A Journey with Nature, the Moon, and Ancient Wisdom
The female body is nothing short of a miracle.
From a young age, we are told about periods and hormones, but how many of us truly understand the magic and wisdom behind our cycles? Let me take you on a journey through the menstrual cycle, showing how it connects to the moon, the seasons, and ancient practices. Whether you're menstruating, in perimenopause, menopause, or have irregular periods, you can follow a moon cycle to feel more empowered, embodied, and in tune with nature. Together, let's celebrate our cycles and learn to work with our bodies instead of fighting them.
The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle: A Symphony of Hormones
Our menstrual cycle can be broken down into four phases: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. Each of these phases is controlled by a delicate interplay of hormones, and each has its own energy, rhythm, and unique gifts.
1. Menstruation (Winter/Wise Woman/Crone Archetype)
During menstruation, the body sheds the uterine lining, and hormone levels (especially estrogen and progesterone) are at their lowest. Many of us experience fatigue, introspection, and the need for rest — and this is completely natural. In fact, this is a time to honor yourself, slow down, and turn inward.
In nature, this phase aligns with winter — a time for rest and reflection, when the earth lies dormant, preparing for the renewal of spring.Interestingly, this phase is often associated with the New Moon, a time when the sky is dark and new beginnings are on the horizon. Our ancestors lived more closely with the natural world, and it's said that many women in ancient times bled together around the New Moon. While the evidence is anecdotal, there's something beautiful and mystical about the idea that women once gathered together to honor this shared experience. Whether it was the moon's gravitational pull or the power of community, women synchronized their cycles in tune with nature.
This phase also embodies the Wise Woman/Crone archetype — a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and inner knowing. It’s a time to embrace quiet reflection, journal, meditate, and connect with your inner self.
2. Follicular Phase (Spring/Maiden Archetype)
Following menstruation, your estrogen levels begin to rise, and your body starts to prepare for ovulation. You may feel your energy returning, a fresh sense of optimism, and the desire to take on new projects.
This phase correlates with spring, a season of growth and renewal, where everything feels possible.The follicular phase mirrors the Waxing Moon, a time of building energy and intention. As the moon gradually grows brighter, so does your inner light and vitality.
The Maiden archetype comes into play here, representing youthfulness, curiosity, and new beginnings. This is a great time to set goals, make plans, and embrace creativity.
3. Ovulation (Summer/Mother Archetype)
Ovulation is the peak of the cycle, when estrogen is at its highest, and luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of an egg. You may feel your most vibrant, outgoing, and energetic during this phase — ready to take on the world. This is your time to shine!
Ovulation corresponds with summer, a time of abundance, energy, and outward expression. Similarly, it aligns with the Full Moon, when the moon is at its brightest, illuminating the night sky just as we radiate during this phase of our cycle. This is when you're most fertile, both literally and metaphorically, making it a powerful time for manifestation and connection.
The Mother archetype reigns here, representing creativity, nurturing, and the ability to bring ideas (or life!) into the world. This is an excellent time to connect with others, pursue new opportunities, and harness your feminine power.
4. Luteal Phase (Autumn/Wild Woman Archetype)
After ovulation, your progesterone levels rise to prepare the body for a potential pregnancy. If fertilization doesn’t occur, progesterone drops, and your body begins to prepare for menstruation. You might feel more introspective and notice mood shifts or physical symptoms like bloating.
This phase is like autumn, when the energy begins to wane, and nature prepares to rest. It mirrors the Waning Moon, a time of slowing down, releasing, and turning inward.
The Wild Woman archetype comes alive here — she is bold, unapologetic, and attuned to her primal instincts. It’s a time to let go of what no longer serves you, to reflect on your boundaries, and to honor the deep wisdom within.
The Moon, the Menstrual Cycle, and Ancient Wisdom
Women’s cycles have long been connected to the phases of the moon. Ancient cultures believed that women, like the moon, moved through phases of growth, fullness, and release. In fact, many women’s cycles are still synchronized with the moon, with menstruation often aligning with the New Moon and ovulation with the Full Moon.
There's growing evidence suggesting that in ancient, pre-industrial times, women’s menstrual cycles were indeed more likely to sync with the lunar cycle. One study found that the menstrual cycles of women not exposed to artificial light were more likely to sync with the moon, particularly in indigenous and rural communities. This natural rhythm is something we can still tap into, even in our modern, light-filled lives.
Even if your cycle doesn’t naturally follow the moon, you can still embrace this rhythm, especially if you’re perimenopausal, menopausal, or have irregular cycles.
Following the moon cycle as a guide allows you to honor the energies of each phase and reconnect with your body and nature. The New Moon is your "menstruation" time — a period for rest and reflection — while the Full Moon can represent ovulation, a time for celebration and outward expression.
Working with Your Cycle: Empowerment, Embodiment, and Alignment
As women, it’s time to reclaim our cycles and honor the natural rhythms of our bodies. We’ve been taught to see menstruation as something inconvenient or shameful, but I’m passionate about changing that narrative. Understanding and celebrating your cycle can be a powerful way to feel empowered, embodied, and attuned to nature.Our hormones and energy levels shift throughout the month, and instead of fighting those changes, we can work with them. Track your cycle or follow the moon’s phases if your period is irregular or you no longer menstruate. Celebrate the highs of ovulation and the quiet wisdom of menstruation.Every phase has something to offer, and when you work in harmony with your body’s natural rhythms, you feel more connected to yourself and the world around you. By honoring the seasons of your cycle — whether you bleed with the moon or have moved beyond your reproductive years — you tap into an ancient wisdom that has been passed down through generations of women.
Love Your Cycle: A New Way Forward
So, here’s my invitation to you: celebrate your cycle, no matter where you are in your journey. Honor the New Moon with rest, just as you honor the Full Moon with celebration. Track your hormones, learn how your body communicates with you, and fall in love with your natural rhythms.
When you learn to embrace these cycles, you’ll find that life flows with greater ease, creativity, and purpose. And when you’re in tune with the moon, the seasons, and your body, you’ll begin to feel more empowered, more embodied, and more in alignment with the natural world around you.Let’s start this journey together. Let’s celebrate our bodies and help other women do the same. We’re not just following a cycle — we’re reclaiming an ancient, sacred wisdom that’s been within us all along.
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