Menstrual Cycles + Moon Phases

Throughout the ages people have associated the moon with fertility and female energy, so it isn't much of a surprise when I heard that our menstrual cycle and the moon phases are in sync. During my most recent visit to Ivy Auragami, I had a very deep and enlightening conversation with my good friend and V Steam Practitioner Shaena. She helped me calculate my cycle length using info I logged on my period tracking app (I would recommend the app Stardust), I told her about my intimacy patterns, my symptoms monthly during my flow and before, any changes I had in my diet; basically gave her all the tea I could on what I go through as a woman internally and externally every month before my flow begins, she also gave me more insight on the connection my cycle has with the Moon Phases.

Now I had heard about this before, but I never really looked any deeper into it until recently. After gathering information from multiple sources during my research and my recent conversation at Ivy Auragami I wish to share with you all some facts about the Lunar Cycles and our Menstrual Cycle.

The 4 phases of your Menstrual Cycle

A full lunar cycle, from one new moon to the next takes about 29.5 days while the average menstrual cycle is 28-29 days long. However the actual duration varies from person to person and month to month, ranging from about 21-30 days. Mine goes for as long as 38-40 days sometimes. There are 4 Primary Phases to the lunar cycle that are sometimes in sync with our Menstrual Cycles; Menstruation Phase, Follicular Phase, Ovulation Phase and The Luteal Phase. During these phases we experience unique hormonal changes, physical shifts, and energetic changes in our bodies.

The Menstruation Phase (Day 1: New Moon/ Full Moon)

This is the phase that we are most aware of because it is when our flow begins. During this phase our intuition is the highest and it is also a great time for setting your intentions, meditating and journaling. Spend time also analyzing yourself and results, but do not limit moving your body around and rest.

The Follicular Phase (Day 8: First Quarter Moon)

During this phase our creativity is the highest, your mood is improved and stable and your energy levels begin to increase. Estrogen and Testosterone levels also rise, making it a great time for goal setting, new beginnings, new challenges and routines.

Ovulation Phase (Day 15: Full Moon)

Energy and Personal skills are the highest, great time for important conversations, challenging meetings, socializing, public speaking, fun dates and connecting. During this phase you are very fertile and ovulating so it is a great time for you if you are planning to conceive. If you have your information logged on an app it should already automaically show you this phase as well.

Luteal Phase (Day 22: Last Quarter)

During this phase your attention to detail is high and you are experiencing Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). This is a great time to check your to-do lists, complete deadlines or tasks, Nest, organize, pay bills, detox and do self care.

Why does the moon influence the Menstrual Cycle?

There are various studies that have been done to further research and determine how much truth there is to this connection.

According to a famous study done in 1986 conducted by Sung Ping Law from the Department Gynecology at the Canton Traditional Chinese Medical College in Guangzhou, which tested about 826 women; found that 28.3% started their period around the new moon. However there is still no proof in the medical community that the connection is true.

The circadian rhythm (24 hour sleep/wake cycle) is shared by both those who menstruate and those who do not. But there is a second biological clock which is reserved for those who menstruate and it is called the Infradian rhythm, which consists of those 4 distinct phases of your cycle. When our circadian rhythm is altered by the stimulus of light (whether it is from our phone or 3 days of super bright moonlight) our Infradian rhythm (menstrual cycle) is impacted.

So while the menstrual cycle and moon connection may feel magical and mystical with all this information you are reading , and it absolutely is, there is scientific evidence to explain this connection.

What does it mean to get your period on the New Moon vs The Full Moon?

Menstruating on the new moon means that you're ovulating around the time of the full moon. So when the moon is in her darkest point in the sky, you too are in the darkness of your own inner winter as you experience your menstrual phase and when the moon is at her brightest, you too are glowing, juicy and ripe with fertility as you may be ovulating (not all women ovulate on day 14, so please do not use this as a way of tracking your contraception).

And so, one who menstruates with this rhythm is deeply in tune with the rhythm of the earth (most plants follow the same fertility cycle)

Menstruating on the full moon means you are fertile around the time of the new moon. When the moon is at Her fullest point in the sky, you are searching the depths of your darkness in your own inner winter (menstruation). When the moon is at Her darkest point in the sky, you are shining a radiant light into the world that you, and others, use to see. One who menstruates with this rhythm is courageously dancing to the beat of her own inner drum, following the guidance from within rather than the world outside. They are focused on the transformation of the collective and service. to the world, bravely shining their fertile, bright, ovulating light during times of darkness for others.

Since I have been keeping track of my flows the past few years in order to track some of the changes in my body, I can see that I have had my menstruation cycle during the New Moon phases. During my periods I have always had a very smooth, mildly heavy flow. It was still a very intuitive, highly potent energetic time for me to create, listen to my inner guides and remain present with my own darkness, sometimes forcing me to do the inner work of my unconscious mind.

So, whether you bleed on the full moon or the new moon, remember that there are no right or wrong ways to menstruate. Instead celebrate the messages that our bodies send us, and the connection between our wombs and the rhythm of all things! Remember that we are apart of nature too.

I also highly recommend if you can, reach out or visit Ivy Auragami (@ivyauragami on IG) in Hartford to hold a conversation with her about your cycle and have her help you out by explaining your cycle and how you can get the most from tracking your cycle.

Peace & Love,

TerriSOL 🧘🏾‍♀️🌞