the unseen
• Magnetism: The pull of the tides, the attraction of the feminine

Lunar Energy in Astrology

In astrology, the Moon represents:

• Emotions: Your feeling nature, emotional responses, and needs
• The Subconscious: Your inner world, dreams, and hidden patterns
• Nurturing: How you care for yourself and others
• The Mother: Feminine energy, receptivity, and intuition
• The Past: Memory, childhood, and ancestral patterns
• Cycles: Natural rhythms, menstruation, and tidal flows

Your Moon sign in astrology reveals your emotional nature, what makes you feel safe, and how you process feelings.

The Anatomy of Moon Salutations

Unlike Sun Salutations, which move in a linear forward-and-back pattern, Moon Salutations move in a circular, flowing pattern—like the moon's orbit around the earth. The sequence is longer, slower, and more fluid than Sun Salutations.

There are several variations of Chandra Namaskar. Here's a traditional 14-pose sequence:

The 14 Poses of Chandra Namaskar (Traditional)

1. Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Standing, hands at heart. Centering in the heart space, honoring the lunar energy within.
2. Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose): Arms reach up, slight backbend. Opening to receive lunar blessings, expanding the heart.
3. Utkata Konasana (Goddess Pose): Wide stance, knees bent, arms in cactus or overhead. Embodying the divine feminine, grounding into earth.
4. Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle Pose - Right): Right leg straight, left knee bent, right arm reaches up. Creating space, opening the side body.
5. Parsvottanasana (Pyramid Pose - Right): Hips square, folding over right leg. Surrendering, releasing, letting go.
6. Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge - Right): Right leg back, left knee bent, heart lifted. Opening the hips, the seat of emotions.
7. Malasana (Garland Pose/Squat): Deep squat, hands at heart or on ground. Grounding, rooting, connecting to earth.
8. Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge - Left): Left leg back now, right knee bent. Balancing the opposite side.
9. Parsvottanasana (Pyramid Pose - Left): Folding over left leg. Continuing the surrender.
10. Utthita Trikonasana (Triangle Pose - Left): Left arm reaches up. Opening the other side.
11. Utkata Konasana (Goddess Pose): Returning to the goddess stance. Reclaiming feminine power.
12. Hasta Uttanasana (Raised Arms Pose): Rising up, arms overhead. Reaching toward the moon.
13. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold): Folding forward completely. Full surrender, releasing to gravity.
14. Pranamasana (Prayer Pose): Returning to center, hands at heart. Completing the cycle, integrating the energy.

This completes one full round. The sequence can be repeated multiple times, always moving in a circular, flowing manner.

The Energetics of Moon Salutations

Moon Salutations work on different energetic levels than Sun Salutations:

Physical Level

• Cools the body rather than heating it
• Opens the hips and side body
• Stretches rather than strengthens (though strength is built through holding)
• Activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest)
• Balances hormones and supports reproductive health

Energetic Level

• Activates the sacral chakra (Svadhisthana) - center of emotions, creativity, and sexuality
• Opens the heart chakra (Anahata) - center of love, compassion, and connection
• Balances the ida nadi (lunar/feminine energy channel)
• Cultivates yin energy - receptive, cooling, introspective
• Harmonizes with natural cycles and rhythms

Spiritual Level

• Honors the divine feminine
• Cultivates receptivity and surrender
• Develops emotional intelligence and intuition
• Aligns with lunar cycles and natural rhythms
• Accesses the wisdom of the subconscious

Practicing Moon Salutations as Sacred Ritual

Timing: Evening or Night Practice

While Moon Salutations can be practiced any time, they are most powerful:

• At night: When the moon is visible in the sky
• During the full moon: When lunar energy is at its peak
• During menstruation: When the body is naturally in a lunar, receptive phase
• In the evening: To wind down and prepare for rest

Practice facing the moon if visible, or facing west (where the moon rises).

Intention: Honoring the Moon

Before beginning, set a lunar intention:

"I honor the moon, the mirror of my soul. I align with lunar rhythms. I open to receive. I embrace my emotions. I trust my intuition. I offer this practice in gratitude for the gift of cycles, tides, and the wisdom of the feminine."

