On the full moon, the sun’s radiance is strongest – reflected both from the earth and from the moon to the earth. We receive this light. If light = consciousness, then it is when we have access to greatest consciousness. We can begin a 40 day meditation on the new moon, and continue building its effectiveness daily to perhaps have most profound experiences on the full moon. From the new moon to the full moon there is a building up of energy. From the full moon to the new moon there is a winding down of energy. Many processes in nature are linked to the cycling of the moon. Biodynamic gardeners plant most flower, fruit and vegetable seeds two days before the new moon, finding that both light and gravitational conditions following the new moon assist in root and foliage growth. Thus it is good to begin a 40 day practice on the new moon (to let it grow and build) but to do a single practice of Full Moon meditation monthly on the full moon, when its radiance is strongest.
Moon relates to ida (yin, contraction, introversion, receptive, inner feminine, MA) Sun relates to pingala (yang, expansive, extroverion, projective, inner masculine, RA)
Sun and moon together in equal parts relates to sushmana (RAMA). The full moon is the time of month where there is the greatest connection between sun and moon. If we meditate at this time it may be easier to direct the prana through the sushumna.
Ida is energized most at the new moon, winter solstice Pingala most energized at full moon, summer solstice
The following meditations are suitable to be practiced on or around the full moon:
1) Healing Ring of the Tantra (need 11 people) p. 95 in Aquarian Teacher manual
2) Antar Naad Mudra with Sa Re Sa Sa p.86 Aquarian Teacher (music by Gurushabd Singh works well)
3) Adi Shakti, Adi Shakti Adi Shakti Namo Namo… with music by Gurudass Kaur, call and answer
4) Ajai Alai mantra with arms in an arc over the head in a reverse venus lock, fingers pointing down (music by Gurushabd Singh)
5) Dhrib Dhrishti Lochina Karma—Meditation for Inspiring, Truthful, Deeply Penetrating Speech “The action of acquiring insight into the future.” Yogi Bhajan
The Bij Mantra, or seed mantra (Sa Ta Na Ma), helps join you with your destiny—the fulfilling life you are meant to live—and signifies the cycle of life. As a result of mastering this meditation, you will become conscious in thought and action. Your words will have the power to penetrate deeply. Your words will inspire and always represent the truth of a given situation. It is said that you can master this meditation in several sittings if you practice with total devotion. It is also said that when practiced on the eve of the full moon, this meditation has an especially powerful effect.
Sit in easy pose with a straight spine. Rest your wrists on your knees with the palms facing up. Place your hands in Gyan Mudra—catch the tip of your index finger with your thumb and keep the middle, ring, and little fingers straight. Lock the edges of your front teeth together; you may need to move your lower jaw forward to align the upper and lower rows of teeth. Gently focus your eyes on the tip of your nose. Your tongue touches the upper palate in a relaxed way; it should happen automatically after approximately one minute of meditation.
Mentally project the mantra Sa Ta Na Ma (all “a’s” are pronounced as the “a” in “father”) out from your third eye. Concentrate on creating a powerful projection and internal harmony. The minimum time suggested for this meditation is 15 minutes, and you may build up to 31 minutes. (Then, to master this meditation, you can slowly build your time to 1½ hours at a sitting.) When you finish the meditation, relax, and send out blessings for peace.
Sa – totality, life Ta – creation, birth Na – death, transition Ma – rebirth
© The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan Reprinted from Aquarian Times, Summer 2003
love and blessings, Sat Dharam Kaur.