The full and new moons gives us the chance to contemplate on where we have been and where we might go in the future. This full moon in Virgo inspires us to use our intuition to see what we need to address for our future happiness and success.
It might seem a little crazy, but the influence of the moon and the planets are there to assist us, so take advantage of these energies and let the light of the full moon illuminate your vision to see what is missing, or needs your attention.
You may need to take that first small step, or follow your gut that could lead you to some inspired revelations. Our intuition is one of the greatest gifts we have been given to guide us through complex times, obstacles, and situations. Listen, take note, and then take action. Unlimited resources may appear to help you make your inspired vision a reality!

Sarah Darval is pictured in a simple seated position used for meditation. Meditation is a practice that crosses all religions, cultures, and boundaries. It can include a prayer practice or a myriad of meditation techniques that vary depending on your own individuality. For some, this seated position might require a bolster, sitting against a wall to keep the spine straight, or slight shifting or movement to be able to endure it for more that a few minutes. If you cannot SIT without discomfort, it’s a good indicator that you could spend some time focusing on how you can develop the strength, flexibility, and openness to be able to do so. Yoga, meditation, dance, or many other movement possibilities exist that can help address these issues. The important thing to do is to take the time to quiet thinking mind and LISTEN. Trust the voice from within and know that this inner voice is always there to guide you to reaching your highest good.

Meditation is offered on a donation basis at YOGA FOR THE PEACEFUL with Sarah on Thursdays at 7 pm.

 The new moon on February 13th is a wonderful time to start fresh and think about ways you can be more creative in your life. The way the planets are aligned right now may bring about a desire for change or the momentum to make strides to go in another direction.
There is a feeling of tentativeness that is looming and instead of forging boldly ahead; it is in our favor to find a comfortable rhythm that is grounding and stabilizing. Let go of big plans, agendas, and frustrations and use the creative, positive visioning process to find ways to reach your goals.  Saturn being in Virgo also inspires us to exercise a bit of discipline in finding balance at this time.  Make better use of your creativity, artistic skills, and even apply all of these aspects to improve your relationships.
The asana I have chosen for this time is a creative variation of Virabhadrasana II, the warrior. The wide, open stance is very grounding and stabilizing. The arms are moving in a rhythmic, flowing way through the centerline and out towards space. There is a feeling of freedom, of opening up to change, and a creative urge that rises up from the earth, through your whole body, and out through your hands. As you move your hands from one side to the other there is a rhythm where you begin to lose your head and open to change that takes you where you are meant to be going. Here in Crested Butte strong arms and hips are vital, and the length and opening of the side body enables us to get more prana (life force), to be, do, and create our magnificent reality. 

 Full moons signify a time of completion and fulfillment of that which was started at the new moon. The last new moon urged us to examine where our life path was taking us and if we are still on course. This full moon questions if we are brave enough to make our intentions manifest in our lives.  
Leo is the sign that passionately “loves what it loves!” It is a fun, lively moon that encourages creating support networks, socializing, and striking a balance between romance and friendships. It’s a time for planning something just for fun, bringing out our creative and artistic side, as well as acknowledging your own unique individuality. With the full moon bright in the sky, illuminations may occur in our own lives, so it’s a good time to explore new feelings, and express them authentically (without overdoing it!). This is not a time to sit on your feelings, but wise to take care in how you do let them out. 
With the moon in this determined yet playful sign, I have chosen the most ancient of all asanas, DANCE! You can see Lindsay Fullers look of ecstasy as she dances with no inhibitions. Joyful self-expression is the perfect “posture” for this moon. Our culture does not always indulge in dance enough (especially without mood enhancing substances), and if you allow yourself a little space to just move in your own particular way, it’s amazing how much stress is relieved. As the pressures fall away and joy trickles in, the inherent creative spirit that we all have begins to bubble up and can surprisingly unleash your power to create, manifest, have fun, and appreciate your own extraordinary self. Dance with your kids, your beloved, on your full moon ski, with yourself, with your dog. Dance in celebration, in tears, in gratitude, in love. Dance for Haiti, for our friends and family who have passed on, for peace, for our community, for the water and the trees, for the kids, for justice, for your dreams, or for the hell of it. Just Dance! 