Mantra: The Chandra Mantras

While there are traditional Chandra mantras, Moon Salutations are often practiced in silence or with gentle, flowing music. If you choose to use mantra, try:

Om Chandraya Namaha - Salutations to the moon

Or the Chandra Gayatri Mantra:

"Om Kshira Putraya Vidmahe
Amrita Tattvaya Dhimahi
Tanno Chandra Prachodayat"

(We meditate on the son of milk, the essence of nectar. May the moon illuminate our consciousness.)

Visualization: Lunar Energy

As you practice, visualize:

• Soft silver moonlight entering your body with each inhale
• This light filling your sacral chakra (lower belly) and heart chakra
• The light cooling, soothing, and balancing your emotions
• Your body becoming fluid like water, flowing like the tides
• Your inner moon glowing softly, reflecting divine light

Breath: Lunar Breath

Moon Salutations use slower, deeper breathing than Sun Salutations:

• Breathe through the nose (unless otherwise instructed)
• Make the exhale longer than the inhale (calming the nervous system)
• Move slowly and fluidly, like water
• Pause between poses to feel the energy

You can also practice Chandra Bhedana (left nostril breathing) before or after Moon Salutations to enhance lunar energy.

The Sacral and Heart Chakra Connection

Moon Salutations primarily activate two chakras:

Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra)

Located in the lower abdomen, this is the seat of:

• Emotions: Your feeling nature and emotional fluidity
• Creativity: Your creative and generative power
• Sexuality: Your sensual and sexual energy
• Pleasure: Your capacity to experience joy and delight
• Flow: Your ability to move with life rather than resist it

The hip-opening poses in Moon Salutations directly activate and balance this chakra.

Anahata (Heart Chakra)

Located at the center of the chest, this is the seat of:

• Love: Your capacity to give and receive love
• Compassion: Your empathy and care for self and others
• Connection: Your sense of belonging and relationship
• Grief: Your ability to process loss and heartbreak
• Joy: Your capacity for genuine happiness

The circular, flowing movements and the emphasis on receptivity open the heart chakra.

Working with Lunar Cycles

The moon moves through phases, and each phase has different energy. You can align your Moon Salutation practice with these phases:

New Moon (Dark Moon)

Energy: New beginnings, planting seeds, introspection, rest

Practice: Gentle, restorative Moon Salutations or complete rest

Intention: "What do I want to call in? What seeds am I planting?"

Focus: Setting intentions, going inward, honoring the void

Waxing Moon (Growing)

Energy: Building, growing, expanding, taking action

Practice: More dynamic Moon Salutations, building strength

Intention: "What am I building? What am I growing?"

Focus: Taking action on intentions, building momentum

Full Moon (Peak)

Energy: Culmination, celebration, release, illumination

Practice: Powerful, expressive Moon Salutations under the full moon

Intention: "What is being revealed? What am I celebrating? What am I releasing?"

Focus: Gratitude, release, emotional clearing

Waning Moon (Releasing)

Energy: Letting go, releasing, cleansing, wisdom

Practice: Slow, meditative Moon Salutations focused on release

Intention: "What am I releasing? What no longer serves?"

Focus: Letting go, forgiveness, clearing space

The Lunar Ritual: Complete Practice

Preparation (5-10 minutes)

1. Create a peaceful space, dim the lights or use candlelight
2. If possible, practice where you can see the moon
3. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes
4. Take several deep breaths, feeling your body soften
5. Place your hands on your lower belly (sacral chakra)
6. Set your lunar intention
7. Chant "Om Chandraya Namaha" 3 times

Practice (20-40 minutes)

1. Perform 3-7 rounds of Moon Salutations
2. Move slowly, fluidly, like water
3. Breathe deeply and consciously
4. Hold poses longer than in Sun Salutations (5-10 breaths)
5. Maintain awareness of sacral and heart chakras
6. Visualize silver moonlight filling your body
7. Allow emotions to arise and flow without judgment

Integration (10-15 minutes)

1. Lie in Savasana (Corpse Pose)
2. Feel the cooling, calming energy of the practice
3. Visualize the moon above you, bathing you in silver light
4. Rest for at least 10 minutes
5. When ready, roll to your left side (lunar side) and sit up slowly
6. Return to seated meditation, hands at heart
7. Bow in gratitude: "Thank you, Selene. Thank you, Chandra. Thank you, Moon."

