The Half Moon Pose, or Ardha Chandrasana, is an ancient yoga posture that has been practiced for thousands of years. The name “Ardha Chandrasana” is derived from the Sanskrit words “ardha” (half) and “chandra” (moon). The pose is believed to represent the energy of the moon, which symbolizes calmness, serenity and introspection. It can help bring harmony and balance to the body, mind and spirit.

The Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana) is a balancing yoga posture that strengthens the legs, core and back. It also increases flexibility in the hips, spine and shoulders and improves your balance. This pose helps to open the chest and lungs, allowing for deeper breathing and increased energy flow throughout the body. It is also believed to open the third eye, encouraging intuition and spiritual awareness. 

Half Moon Yoga Pose (Ardha Chandrasana): 

1. Begin in Tadasana (Mountain Pose). 
2. Step your feet about 3 to 4 feet apart coming into warrior 2 with the right leg forward.
3. Bend your right knee and bring weight into your right foot. 
4. Continue to gaze at the right thumb opening the palm to face toward the body. 
5. As you inhale, keep the shape of the body, but straighten your bent right knee and begin to lift the left leg. 
6. Reach your left arm toward the sky, keeping a long line of energy across your body from right arm to left arm. 
7. Gently tilt your torso to the right and press your left hip toward your right heel. 
8. Reach your left arm, palm up toward the sky and keep the lifted, left leg active.
9. Draw your shoulder blades down your back and away from your ears. 
10. Breathe deeply and hold the pose for 5-10 breaths. 
11. To release, slowly bring your right arm down and bend your right knee. 
12. Step back into Tadasana and repeat the pose on the other side.

The Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana) is said to have originated in India, where it was part of an ancient ritual performed by the sages of the Vedic period. According to legend, the sages were sitting in a circle and meditating when suddenly, a beam of light shone down from the sky, forming a half-moon shape in the center of the circle. The sages then began to practice the pose, which is now known as the Half Moon Pose. The pose is said to represent the energy of the moon and the power of transformation that it holds.

Namaste.