The Different Types of Menstrual Cycles and the Moon
The moon has long served us as a symbol of femininity, fertility, and the cyclical nature of life.
This giant mood ring, which elegantly transitions from waxing to waning in the night sky over the course of 28 days, bears a striking resemblance to the menstrual cycle.
And according to our collective ancestral wisdom, this parallel between the moon's phases and the menstrual cycle is more than a coincidence; it's a testament to the connection between the cosmos and the body.
Our monthly cycle is taught to us a function of our fertility, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a complex dance of hormones and biology that tells us how all the things are ticking inside, and what is imbalanced, not just our ability to conceive. Think of it like a monthly newsletter from your body, saying, "Hey, here's what went well, and what can be improved!”
But if we don’t know how to speak to our bodies, through the language of nature, then we miss its important messages and guidance.
The lunar cycle guides us through periods of growth and creativity, impacting everything from our mood to our capacity to create and nurture - whether it's in the form of birthing children, making art , or growing the juiciest tomatoes of the season.
And this continues to resonate for us today, offering a look at the natural rhythms of life itself. Through an understanding of the menstrual cycle, we gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the ways in which it echoes within us.
The Moon Phases
The menstrual cycle and the moon both go through four main phases:
New Beginnings
Just like the new moon starts a fresh cycle, the menstrual phase is a time for reflection and working on creating something new.
Growing Energy
As the moon gets bigger (the waxing phase), it's like the follicular phase in the menstrual cycle, where the body gears up and gets ready for ovulation or a turning point in the growth cycle.
3. Full Power
The full moon is all about peak energy, which is a lot like the ovulation stage in the cycle when the body reaches its peak fertility.
4. Winding Down
Finally, as the moon gets smaller (the waning phase), it mirrors the luteal phase, where things start to slow down, leading back to menstruation and renewal for the cycle to start again.
But not everyone’s cycle is synced to what the moon is currently doing. So what does it mean when you are a on different cycle than the moon?
The Four Moon-Period Cycles
White Moon Cycle
The White Moon cycle is when your menstruation (bleeding) occurs around the new moon.
During this cycle, the luteal phase (the phase after ovulation) coincides with the waning moon, both known for their slower energy. It's a time that perfectly matches the reflective and tranquil mood of the new moon when menstruation occurs.
People on the White Moon cycle are believed to be in a phase that's primed for conception and gestation, often associated with the nurturing and caring aspects of the Mother archetype. It's a time when our energy naturally leans toward caregiving, building, raising children, or developing ideas. Whether or not you're planning to have a baby, this phase of alignment can guide your focus towards the things that you can create with a special touch.
Red Moon Cycle
In the Red Moon cycle, your dark menstrual phase coincides in contrast with the fully illuminated moon. At a time when you are connected deepest to your spirit guides and their messages, instead of hiding away, you are invited to share them under the light of the moon.
This unique menstrual rhythm suggests that you may have a strong connection to magic, intuition, and the spirit world in this phase of your life. It's an opportune time for embracing your spiritual and intuitive self, as well as working with unseen energies as they may help you empower yourself and others.
Pink Moon Cycle
The Pink Moon cycle occurs when you menstruate during the first quarter moon, the waxing moon between the new and full phases. It signifies a transitional time in your life, where you might be moving from the intuitive, spiritual realm towards a phase where you are more externally focused.
During this cycle, you may feel inspired to build things, connect with others, and really pursue your goals. It's a wonderful period for aligning your spiritual aspirations with your material desires and finding harmony between the two.
Purple Moon Cycle
If your menstruation falls near the last quarter moon, during the waning moon phase, you're experiencing a Purple Moon cycle. Similar to the Pink Moon cycle, this represents a transitional time in your life. However, in the Purple Moon cycle, you may be shifting your focus from the physical realm to the spiritual side of life.
It's a powerful phase where you can heal old wounds and embark on the next chapter of your being. Take this opportunity to dive into your inner realm and allow your focus to rest on your spiritual practices. This phase may ask you the question of how to balance the needs of your spiritual self with the realities of your physical body.
As with all of the menstrual-moon cycles, the connection is not about hard and fast rules but about noticing and inquiring, asking yourself what your cycle pattern could mean for you, and how you can harness the potential of this cycle to your advantage.
And remember, this can change from month to month as you transition through different phases of your life–none of this is fixed!
So embrace the wisdom of ancient traditions and let the moonlight guide you on a path of deeper connection to your body and yourself!
