Is the moon affecting human biology?
In some beliefs, the moon is considered feminine and the sun masculine. Today, research explores how men’s hormonal turnover is within the 24-hour circadian rhythm based on the sun, while a menstruating person’s hormones correspond more with the Infradian rhythm. This is associated with the 28 days of the month/menstrual cycle and the 28 days of the lunar cycle.
The moon has four primary phases: Waxing, Full, Waning, and New. It makes its journey around the Earth, and exhibits three different lunar cycles: the luminance cycle, the perigee-apogee cycle, and the lunar standstill cycle. New research suggests that both moonlight and the moon’s gravity influence menstruation and neurological changes in our brain and body. Although it’s unclear how humans sense these fluctuations. It is likely that with age and exposure to artificial nocturnal light, menstrual cycles have lost synchrony with the moon.
Early societies respected the menstrual flow and its connection to lunar phases, ritualizing bleeding as a time of rejuvenation, purification, rest, and creativity. As patriarchal society destroyed the divine feminine, the ancient moon lodges and women's community circles were replaced with shame and guilt around bleeding. Honoring your period can be a healing, cathartic, way to reconnect with your body, your creative force, and nature. By tracking your period and your body’s changes throughout the month, you’ll gain a better idea of when to expect the bleed and a clearer understanding of your body’s unique rhythms. Perhaps the following information aligns with your cycle. Keep a journal and track. Watch the rhythm of your body throughout the months ahead.
Waxing Moon / Follicular Phase: In the Follicular phase, the brain’s pituitary gland releases a hormone stimulating the follicle, which is holding an immature egg. During a waxing moon, the moon is also preparing for its next phase, just like the body during the follicular phase.
Full Moon / Ovulatory Phase: This phase is considered the second half of a cycle and occurs about 13-15 days before the start of the next period. An egg is released from the ovaries into the fallopian tube. Progesterone levels are going through fluctuations as estrogen levels are rising.
Waning Moon / Luteal Phase: In the luteal phase, testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen are at their peak levels. They are working together to rebuild the uterine lining. Estrogen thickens the uterine lining, and progesterone keeps the uterine lining in place. As the moon is pulling away and entering into a phase of darkness, our bodies might start to feel this energy.
New Moon / Menstrual Phase: The menstrual phase begins at the first day of your cycle. It is in this phase that the body sheds the uterine lining. Of course, everyone experiences their flow differently. The key is to honor the body and give it grace during this intense phase. The New Moon helps to quiet the body and mind. It is the perfect time to find rest.
WHITE MOON CYCLE: If your body follows a White Moon cycle, you’ll tend to bleed during the new or waning moon. Since biodynamics have shown that the earth is most fertile during full moons (when you ovulate), this cycle is most traditionally linked to fertility and motherhood. If you are a “white moon” woman, you’ll likely feel a surge in your intuition during your period and will feel the urge to withdraw for nourishment and self-renewal.
RED MOON CYCLE: This cycle follows the full moon, meaning your body bleeds during the waxing or full moon and is most fertile during the new or waning moon. Because full and waxing moon phase energies are outgoing, vibrant, and creative, some feel this is counter intuitive to menstruation. Those who tend to menstruate with the full moon are said to focus their “darker” and more creative menstrual energies outward, rather than inward. Many with this cycle will be more focused on self-growth, development, and creativity.