I find something inherently captivating about cycles – the seasonal cycles in nature, the celestial phases of the moon, and the continuous ebb and flow of our own bodies. As the Full Moon graces the night sky tonight, accompanied by a Lunar eclipse, I find myself drawn back to the heart of my deepest passion: guiding women through awareness and alignment with their menstrual cycles and the the rhythms of the moon.
It is a journey in empowerment, self-discovery, and awareness that harmonizes our internal energy with the external rhythms of the universe.
According to Ayurveda, blood (rakta) is governed by the moon. Women are believed to be healthier when their cycles are in sync with the rhythms of the moon. The women of the Yurok tribe, Indigenous people located in present-day California, isolated themselves from men and family members during their moon time and would visit a Sacred Moon Time Pond, to perform spiritual bathing rituals. In Ancient Greece, physicians believed that the moon and the menstrual cycle were linked in harmony, and that women were spiritually and mentally more powerful during menstruation.
Let's take a little time to learn, grow, and empower.
Phases of Menstruation
The menstrual cycle typically consists of four main phases and last on average 29 days:
Menstruation Phase/Inner Winer: This phase marks the beginning of the cycle, where the uterine lining is shed. It usually lasts around 3 to 7 days and is accompanied by menstrual bleeding.
Follicular Phase/Inner Spring: Following menstruation, the body enters the follicular phase, which can last approximately 7-21 days. During this phase, the pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), stimulating the growth of follicles in the ovaries. One of these follicles will mature into an egg.
Ovulation Phase/Inner Summer: Ovulation typically occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle, usually on day 14 in a 28-day cycle. An increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of a mature egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube, making it available for fertilization.
Luteal Phase/Inner Autumn: After ovulation, the body enters the luteal phase, which lasts approximately 10-16 days. During this phase, progesterone is produced, preparing the uterine lining for potential implantation of a fertilized egg. If pregnancy doesn't occur, progesterone levels drop, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining and the beginning of a new menstrual cycle.
Phases of the Moon
The Moon cycle typically lasts 29.5 days:
New Moon: This is the beginning of the lunar cycle when the moon is not visible from Earth.
Waxing Moon: In this phase the moon begins to grow in size.
Full Moon: The full moon occurs when the entire moon is illuminated and visible from Earth.
Waning Moon: After the full moon, the illuminated portion of the moon begins to decrease, as it returns to darkness.
Menstrual Cycles and Moon Phases
1. The White Moon/New Moon
If your bleed aligns with the New Moon, you are in a White Moon cycle. During this time you are being called to turn inward, a time of introspection. This phase is viewed as the phase of the Mother archetype, or caregiver phase of life, this does not necessarily mean that you have children, it is more about being in the phase of life of nurturing another, or nurturing yourself. This is a time of fresh beginnings and new possibilities. It is considered a time of renewal, a period for personal growth & development, and a perfect time to set intentions for the coming cycle.
2. The Pink Moon/Waxing Moon
A Pink Moon cycle means that you bleed during the Waxing Moon phase, when the moon is moving from darkness to fullness. This is a time of transition and transformation, you are coming from a place of rest to a place of energy, strength, and power. You are moving towards a place that is bigger and brighter. Incorporate space into your life to help you cultivate the freedom that is necessary to find your path. The feminine archetype of the Pink Moon is youthful and full of potential. It represents the maiden, a symbol of innocence and purity. Bleeding during the Pink Moon is seen as a time of renewal and the start of a fresh cycle, both in terms of fertility and personal growth.
3. The Red Moon/Full Moon
A Red Moon cycles means that you bleed during the Full Moon phase. Red Moon women have an immense amount of power, and a deep sense for creating, empowering, and teaching others. They are known as the healers, the wise women, medicine women, the wisdom keepers, and the witches; the women who practiced magic and were feared by the patriarch. A Red Moon represents the archetype of the wise woman or crone, signifying wisdom and transformation. Bleeding during this phase is seen as a time for releasing what no longer serves you, both physically and emotionally. This is often seen as a time of heightened energy and manifestation. It is thought to amplify the power of the menstrual cycle, making it an auspicious time for setting intentions and working on projects.
I am proud to be part of the healers, the medicine women, the witches, and wisdom keepers.
4. The Purple Moon/Waning Moon
If you menstruate during the Waning Moon, when the moon is moving from fullness back to darkness, you are in a Purple Moon phase, which indicates a time of transition, but in the opposite direction of the Pink Moon. You are moving from a place of strength and brightness to a place of rest and reflection. You may notice that you are more self-reflective during this time. You may be on the precipice of a new beginning, or witnessing a new you peak around the edge of darkness. Bleeding during the Waning Moon is often associated with letting go of negative influences and embracing your inner power and intuition.
The interplay between our menstrual cycle and the phases of the moon offers a richness in symbolism and spirituality. Whether you resonate with the Pink Moon's potential, the White Moon's fertility, the Red Moon's wisdom, or the Purple Moon's intuition, there is a profound connection between our bodies and the energy of the moon. Understanding these connections can help you harness the power of your menstrual cycles, creating a deeper connection to the cycles of life and nature.
Lisa Ostler
RN, BSN, NC-BC, FMN, RYT
For those seeking further insights, please don't hesitate to contact me at olympiaintegrativehealing@gmail.com I'd be delighted to provide you with guidance on how to enhance your cycle awareness, align with rhythms of the moon, and explore how the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda can assist you in harmonizing your menstrual cycle.
Plans and Pricing:
Walters, M. (2021, September 1). Is menstruation linked with the moon? the science and the spiritual meanings. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/menstrual-cycle-and-the-moon#how-to-sync