The Female Moon Cycles
An interesting title right? The Female Moon Cycles; this is about our monthly period cycle and its connection to the moon.
Growing up, I had absolutely NO IDEA about the moon, what each stage of the moon meant let alone that there was a relationship with my period! Periods were not discussed openly and the fact that it is a sacred and ancient part of life was completely unknown to my young female mind.
It's only been in the last ten or so years that I have investigated the role that the monthly cycle has on women; the ebbs and flows of energy and fertility alongside the role of the moon's lunar changes from new moon to full moon and how THAT has an impact on women's cycles.
Let's face it, without women's wombs and the monthly cycle, society does not exist. We all came from a mother (biological or otherwise) So this stigma about periods and the shame around it needs to stop. Pronto! We need to call out people who make fun of having your period "awww she's on her rags" or "you're a bit moody, you got your period?" etc etc..
Wouldn't it be a different milestone and experience if we all celebrated when a girl gets her first period? What if she had a special ceremony where the women in her village and community held space for her and celebrated this incredible moment in her life? What if they shared tips, tricks and stories around how to cope with and when they got there's with her? What if she looked forward to and felt the honour that it is to be a woman when she got her first period and forever after knew that she was privileged to be a woman and to have this gift of being able to be in tune with the rhythms of nature?
"In many ancient cultures, menstruation was seen as a sacred and precious time. Due to the connection of the cycle to the moon phases, menstruating women were believed to harness great ‘shamanic’ and spiritual power. Anthropologists suggest this may explain the use of menstrual huts in certain cultures, originally intended as safe spaces for women to retreat at the ‘height of their powers’." Source: Girls Globe
So what are the Moon Cycles and how do they relate to our periods?
Traditionally we would all have had our periods sync up with a New Moon for ovulation and a Full Moon for menstruation. However, these were ancient times without the issues of modern society like stress, food additives and also the EMF's from modern technology affecting our cycles.
New Moon Cycle (GENTLE)
The new moon is a time of going within; quiet, reflective and a time to withdraw. Think of it like Winter; hibernation to survive. In winter we go within, we are quieter, less social and rest more. We sleep more, we eat nourishing foods and we gather new ideas and read. It's a very gentle, nurturing time. Just like the new moon which is dark, we turn inwards and to focus on ourselves. When we are menstruating we are losing blood but gaining vital intuitive downloads BECAUSE we are forced to be quiet and reflect. It's like the music is turned down and we can listen to our inner voices.
Full Moon Cycle (SHINE BRIGHT)
The full moon is a time of shining bright like a star; attention please!! If you menstruate during the full moon, you are in sync and your energy is aligned with the ancient medicine women and elders who used this time to connect with their community and share their wisdoms. The full moon is all about shining brightly like the season of Summer...
Some women feel that the various stages of our cycle are linked to the seasons of the year and the earthly connections we feel during these seasons. You can even go further into it and learn about the Cycle Archetypes which embody these changes within us.
Inner Winter - Menstruation - Day 1-5 - The Dreamer / Wise Woman
Like winter, during Menstruation we hibernate. We slow down, we reflect and pause. We turn down the noise of the world and society and retreat into our cocoons to listen to our inner voice. We eat nurturing, nourishing foods like in winter and we do slow exercise like yin yoga, meditation and slow walks in nature.
Inner Spring - Post Period - Day 6-13 - The Rebel / Maiden
In Spring it's all about hope; the seeds we sowed in winter are slowly blossoming and we feel ready to slowly come out of hiding! We feel like creating and being playful again. We feel lighter and fresher and ready for adventure!
Inner Summer - Ovulation - Day 14-20 - The Queen / Mother
Summer is sensual; I am SuperWOMAN; hear me roar! It's all about feeling sensual, outgoing and enjoying as much of the day as possible; just like the long days of summer on our bare skin! It's the season of pleasure and the reason we feel more sexy in our Inner Summer is because we are ovulating!
Inner Autumn - Luteal - Day 21-27 - The Keeper/ Wild Woman
Autumn can be a great time to release and let go (just like the leaves on the tree's preparing for winter) but it can also be challenging as so many of us grieve summer.... it's a transition where we can feel the winter retreat beginning but aren't quite there yet. This phase can be so healing though as summer is so social, what comes up must come down and Autumn allows us to play catch up with ourselves and our calendars.
You can find out more about the four inner seasons with the great work of Natalie K Martin here.
I love learning about the role of the Moon in relation to fertility and female's source of power and connection. Stay tuned as I delve into this topic more.