4 rounds of Chandra Namaskara, the moon, from our perspective, moves from EAST to WEST, moving through it's 7 phases to get to the end which is the Full Moon, releasing, and starting new the next phase.
This sequence has all the phases within it, my rendering and the way I understand it is:
1. Mountain Pose (Waning Gibbons) - signifies gratitude (more than half illuminated)
2. Moon Salute Pose (Last 1/4 Moon) - signifies forgiveness (exactly half illuminated)
3. Forward Fold Pose (Waning Crescent Moon) - signifies surrender (less than half illuminated)
4. Low Lunge Pose (New Moon) - signifies new beginnings (no illumination)
5. Low Lunge Salute Pose (Waxing Crescent Moon) - signifies intention (less than half illuminated)
6. Down Facing Dog Pose (First 1/4 Moon) - signifies decision making (exactly half illuminated)
7. Astanga Pose (Waxing Gibbons Moon) - signifies refinement (more than half illuminated)
8. Cobra Pose (Full Moon) - signifies release and intentions (all is illuminated)
Hatha Yoga is Ha (Sun), Tha (Moon) Yoga, the whole basis of Hatha Yoga is the balance between the lunar (moon) cycle and solar (sun) cycle. It is more often that people practice the Sun Salutations, and often many people are not aware that Yoga is about a balance of the energies, if we practice only the energizing Sun Salutations, it is this essence we encourage, but the Sun that shines too brightly all the time, burns out, the sun needs a break also, and it has a break during the night, when the moon shows us to slow down and perceive.
The Moon Salutation or Chandra Namaskara enhances in us the energy to go inward, it is soothing for the body and because the bodies energies are lowered during the main phases of the moon, it is best practiced during a NEW MOON or FULL MOON and after sun set.
