Ardha Chandrasana - Half Moon Pose Art Print

Limited edition of 10 per size, signed and numbered at the back Fine art print - High-quality Giclee process Printed on thick quality paper, Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308 gsm

Ardha Chandrasana - Half Moon Pose

Ardha for “half” and Chandra for “moon”. 

Although the lunar deity in India is a man figure, I chose to represent this pose through the Triple Goddess archetypal figure whose symbol is made of 3 crescents. The Triple Goddess is the Goddess of the Moon and the witness of a women’s cycle. She is an allegory of the three main aspects of a woman’s life: the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone. Women can identify themselves with the Deity at each stage of their life and Ardha Chandrasana reflects this metaphor: 

First, the Maiden represents enchantment, youth and promises. She rises up like the waxing crescent moon. Looking for foundation and balance in her life like in the posture, she is learning how to stand up and reach the sky, beautiful in her vulnerability.  

Then, the stability and strength of the Mother shine. Full moon Mothers are a strong symbol of fertility and fulfilment. The posture comes to life by creating openness in the hips area. Feet are strongly anchored on earth. Mothers can keep their balance thanks to their experience and they extend arms and legs to lengthen the pose and possibilities in every direction.  

At last, the Crone slowly takes our feet and mind back to earth. Descending on us like a beautiful waning moon, the Crone allows women to enter their third stage with wisdom and peace. The knowledge acquired by the years is ripe and ready to benefits the meditative state.

This posture can convey many meanings but I like to see it as a cycle you can build on and learn from. Even if the peak moment is established in stillness, there is a lot of movement and transition we can work on. How do we approach the posture, how can we bring more ease, flow and openness and how does it reflects our approach on life. We need strength and softness to hold Half Moon pose. The opposite tensions keep us balanced. Whether you are a man, woman or a non-binary yogi, you can trust the soothing Moon and her calming energy to go through life with peace and fulfilment. 

If you are interested in Woman archetype and stories, have a look at the book “Women Who Run With the Wolves” about the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. She is a Jungian psychoanalyst and a cantadora - “one who hands down myths and stories by word of mouth”-  in her community. This book ended up in my hands thanks to my personal Wild Women Tribe and I thank them for this beautiful discovery.