Moon Cycles and Menstrual Phases: A MetaPhysical Approach To Cycle Syncing

29.5 days in average length

Cyclical and predictable in nature

Phases of death and rebirth

Intense highs and retreating lows

The word menses, which refers to the menstrual cycle, is directly connected to the Greek word menē, meaning "moon," and the Latin word mensis, meaning "month".

The moon phases and the menstrual cycle have many similarities.

Though heavily debated by the scientific community, there is a link between these two profound cycles.  Our matriarchs in past civilisations revered their monthly cycles and honoured their bodies in every phase. Menstruation was not seen as an inconvenience or a burden, but rather a sign of health and vitality. It was seen as a powerful manifestation of a woman's ability to create, transform, release and cleanse. 

I have been studying ancient menstrual practices across ancient societies for quite some time, and something keeps popping up.

Spanning from the indigenous North and South American women, to the matriarchs in the depths of Africa, to the aboriginal Australian women. There has been one common denominator amongst them.....

THE MOON

The ancients held nature and their connection to it as sacred; therefore, this connection was woven into their everyday life as a guiding light. The matriarchs of the past identified that the womb cycles goes through the same energetic patterns of the moon. Both are cyclical, generative, receptive, magnetic, transitional, mysterious and are cosmic regulators (the womb regulates the hormonal system, the moon- the Earth's rhythm).

1. The Dark Moon/ New Moon (Menstruation Phase)

In this phase, the moon is completely void and dark. The womb parallel is the bleeding time, where the lining of the uterus is shedding. The ancients believed this was a time for introspection and re-evaluation, where the feminine's inner voice is the most potent. It was seen as a time for her to release what does not serve her while reflecting and meditating in solitude. The indigenous women believed their vessels at this time was open, to facilitate visions from the gods, therefore deep rest was mandatory.

2. The Waxing Crescent (Early Follicular Phase)

New beginnings, a fresh start, a time for action.
A sliver of light emerges from the moon, almost like a seed beginning to sprout. Estrogen is on the rise, and energy re-emerges. The matriarchs believed this was a time to set intentions and prepare for growth. They would plant new seeds on their farms and start new community/individual projects.

3. The First Quarter (Late Follicular Phase)

Bursts of energy, estrogen is peaking. The moon is half full, building to a crescendo.
This phase was believed to represent "the warrior energy".  A time for hard conversations, a time to push past the obstacles, a time where clarity is accessible and choices become clear. The ancients would do physically challenging activities, make important decisions and pursue community goals during this phase.

4. The Waxing Gibbous (Pre-Ovulation Phase)

Final stages before ovulation, peak fertility lies ahead. The moon is almost at its fullness, building towards climax. Across the ancient societies I have studied, they all believed this was a time for refining and perfecting skills. A time to fine-tune projects to achieve growth. It was a time to be social and connect. Interestingly, the ancients had elaborate beautification rituals at this time, not only beautifying their bodies but also their spaces. They would prepare offerings to their gods and give to the community, in preparation for recieval/fruition of their labor.

5. The Full Moon (Ovulation Phase)

Magnetic, radiant and energetic. The egg is released, and the womb is at peak fertility. The moon is full in all her glory, affecting the tides, plant life and human behaviour. The women of that time believed it was a time for presence. Honor what has come to fruition, celebrate accomplishments and socialize.
They were also of the belief that this phase is the height of their sexual and creative power, and would view themselves as magnetic. They would seek to procreate or create art at this time and they would also harvest herbs and medicine. 

6. The Waning Gibbous (Early Leutal Phase)

Progesterone takes over from estrogen, preparing for life or for a flow.  The moon begins to slowly retreat.  The ancient women in this phase would teach and share what they've learned so far from this cycle, distribute the medicine they have harvested and would come down the high energetic ladder to a reflective calm. 

7. The Last Quarter (Late Leutal Phase)

Hormones plummet drastically, and the darkness is taking over the moon. 
In this phase, the ancients would begin forgiveness and releasing rituals, where they would burn and bury what no longer serves them. They would be engaged in more self-preservation activities, turning down community engagements and saying no to socialising.  They would spend most of their time alone, or in the company of their loved ones, composting and turning their experiences into wisdom.

8. Waning Crescent (Pre Menstrual Phase)

The moon is almost consumed by darkness, only a sliver of light remains. 
Days before bleeding, fatigue sets in and an emerging desire for solitude and withdrawal.

In this phase, the ancient practices included minimal socializing, deep rest and quiet meditation to prepare for the shed and dreams from the gods. The matriarchs would start preparing their space for their flow, by cleansing rituals and releasing control, surrendering to the mystery of the unknown. 

Studying the moon and ancient menstrual practices has made me learn how to honour my womb's wisdom during its phases. The moon is unapologetic about going dark, and never pretends to be full when she is waning. She trusts her cycles completely.

I believe that the ancient knowledge of our matriarchs can be applied to today's modern way of living.
In a world where women are disconnected from their wombs, it's time to stop over-riding her natural rhythms. It is time to recognise that the death (bleed) is just as potent and powerful as the resurrection (ovulation). 

The ancient traditions are a powerful reminder that your flow is not a curse nor a shame. 
May we return to the truth. May we return to the intelligence of our wombs, as a portals, a life givers, as sources of creative energy and as cosmic regulators. May we nourish our wombs with healthy, clean foods and environments to honour her.

I hope this information served you well. 
Be of good courage. Until next time, beloved.

A 🧿🪶