Moon Bathing & Stargizing

There is something deeply grounding about swapping our glowing screens for the glow of the night sky. While stargazing satisfies our sense of wonder and curiosity, moon bathing is all about slowing down and soaking in the evening's quiet energy.

Here is everything you need to know about these two perfect nighttime rituals.

Moon Bathing: The Art of Chilling Out

If forest bathing is connecting with nature by walking through trees, moon bathing (Chandra Namaskar or Chandra Snana in Ayurvedic traditions) is connecting with nature by basking in moonlight.

Unlike sunbathing, you don't need sunscreen, and you won't get a tan. Instead, the goal is to absorb the cool, soothing energy of the moon to balance the hectic, "fiery" pace of daily life.

How to Practice Moon Bathing

• Find the Right Night: The three days leading up to, during, and right after a Full Moon are ideal, as the moonlight is at its strongest.

• Set the Scene:In front of your room or at the lawn by the Mediterranean court.

• Get Comfortable: Lay down a blanket or yoga mat or towel on the lounge chairs by the sauna. You can lie flat on your back (Savasana) or sit comfortably.

• Unplug: Leave your phone inside. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and simply let the moonlight fall on your skin. 10 to 30 minutes is usually the sweet spot.

Stargazing: A Window into the Universe

While moon bathing is inward and meditative, stargazing is outward and awe-inspiring. It’s a great way to spark a little existential wonder (in a good way) and realize how vast our universe truly is.

Quick Tips for the Best View

To get the most out of the night sky, you want to maximize visibility:

• Check the Moon Phase: Ironically, the best time for stargazing is during a New Moon (when the moon is dark). A bright full moon actually washes out the fainter stars and the Milky Way.

• Escape Light Pollution: Get away from city lights. 

• Let Your Eyes Adjust: It takes about 15 to 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the dark. Avoid looking at your phone during this time (the blue light ruins your night vision). If you need a light, use a red light flashlight.

Beginner Tools to Bring Along

You don't need an expensive telescope to enjoy the stars. Start with:

• Your Naked Eyes: Perfect for spotting major constellations, planets, and shooting stars.

• A Pair of Binoculars: You’d be amazed at how much detail binoculars can bring out in the Moon's craters or the Pleiades star cluster. Bring yours or we can lend you a pair.

• Stargazing Apps: Apps like SkyView, Star Walk, or Stellarium use your phone's camera and GPS to show you exactly what constellations and planets you are looking at in real-time.

Making it a Ritual

You can easily combine the two. Grab a warm cup of herbal tea, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, lay back, and just look up. It’s a beautiful, free way to practice mindfulness and reset your circadian rhythm.

Are you planning to catch a specific upcoming celestial event, or are you just looking for a peaceful way to unwind?