Embodying the Moon Cycles 

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Embodying lunar cycles connects us back to the rhythms of nature and our own inner rhythms.

Humans, like all animals, are cyclical beings. Our bodies, systems and lives exist through a multitude of different rhythms, cycles and fluctuations and the moon acts as a beautiful, visual reminder of these rhythms and the importance of honouring the waxing and waning of our needs and natures. The moon is one of the oldest keepers of rhythm to which we have long felt a strong connection and a deep yearning, serving as a regular reminder of our innate rhythmic roots.

As womxn and people with periods we feel the pull of the moon more strongly than most, as the subtle rhythms of nature pulse through our bodies in phases. But more often than not we have been taught and encouraged to ignore and suppress these rhythms, to work against the currents rather than use their flow to guide and inform us. 

By reconnecting to our cyclical nature and lunar wisdom, we might rediscover the joys of swimming downstream and rediscover the timeless wisdom of living in tune with our moods, needs and tendencies. As we begin to cooperate with our bodies we can begin to see that all we need is within us, that we hold the key to unlock our true nature and in turn our power.

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There is something incredibly powerful about gathering together in sacred space to honour and celebrate the moon. In the moon lodge we can show up exactly as we are and feel heard, nurtured, supported and understood. In a world of predictability and restraint here we are reminded of our innate cyclical and feeling natures and are invited to explore a life lived at an intuitive pace.

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The Moon and You

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Connecting to the moon can be as simple as observing its phase each day and paying attention to how your moods, energy levels, emotions, behaviours and tendencies may shift and change. For those with a menstrual cycle you can add the additional layer of noticing how the lunar cycle aligns to your own cycle and how this shifts and changes throughout your menstruating life. There is no right or wrong way to cycle with the moon.

The moon has a roughly 29.5 day cycle so depending on the length of your menstrual cycle you might bleed with the full or new moon but you might also bleed with other moon phases and each and every one has its own unique flavour. This means that each cycle will have a different dynamic as menstruation and ovulation occur at different points. This can be a rich and potent exploration.

For those without a visible monthly cycle, experiencing irregular cycles or on hormonal contraception that disrupts the natural cycles, observing the lunar cycle can reinstate a cyclical rhythm to life, allowing for rest and activity, pause and action.

Lunar Rituals

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Another powerful way of connecting to the moon is to celebrate and honour the new and full moons (or even each phase!). Let it be intuitive, do what feels good to you.

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These rituals can be as simple or as complex as you'd like them to be. It could be a simple solo ritual like a meditation, journaling or lighting a candle, gathering together with friends, moon bathing in nature or perhaps joining a women's circle!

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‘Menstruation is a time of renewal for our whole being. Lara Owen calls it the Sabbath of Women. The practice of Sabbath was originally connected with the ancient Babylonian Sabbatu, which comes from Sabbat, meaning heart-rest. In Babylon it was a day of rest, occurring once a month at full moon.‘ ~ The Wild Genie, Alexandra Pope