Eclipses, full moons, and high-energy astrological days intensify everything you say and do. Ayurveda's response is specific: ground vata in its seat in the pelvic cavity, call pitta home behind the belly button, allow extra time for integration, and set intention to open gently rather than push hard. Below is the plan Susan Bass uses to move large groups through these days.
Why eclipses and full moons amplify everything
On an eclipse or a full moon, everything you say and do has a more intense effect. As any good Pitta would do (Susan's words), we prepare with a plan.
At the Sarasvati Institute, Susan teaches three-day immersion weekends. That means twenty-two hours of teaching across three days, plus the preparation it takes to hold that much energy in the room. Eclipse and full-moon weekends take even more preparation, because more energy is moving through.
The plan below is what Susan does to manage a large group on a high-energy day. It works for one person, too.
First: bring vata back to its seat (the pelvic cavity)
Vata is the air and space element. When it gets disturbed, it moves too fast and scatters. Ground it back into its seat in the pelvic cavity:
- Routine. Meals at the same time every day. Eat in silence.
- Time in nature. Quiet time with the elements is grounding.
- Touch the earth. Garden or walk barefoot.
- Early to bed. 10:30 PM is the absolute latest.
- Do something with your hands. Cook, garden, draw, paint. Hug your loved ones (human, trees, furry babies).
- Bring your presence into your body. Yoga and deep belly breathing.
Second: call the fire home (Pitta practices for intense days)
The seat of Pitta is behind the belly button, in the small intestine. When Pitta scatters, the fire goes everywhere except where you need it. We have many ways to call the fire home in Ayurvedic Yoga:
- Makarasana (crocodile pose)
- Kapalabhati (skull-shining breath, not breath of fire)
- Calling Home the Doshas (marma therapy sequence)
- Agni Sara (powerful kriya, must have a teacher)
- Meditation with Prithvi Mudra (mudra to increase the earth element)
Third: pay attention to integration
When energy is moving fast, the temptation is to push through. Don't. The actual work on these days is integration:
- Allow more time for everything. No rushing.
- Remind everyone (yourself first) to check in with how they are feeling. Don't let things build up.
- Take some time for journaling and meditation.
Fourth: set intention to open gently, not push hard
The intention for high-energy days is to go deep and open to power in a soothing, gentle, and healing way. Not to dominate. Not to perform. To allow.
That is the Ayurvedic frame for eclipses, full moons, and any astrological day that feels louder than usual. The intention is to allow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Ayurveda recommend extra care during eclipses and full moons? Because the energy of these days amplifies everything you say and do. Pitta and vata both get stirred. Susan's plan is to ground vata in its seat in the pelvic cavity and call pitta home behind the belly button before doing anything intense.
What's the most important practice on a full moon? Bringing vata back to its seat. Eat meals at the same time, in silence. Walk barefoot. Be in bed by 10:30 PM. Use your hands (cook, garden, draw). Yoga and deep belly breathing.
Which yoga poses help on high-energy days? Makarasana (crocodile pose), Kapalabhati (skull-shining breath), Calling Home the Doshas marma sequence, Agni Sara (with a teacher), and meditation with Prithvi Mudra to increase the earth element.
Can I do intense workouts during an eclipse? Ayurveda says no. The day is for grounding and integration, not pushing. Slow down. Allow more time for everything.
What is the intention to set on a high-energy day? To go deep and open to power in a soothing, gentle, and healing way. Not to dominate or perform. To allow.