Ardha Chandrasana: the power of the Half Moon Pose

Ardha Chandrasana, or the Half Moon Pose, is a standing balance yoga pose. Although it’s not a complex asana and can be performed by beginners, it requires some time, balance and confidence to master it.

Props can help of course, and we’ll also give you some tips on that!

A pose of great beauty and alignment, and an interesting meaning, that combines the power of the sun with the peaceful vibes of the moon. Ardha Chandrasana is worth the necessary commitment to get through it. 

Understand the energy of this pose and how to build it. Keep reading and learn more about Ardha Chandrasana.

The energy of Ardha Chandrasana

Let’s dig into the energy of Ardha Chandrasana. Yoga poses are not only about the physical stretch or strength to develop, but it’s also about the way it works with our energy. Different poses have different effects, and it’s possible to calm down our vibe, bring more power, work on our emotions, among other possibilities.

Ardha Chandrasana has, of course, its energy and effects. The Half Moon Pose is an interesting combination of forces and energies. First of all, by working on balance and concentration, it’s in deep connection with our moon side and feminine energy. 

On the other side, the pose requires core and leg strength, as well as opens the chest, working on our sun and masculine energy, and an expansion of it.

The beauty of it is endless. Ardha Chandrasana teaches us that we need to learn how to work with both of our sides and that they can be present at the same time in our lives.

Most of us tend to be and feed one side way more than the other, resulting in imbalances that with time can turn out to be more serious. Working on asanas that help us, consciously or not, learning how to join both forces, is important.

Also, did you know you can choose to which energy you focus more? Let’s say you need to slow down and ground, while you are doing Ardha Chandrasana you focus on the balance and the moon energy. Or in case you are feeling lazy and down, and you need to boost your levels of energy, you can focus on all the strength and boost your sun side.

Isn’t it amazing all one single pose allows us to do?

Ardha Chandrasana: step-by-step

Now that you know how you can use Ardha Chandrasana to your benefit, let’s find out how to build this pose. Remember that there are always other possibilities, this is just one suggestion.

Step 1: start by entering Utthita Trikonasana to the right side. Rest the right hand on the right hip, bend your right knee, place your right hand on the floor on a diagonal line with your foot (the hand must be placed on the shoulder line).

Step 2: exhale and start lifting your left leg. Keep the leg strong and the heel pressing backward.

Step 3: keeping your head and eyes facing the ground, start rotating your torso to the left while you exhale. Allow the hips to open and point your toes to the left as well. Depending on how balanced you are, keep the left hand on the hips or extend your harm and raise your hand.

Step 4: to improve the alignment, press the sacrum and scapulas against the back torso, and lengthen the coccyx towards the left heel. Move the weight of your body to the standing leg, and if you feel balanced and comfortable, look the left hand.

Step 5: hold the pose for 5 to 10 breaths. Exhale, bend your standing leg and look to the floor. With your core strong, inhale and lift your upper body and bring both of your feet together in Tadasana.

Ardha Chandrasana and props

Wall: you can use the wall to work on Ardha Chandrasana. Either by placing your back against the wall or by placing your lifted foot against the wall.

Use it to work on your alignment and not to as a way out for working on your balance, unless you have deep balancing problems.

Block: you can use a yoga block on the hand that stays on the floor in case you can’t reach the floor and extend the standing leg. 

Ready to fall in love with Ardha Chandrasana? Work on the pose, surpass the initial trembling and insecurities and enjoy all it can make for you.

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• A six step sequence to Ardha Chandrasana
• Ardha Ekapada Rajakapotasana: step-by-step of the Pigeon Pose
• Adho Mukha Vrksasana training in 5 steps [with pictures]