There’s a saying in Ayurveda that “We are a microcosm of the macrocosm”. It’s a poetic way of saying we’re all part of nature, and when we reconnect with it, life feels so much more balanced. Today I want to chat about how our menstrual cycles mirror the moon’s phases and share some tips on how to live more in line with these natural rhythms.
The Menstrual Cycle
Let’s dive into the menstrual cycle. It’s a monthly hormonal process that prepares the body for a potential pregnancy. But it impacts so much more than just your fertility. The hormonal shifts that happen throughout the month influence your mood, energy, creativity, and overall health. Your cycle starts on the first day of your period and ends just before the next one begins. While the length can vary, the average cycle is about 28 days and can be broken down into four phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal.
The Moon Cycle
Just like our menstrual cycles, the moon has its own phases: new, waxing, full, and waning. Both cycles reflect a rhythm of birth, life, transformation, and rebirth—or to put it another way, rest, growth, completion, and reflection. The moon takes about 29.5 days to complete its cycle. One side is always lit up by the sun, but how much of it we see depends on where the moon is in relation to earth and the sun. Check out this video to see it in action: Moon Phases.
The Connection Between Moon Phases and Menstrual Phases
🌑 New Moon and Menstrual Phase
During the new moon, the moon is positioned between the sun and the earth, so we see the side that isn’t illuminated by sunlight. This results in a dark, nearly invisible moon in the night sky. If it weren’t for artificial lighting, it would be very dark at night. This darkness symbolizes stillness, rest, and self-reflection. Similarly, the menstrual phase is a time to slow down, withdraw, and focus on self-care. The menstrual phase is when your body sheds the uterine lining because pregnancy hasn’t happened. This process likely takes place because keeping that cozy environment for a potential pregnancy requires a lot of energy. This phase heightens intuition and emotional insight, making it a powerful time for personal discovery and clarity on what you truly want.
🌓 Waxing Moon and Follicular Phase
The waxing moon is all about growth as it transitions from the new moon to the full moon. Similarly, during the follicular phase, your body gears up for ovulation, marking a time of renewal as the uterus thickens and follicles develop in your ovaries. By the end of this phase, one of those follicles will become a mature egg. Both the waxing moon and the follicular phase symbolize fresh starts and new possibilities. Plus, as estrogen levels rise, you might find yourself feeling more energized and ready to take action.
🌕 Full Moon and Ovulatory Phase
The full moon illuminates the night sky, inviting more of the sun’s energy into our emotional realm. It’s a time to celebrate abundance and peak vitality. During the ovulatory phase, your body produces luteinizing hormone (LH), which triggers the release of the egg from your ovary. Your body is primed for reproduction, so it’s natural to feel more confident, with heightened sex drive and energy levels. The full moon increases creativity and emotional expression. Likewise, the ovulatory phase can inspire a surge in creativity and social engagement, making it a great time for collaboration and connecting with others.
🌗 Waning Moon and Luteal Phase
The waning moon represents the end of the lunar cycle, just like the luteal phase wraps up the menstrual cycle. The luteal phase, which lasts about two weeks, can feel like a nesting phase, where you might have a strong urge to get things done. The first half of the luteal phase is marked by rising progesterone, which prepares the uterus for a potential pregnancy. In the second half, if pregnancy doesn’t occur, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, leading to decreased energy. Both of these phases are about completion and closure, reminding us to take a moment to appreciate what we’ve achieved and get ready for new beginnings.
Should Your Menstrual Cycle Sync Up with the Lunar Cycle?
Now that you know there’s a connection between the moon and the menstrual cycle, you may be wondering if the two should line up. There’s no scientific evidence to show that a healthy menstrual cycle needs to sync with the moon. It’s perfectly normal for your cycle to follow its own rhythm.
Some research indicates that light exposure can help stimulate ovulation, so there may have been a link between the two before artificial light filled the sky at night. Many ancient cultures believed in a connection between the menstrual cycle and the moon and they honored the moon with rituals. Our minds are powerful; if we think we should sync with the moon and we pay attention to its phases, it’s more likely that our cycles will align. In Blood Magic: The Anthropology of Menstruation, Anthropologist Thomas Buckley states that a Yurok woman (Indigenous tribe where California is now located) shared that traditionally, when a woman was out of sync with the moon she was instructed to sit in the moonlight and ask the moon to balance her.
Connect with the Cycles
Aligning your lifestyle to your menstrual cycle is a great way to cultivate a deeper connection to your body and the natural rhythms around you. If your cycle is irregular or you're going through perimenopause or menopause, following the moon's cycle can help you find balance between active and reflective times.
Every phase has its own magic. When we embrace them all, we can find a beautiful sense of balance and contentment.
💬 So, do you have any moon rituals? Is your cycle in sync with the moon? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
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