New moons are auspicious monthly celestial events that can be utilized to start fresh. When they are combined with a solar eclipse, they hold even more power for manifestation. This day also ends the cycle of mercury being in retrograde, so we can all take a deep breath and step up our activities and efforts without worry. Things are definitely going to flow better!

This Capricorn new moon is a great opportunity to take a look at how we spend our recourses, including finances, time, energy, skills and talents. It’s a good time to be sure we channel our energies so that we are generating more assets instead of liabilities in our life. Loyalty and commitment are also themes during this time so take note if you are devoting yourself to the people and institutions that are worthy of your attention. It’s a good time to make readjustments in relationships and notice what you give and receive.

Capricorn energy is also associated with rigid thinking and expectations, as well as paying particular attention to the skeletal system, joints, and skin. Focus on maintaining a sense of flexibility in daily situations, as well as developing healthy ways to take care of your body.

KT Joy is shown doing the Tree Pose. This is a posture that develops focus, as well as strength and flexibility. Standing firm on one leg, place your attention on your breath, and let yourself feel the sense of clarity and courage to look at the issues in your life that need attention. Keep your gaze fixed upon something non-moving, smile, and receive the earth energy up through your foot, and throughout the whole body. Extend the arms joyfully up towards the sky and give your energy out to where it is best served. If you sway or topple over, let it be a reminder to be flexible in body and mind. Let this momentum of the eclipsed new moon in Capricorn lure you be conscious and aware of your health, relationships, and to consider all the things you’d like to accomplish this year.
(KT teaches Poi Playshop on Fridays 6-7 pm, so if you dream of spinning fire or just want a fun workout, come to the pump room on Friday. For more info, contact Yoga For the Peaceful at www.yogaforthepeaceful.org 349.0302)

The full moon falls on New Years Eve, and also happens to be a blue moon (second full moon in a month), as well as a lunar eclipse! If that’s not enough, mercury and mars are also in retrograde, so take a deep breath! This creates supercharged situation in the cosmos and a ripe time for inner exploration. As the shadow of the moon falls on the earth on the 31st, unexpected events or issues may come to light. This is a time to be patient, act and speak wisely, and heighten your awareness. A new path may be revealed to you, a solution, or ending to a long awaited situation are some of the possibilities that could occur during this time. All eclipses have to do with intense emotional reactions and are considered “course correctors” that bring on major changes that could affect the course of your life. We tend to be more emotionally expressive during this time because of the change in the electromagnetic energy that affects us mentally and neurologically. Creativity peaks during this time and qualities can be discovered as you let go of beliefs that don’t correspond with your current reality. With all this going on, it could be tempting to avoid change and confrontation, yet ignoring it can only reduce your power. Hard choices and insights lead to blessings of fulfillment, reshaped relationships, and new ways of creative expression.

The posture I have chosen for this time is Virabhadrasana I, or warrior pose. This is a common posture seen in yoga, which is great for feeling grounded during this intense time. A wide stance roots us into our present reality and gives us the strength to forge ahead even in the face of difficult times or decisions that need to be made. This deep lunge opens our hips, strengthens the lower back, and inspires you to go deep into your process. As we move out of the linear plane and dial our hips and heart forward, we see past out typical patterns and look into a new direction. The variation of the arms being intertwined releases strain in the shoulders and upper back and upward gaze inspires us to reach for new possibilities and heights previously unimaginable. Take a moment to try this out. Keep your attitude light and feel the excitement from the blessings, light, love and laughter that the New Year will bring. Take a deep breath, and KNOW, as many Crested Buttians often say no matter what is going on, “its all good.”