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For many of us who experience menstruation, tracking our cycles is a part of life. (For those who don’t keep regular tabs, I admire your love of surprise and insistence on living dangerously!) Observing the timing of your cycle is useful for several reasons, including feeling a sense of control, scheduling a little self-care, justifying why you’re crying because you’ve run out of snacks, and getting a grip on fertility.
But for those who are also into woo-woo, there’s a larger purpose, one that’s been around for almost as long as females have been experiencing cramps. And that’s understanding the inextricable connection between your menstrual cycle and the Moon.
Your Menstrual Cycle and the Moon
People have been trying to explain the more mystical side of menses since the first bloodstain. There was a time—particularly among matriarchal, non-binary, and multi-gendered cultures, which were more prevalent than you might realize—when menstruation was considered a sacred and powerful indicator of the potential to bring new life into the world. It wasn’t the least bit shameful or off-limits as a topic of conversation. That derision-filled stereotype of the PMS-suffering housewife is, after all, a 1950s invention.
The timing of the menstrual cycle was also believed to hold significant meaning among early humans, who connected menses to the Moon. After all, the Latin word menses means “month,” which is based on the lunar cycle. It so happens that the 29.5-day moon cycle aligns with the 25 to 30 day menstrual cycle of the hormone-adled organ calling the shots down there. I suppose you could consider that a coincidence, although personally, I don’t think nature would ever be so laissez-faire about something like that.
Numerous scientific studies have explored the possibility of lunar phases’ influence on menstruation. There’s not yet proof for a relationship, although there is a long tradition of interpreting our ovulating selves through the Moon’s cycle. Namely, that our periods tend to sync with either the full Moon or the new Moon.
White Moon Cycle + Spiritual Meaning
According to tradition, the majority of people who experience menstruation belong to the white Moon cycle for most of their period-possessing years. This means they bleed with the new Moon and ovulate during the full Moon.
Astrologically, this aligns with the understanding that the new Moon is a time to rid yourself of what no longer serves you and ready yourself for the full Moon being an optimal time to nurture new life.
White moon women are said to be even more in touch with their intuition during their period, and this can sometimes feel overwhelming. Think of how the new Moon “disappears” each month, and you might understand why you feel the same way. This desire to rest and renew by withdrawing into some serious self-care will help replenish yourself before the full Moon and the peak of your fertility.
If you find yourself on a white Moon cycle childbearing isn’t a priority for you, consider what else you might want to bring to life in your world.
Red Moon Cycle + Spiritual Meaning
This cycle applies to a smaller portion of the population. It refers to those who regularly experience menstruation during the full Moon and ovulation during the new Moon. These have long been regarded as caretakers of the larger community. Red Moon cycle bleeders tend to dedicate that nurturing instinct toward creating art and tending to others. That includes through shamanic practices.
Being on the opposite cycle as the white Moon, you may notice the opposite effect. Instead of the mother archetype, you might find that you vibe with the role of wise woman. As the full Moon sheds light on the world, it can bring some serious energy to your creative endeavors and spark passion. Embrace this outward-facing momentum by leaning into the role of teacher, helper, or general magic-maker.
More About Menstrual Cycles + the Moon
Menstruation can often be anything but reliable. You may find that your period moves from one part of the lunar cycle to another. A red Moon period can suddenly appear when you’re going through an ending or the closing of a cycle. A white Moon period might appear when you’re about to experience a breakthrough with a new project. It’s typical to swing from one period-cycle to another throughout your life, depending on various factors.
And then there are the less-talked about Moon cycles—pink and purple moon cycles signifying the maiden and the wild woman archetypes. These occur during the midpoint between the full and new Moons.
The pink Moon cycle, which takes place during the waxing moon, generally signifies a transitional phase before eventually beginning a full Moon period (the red moon cycle). Think of yourself as building momentum and figuring out who you are and want to become. This cycle is seen as the maiden archetype of moving into the light, embracing change, and growing.
The same goes for the purple Moon cycle, which takes place as the Moon wanes following a full Moon. A purple Moon is the time for healing before you move to a white Moon cycle. It’s when you may need a little space to breathe. This cycle is more about wild woman vibes. You may feel yourself withdrawing, taking stock of your life, and shedding what no longer suits you.
Think of these two mid-Moon cycles as your body allowing you time to refocus before moving into a different life stage.
Some women swear that it’s possible to get so in tune with your period that you can eventually switch from full Moon to new Moon bleeding or vice-versa. Before we were constantly bathed in blue light, screen lights, and street lights, our natural rhythms revolved around the Sun, the Moon, and firelight. Our bodies’ relationship to the natural world has become dulled—and our periods often reflect that. These women assert you can realign your energy through getting in touch with nature, moonbathing, or adjusting your circadian rhythm.
Those of us who don’t or no longer menstruate can still find the full Moon empowering and rely on the new Moon for inner contemplation. Don’t shy away from these powerful cycles in life. Figurative letting go counts too, darlings.