Lunar Energy for Specific Intentions

For Emotional Balance and Healing

• Practice during the full moon for emotional release
• Focus on hip openers to release stored emotions
• Allow yourself to cry, laugh, or express whatever arises
• Visualize emotions flowing through you like water

For Intuition and Psychic Development

• Practice at night, in darkness or candlelight
• Focus on third eye chakra as well as sacral and heart
• Practice with eyes closed to enhance inner vision
• Ask for guidance and listen for answers

For Creativity and Fertility

• Practice during the waxing moon
• Focus on sacral chakra, visualizing orange creative energy
• Move sensually, honoring your body
• Set intentions for what you want to create or birth

For Rest and Restoration

• Practice during the new moon or when exhausted
• Move very slowly, hold poses longer
• Focus on the cooling, calming aspects of lunar energy
• Allow yourself to be completely receptive

Balancing Solar and Lunar Practice

A complete yoga practice includes both solar and lunar energy:

Sun Salutations: Yang, active, heating, strengthening, masculine, doing

Moon Salutations: Yin, receptive, cooling, opening, feminine, being

Most people need more lunar practice than they think. In a culture that glorifies constant action, productivity, and yang energy, Moon Salutations offer essential balance.

Signs you need more lunar practice:

• Burnout, exhaustion, or adrenal fatigue
• Emotional numbness or overwhelm
• Difficulty resting or receiving
• Disconnection from intuition or body
• Hormonal imbalances
• Excessive heat or inflammation in the body

A balanced practice might include:

• Sun Salutations in the morning, Moon Salutations in the evening
• Sun Salutations during the first half of the month, Moon Salutations during the second half
• Sun Salutations when you need energy, Moon Salutations when you need rest
• Alternating days or weeks between solar and lunar focus

Moving Forward

In our next article, we'll explore Pranayama and Energy Work: Breath as Life Force—the practices that directly manipulate prana to balance and awaken the energy body.

But for now, establish a relationship with the moon through this practice. Let Moon Salutations become your ritual of receptivity, emotional intelligence, and alignment with natural cycles.

The moon teaches us that darkness is not the absence of light—it's a different kind of illumination. That rest is not laziness—it's essential renewal. That receptivity is not weakness—it's profound power.

You are a child of the moon. Lunar energy flows through your blood. Your cycles are sacred. Honor them. Trust them. Flow with them. Salute the moon, and become the moon.

As you continue to honor Selene and weave lunar reverence into your practice, let the gentle pull of her silver light guide your intentions deeper, perhaps aligning your rituals with the 40 manifestation rituals intention to reality to carry your dreams from moon to moon. For those sacred moments when you wish to celebrate a new cycle, the 13 new moon rituals lunar beginnings offer a tender framework for planting seeds under her veil of darkness. And when you wish to retreat into the quiet inner realms that Selene illuminates, the void whisper subconscious drift audio wav pdf can softly escort you into the velvety depths of your own moonlit subconscious.

As you move through the graceful flow of moon salutations, let the gentle pull of lunar energy guide your practice, perhaps laying out your lunar cycle flow yoga mat to keep that connection grounded beneath you. Carry the moon’s quiet magic into your daily rituals with a sip from a moon water insulated tumbler with a straw, infusing each moment with Selene’s reflective calm. When the moon’s face is hidden, embrace the sacred pause with the void of course moon sacred pause and rest audio to honor those in-between times of stillness. For deeper alignment, the moon subconscious and dream work audio can help you weave lunar energy into your inner world as you rest. Wrap yourself in the soft glow of the full moon starry blanket and let the night sky’s serene embrace remind you that honoring the moon is always a homecoming.