Understanding the Seasons of your Menstrual Cycle

Words by

Oskaya
Understanding the Seasons of your Menstrual Cycle

La Nuit • Auguste Raynaud • France 1800s

Just like the seasons of the year and the phases of the moon, your cycle moves through four distinct phases over the course of 28* days – each one offering its own unique energy and wisdom.

Your menstrual cycle isn’t just biology – it’s a mirror of the moon, a rhythm of rest and renewal, and a sacred guide encoded in your body. Just like the seasons of the Earth, your inner world moves through phases – of energy and introspection, bloom and decay. To live in harmony with your cycle is to live in deep partnership with your own wisdom.

Once you begin to understand the phases of your cycle, it can feel startlingly obvious — like a truth your body always knew, but no one ever named. And yet, for generations, this wisdom has been buried under layers of shame and silence.

To begin to understand the treasure held within our cycles, we first have to change our mind about how we feel about them.

"Many women are not consciously aware that menstruation is a resource for personal growth, balance and healing."

THE MOON CONNECTION

It’s no coincidence that the moon and the menstrual cycle share a powerful, synchronised rhythm.

Like the moon’s phases, your menstrual cycle is divided into four stages, each resonating with a unique energy and echoing the seasons of the earth. These stages, like the seasons, are dynamic and distinct, offering opportunities for different experiences and growth.

*Before we jump in, it’s worth nothing that while many cycles last around 28 days, your rhythm might be shorter or longer. The same seasonal principles still apply — simply divide your cycle into four phases, beginning from the first day of your bleed. If you don’t menstruate, you can simply follow the phases of the moon as your guide.

  • Week one resembles the winter, as we bleed, and our energy hibernates.
  • Week two resembles spring as we begin to reemerge from our cocoon.
  • Week three resembles summer post vibrant ovulation.
  • Lastly, week four resembles autumn as we slow down and prepare for quiet.

Each week, our inclinations, energy levels, emotions, creativity, physical strength and the messages from our body are different.

When a woman begins to use the rhythmic cycles of her own body to shape her world, she finds a renewed ability to maintain a healthier balance between all aspects of her life.

Let’s get into each phase.

Winter: Days 1-7

PERIOD CYCLE

Your cycle begins with menstruation, from the first day of your bleed. Estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest, and the body is shedding the uterine lining. This phase marks a full-body reset — hormonally, emotionally, energetically. This is an internal "winter" marked by quietness and reflection.

MOON PHASE

The new moon marks the beginning of a fresh cycle in the sky, the darkest phase of the moon cycle mirrors the rest and renewal of menstruation. Your menstruation phase represents a time of personal renewal. It's an opportunity to turning inward, set intentions for the cycle ahead, and plant metaphorical seeds.

What you might feel:

  • Low energy levels
  • A desire for solitude and introspection
  • A gentle inward focus

As menstruation ends, you may notice the emergence of "spring" energy. Estrogen levels start to rise, bringing a sense of renewal and optimism.

Now is the best time to:

  • Rest and release: Allow yourself to slow down and process emotions.
  • Warm nourishment: Foods like soups and teas can support your body’s energy while being gentle on your digestive system. Sea Moss Powder can help support your body with its rich nutrient profile.
  • Plant seeds of intention: Use journaling to reflect and set goals for the cycle ahead.
  • Embrace gentle movement: light stretching, slow walks, and yoga are great ways to move your body without pushing it.

Spring: Days 8-14

PERIOD CYCLE

Cue the follicular phase. Estrogen and testosterone rise, triggering the development of follicles in the ovaries. You feel lighter, brighter, and more energised as you reemerge from your hibernation back into the world. Slowly gaining energy, in a few days you will enter the most productive phase of your cycle. Spring transitioning into summer is where creativity, confidence, and social energy are abundant.

MOON PHASE

The waxing moon is gaining light, symbolising growth, rising energy, and outward motion — mirroring the building vitality in your body. Just as the moon grows brighter during this time, so does your body, mind, and spirit.

What you might feel:

  • High energy and motivation
  • A surge of creativity and confidence
  • Increased sociability

Now is the best time to:

  • Set goals and take aligned action. Lean into productivity by tackling important projects and meetings.
  • Be adventurous: Try new activities or foods to fuel this energetic phase. Strive for a PB in the gym.
  • Celebrate your power: Ovulation, often likened to the full moon, is the pinnacle of your cycle – relish this vibrant time.

Summer: Days 15-21

PERIOD CYCLE

Ovulation marks the peak of estrogen and a brief rise in testosterone, while progesterone begins to rise post-ovulation to prepare for a potential pregnancy. After ovulation, your body transitions into the luteal phase. The summer phase of your cycle will have you feeling magnetic, radiant, and fully expressed — it’s your peak time for connection, confidence, and celebration.

MOON PHASE

The full moon symbolises illumination, vitality, and clarity — just like ovulation, which is the most magnetic and outward-facing point of the cycle.

What you might feel:

  • Social, confident, and expressive
  • Emotionally vibrant
  • Desire for connection or intimacy

Now is the best time to:

  • Be booked and busy: You are magnetic during ovulation, it’s the best time to socialise, date, or network
  • Girl boss era: Channel your energy into high-impact work
  • Own your magnetism: This is your time to be visible, connect deeply, and show up fully as you are

Autumn: Days 22-28

PERIOD CYCLE

Late in the luteal phase progesterone peaks and then drops if no pregnancy occurs, leading to PMS symptoms for many. The body prepares for menstruation and begins to slow down. This phase reflects late autumn moving into winter – a time of slowing down and turning inward.

MOON PHASE

The waning moon, where light begins to fade, mirrors the energy of reflection and release. As the moon sheds its light, your body also begins to move toward rest, letting go of what is no longer necessary, guiding you to release emotional baggage and prepare for the next cycle.

What you might feel:

  • A desire to retreat: craving solitude and rest
  • Heightened sensitivity or irritability
  • A sense of emotional release and closure

Now is the best time to:

  • Prioritise self-care: Gentle, nourishing rituals like warm baths or journaling can help you transition smoothly into your next cycle.
  • Simplify your schedule: Avoid overwhelming commitments during this sensitive time to create space for rest.
  • Embrace reflection: Use this phase to process lessons from the cycle and set intentions for the next one.

From nourishing foods to self-care rituals, we believe in embracing every season of life – including the seasons within our menstrual cycle.

By reframing how you view and experience your period, you can transform your relationship with your body and find harmony in every season.

For more on menstruation, find out how to create a period practice here.

This article's content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or medical treatment plan. The author and publisher of this blog are not responsible for any adverse effects or outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided. Your use of this content is solely at your own risk.