What does the moon have to do with our period?

One of the greatest pieces of evidence to support that human life is directly and intimately connected to the planets in our solar system is the relationship between a woman's twenty-eight day menstrual cycle and the waxing and waning of the twenty-eight day moon phase cycle. Lets not forget the magic behind having your period is the ability to create life itself. 

Women’s menstrual cycles are wired to be in sync with the moon. In all early societies, before industrialism and processed foods disrupted traditional cultures, women ovulated at the full moon and menstruated at the new moon. Hormonal disruption, however, causes biological chaos in our menstrual cycle.

Source: Lonerwolf.com

This is a beautifully complex biology. Though science may not fully understand how the moon ties into our biological systems, we currently know that the moon cycles play the key roles on earth, such as controlling the tides. Humans are intrinsically connected to Mother Nature, and I believe, as science progresses, we will get more and more glimpses into this uncomprehendingly complex connection.

In Pagan traditions, "womanhood" is defined by the triple Goddess archetype of "Maiden, Mother and Crone" --referring to a woman's role in society before, during, and following her menstruating years. This metaphor communicates that a woman's menstrual cycles are designed by nature to move us through our "Maiden, Mother, Crone," phase each month. Our hormonal fluctuations invite the energies of our most creative, sexual, nurturing, and knowing selves. When we bleed it is symbolic of being "reborn." Getting to know your monthly cycle and aligning them with the rhythms of the moon is like a key to your own super powers.

While society has created these negative connotations that go with having your period, specifically, PMSing, it leads me to believe there is bigger magic at work than just being "crabby," "lazy," and "hungry." Hear me out here, when we are on our period our intuition is heightened. We're clearing going through a time where we don't quite feel how we normally do. What if our PMS is an innate response to bullshit that we truly shouldn't be putting up with? When we get angry and "bitchy" it's due to our deeply intuitive woman spirit inside of us standing her ground. We, as women, have been through so much heartache and inequality throughout history that our inner wild woman has much suppressed pain that has been passed through us for generations.

"The fact that it's so hard to contain my emotions at this time feels like a weakness of character, as if I'm being held hostage by my own body. But what if that's the whole point? What if we're supposed to retreat from society when we bleed, and use this time to feel deeply into the wisdom of our subconscious, or intuition? What if the "anger and frustration" part of PMS is actually a genuine response to all the subtle ways our needs are not being met, not to mention the injustice that says we (woman-kind) are being too demanding or needy or are just plain loopy when we kick up a fuss about it."

-Ruby Warrington, Material Girl, Mystical World

If we are synced up with the moon's cycle, we will menstruate around the new moon and ovulate around the full moon--this is called a White Moon Cycle, and historically considered an 'optimal' cycle. The full moon is linked to ovulation (the most fertile time of a woman's cycle) because it is the most fertile time for nature in general: plants and crops get a burst of extra light at the full moon, and the ocean tides are higher. It's as if the earth itself is renewed by the full moon energy.

However, some women bleed with the full moon and ovulate with the new moon--this is called the Red Moon Cycle. Typically these women were witches, healers, and midwives within the community.

If your cycle doesn't line up perfectly with what I've described don't be discouraged. It doesn't mean you are any less healthy or "attuned" to the moon. Knowing what phase you're in and how to channel certain energies at those times is all that is needed to work with the flows of the moon phases. What matters the most is that you have a cycle that is consistent for you. Each cycle brings its own unique gifts. The chart below can help you work your menstruating moon cycle regardless of what moon phase you bleed.

Source: Material Girl, Mystical World by Ruby Warrington

Full Strawberry Moon

June 27th, 2018 11:54 pm CT

Intention

For a wave to swell, energy needs to travel across the ocean at just the right time. It rises and falls. A flower that starts from a seed takes time to spout, bud, and blossom. Babies need time to develop before birth. Nature displays patience and beauty without complaint. If you are waiting for something to come along, think about how some of the most beautiful things take their precious time.

Visualization can aid in seeing what we really want, where we want to go, and who we want to be. When the eyes are shut, we allow the brain to create the mages for us. The things we hope for, think about, and are determined to create have room to express themselves in this space. Fo a few moments, close your eyes and visualize an outcome you desire.See it as if it is happening right before you.

Ritual

The full moon is a time to push forward the intentions you made during the new moon.

GODDESS TIP: This ritual is a very simple structured act that can be incorporated in any of your full moon spells or rituals. It was designed to be a blank canvas for you to integrate with your current manifestations and intentions. All tools, colors, stones, and ingredients are merely suggestions that can be interchanged with your own supplies that your personal self may need at the time this ritual is performed.

Meditate before you start the ritual. Do not get scared by this word. Meditation is simply being. Being present. Being still. Being quiet and alone with yourself. Sit in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed or distracted. Turn your phone on silent and put it face down. I like to add some lo-fi, jazz-type instrumental beats to play in the background. Reflect on the goals and desires you wish to achieve. Maybe they are the ones you made on the previous new moon. Focus on those in your mind and when other thoughts come through your mind, don’t get frustrated. Acknowledge that they are there and move your focus back to your intentions.

Incorporate any crystals or symbolic objects that help bring added energy into your ritual. This is also a good time to pull a tarot card or incorporate a specific card that represents a power you wish to cultivate.

Light a white candle (or any color candle that you feel appropriate). I’ve provided a list of colors and their corresponding energies. Light the color that coincides with what your manifesting.

Write down any insightful thoughts that come to you regarding your intentions in a journal. Write down what they are, even if you’ve already done so. This helps ingrain them in your mind so they stick. It keeps us from forgetting the main focus and goal. Write down any feelings you have when meditating on your intentions. Whether they are good thoughts or bad ones acknowledge them.

Speak:

“I am the full moon. I am at my most powerful phase. Let the light shine upon me as I receive my manifestations. With gratitude and love for all I recieve and learn, I move forward now and carry my knowledge with me into the future as I continue to grow.”

Close your ritual by giving thanks and blowing out your candle.

🕯️

Wishing you many Full Moon blessings 💜🌙