Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)

The moon is a powerful symbol in our life, for our world and in yoga. Hatha is also translated as ha meaning "sun" and tha meaning "moon". The sun and the moon are the solar and lunar energies of our body. The polar energies of our body.

(are-dah chan-DRAHS-anna)
ardha = half
candra = glittering, shining, having the brilliancy or hue of light (said of the gods); usually translated as "moon"

Benefits: creates balance strengthens legs and ankles and makes you feel better.

Step by Step

Start in tadasana (mountain pose)
1) Inhale, bend your right knee, and slide your left foot back then reach your right hand forward and place it on the ground about two feet (depending on your torso length) in front of you.

2) Exhale lift the left leg parallel (or something like that) to the floor. Think about the arch of your standing leg. Extend through the left heel to and keep the raised leg strong. don't lock any of your joints and keep from over extending of them. This is an open hip posture so stack your hips on top of each other.

3) Extend your left hand into the air while opening your chest. Keep your gaze to the ground until your left hand is extended. If you feel unstable with your left hand extended, place it on your left hip. Try to create stablility in the pose by accessing your core strength. Move your gaze from the floor to the left hand. If this makes you unstable then keep the gaze down and remember that intention.

4) Keep your wait in the standing leg and think about the arch of your standing leg. You can even try lifting your right hand off the ground.

5) Breath in the pose. Feel the energy come from the core and into the hadn and feet. As a general I like to stay in poses for 5 breaths.

6) Repeat on the opposite side