The Menstrual/Moon Cycle

In astrology, the Moon represents the body and its connection to the divine feminine. Its placement in the birth chart by sign, house, and phase can influence your individuality and emotional world, it can indicate how fertile you are, and can even shed light on your soul’s reincarnation cycle. For now, we will focus on the fertility aspect of the Moon. 

Why do most women bleed during the New Moon and ovulate during the Full Moon? And what does it mean if your cycle is reversed? 

Both the female menstrual cycle and the lunar cycle have four distinct phases. Menstrual, Follicular, Ovulation, and Luteal for the female cycle and New Moon, Waxing, Full Moon, and Waning cycle for the lunar cycle. 

Studies have shown that many women, especially those considered more fertile, have cycles that are synced meaning menstruation happens during the New Moon and ovulation occurs during the Full Moon. Why is this considered the most fertile cycle? Let’s explore. 

The 4 Major Moon Phases

During the New Moon phase, the Moon is at its darkest. The Sun is not reflecting its light onto the Moon because they are aligned in the sky. The Moon is now working in the shadow. It wants you to get clear on what you wish to manifest and plant the seeds of new beginnings—clearing out the old and creating the space for the new. 

From a fertility standpoint, when your menstruation happens at this phase you are considered in a more fertile alignment. (Note: there are many things that influence fertility and this is only one)

During the Waxing phase, the Moon slowly begins to gain light and with that, you begin to put the energy and focus into the work needed to germinate those seeds you planted. The more light gained the more fertile the Moon and your goals become. 

During the Full Moon phase, the Moon is at its brightest as it is opposite the Sun and reflecting its light onto Earth. This is a time of manifestation. The flowers of your intentions begin to bloom. If your ovulation phase aligns with this time (especially if the Full Moon is in a Water sign) this is considered a very fertile time. 

During the Waning phase, the Moon slowly begins to lose light, and as it does you begin to slow down. At first, your desire is to share the fruits of your labor before making your way inward. The more the Moon wanes into darkness, the more you feel the need to retreat. The later part of this phase is considered the least fertile as it is more about preparing for the next cycle. The leaves are bare and there is no fruit to be found. 

Cycle Syncing

It is believed that when your menstruation is synced with the New Moon that you are in the mothering phase of your life. That you are focusing your divine feminine/creative energy inward and often there is a desire to bring a child or creative project into your life.

For those with menstruation synced with the Full Moon, it is believed that you are in the wise woman or high priestess phase of your life. That you are focusing your divine feminine/creative energy outward and often there is a desire to teach and make an impact in your community *this does not mean that you do not also focus on your family/child(ren). 

For those with menstruation synced to the waxing cycle, it is believed that you and your cycle are transitioning. Going from a shadow/rest period and growing more into your divine feminine power. 

For those with menstruation synced to the waning cycle, it is believed you are also transitioning. You are going from a very busy period of your life to entering a time of shadow work and deep rest/reflection. 

Want to form a deeper connection to the Moon Cycle and your personal astrology transits? Consider my Align program.

References:

Law SP. The regulation of menstrual cycle and its relationship to the moon. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1986;65(1):45-8. doi: 10.3109/00016348609158228. PMID: 3716780.

Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, by Christiane Northrup, M.D., Chapter 5, “The Menstrual Cycle”

Lunar periodicity in human reproduction: A likely unit of biological time, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 77(4):904–14; Dewan, E.M., 1967.