Menstrual Cycles and the Moon: Finding Your Rhythm
I recently participated in a star gazing event and found myself reflecting on the phases of the Moon. As my period is approaching, I became curious about how my menstrual cycle might align with the lunar phases. I realized that my period tends to fall on the Full Moon each cycle—and I thought that was both fascinating and symbolic.
It turns out that the Moon and menstrual cycles have been linked in traditions across many cultures, not only because they share a similar length (~29.5 days) but also because both represent cyclical renewal, growth, and transformation. Depending on when your cycle begins, you may find yourself aligning with one of four main menstrual-lunar archetypes.
Here’s a breakdown of the four main alignments and what they mean emotionally and spiritually:
1. 🌑 White Moon Cycle (Bleeding on the New Moon)
Symbolism: Fertility, motherhood, nurturing
Focus: Energy turned inward for renewal and creation
Meaning: Traditionally linked to women focused on family, fertility, and caring roles. This is the most common alignment.
Archetype: Mother / Nurturer — embodying cycles of birth, growth, and renewal
2. 🌕 Red Moon Cycle (Bleeding on the Full Moon)
Symbolism: Wisdom, teaching, healing
Focus: Energy turned outward during what is usually an inward phase
Meaning: Associated with creatives, healers, leaders, and visionaries—people who channel menstrual energy into guiding others rather than reproduction
Archetype: Wise Woman / Medicine Woman / Healer
The Red Moon Cycle is often considered the “mystic’s cycle.” Unlike the White Moon Cycle, which is aligned with fertility and nurturing, the Red Moon has historically been associated with women who step outside of traditional family roles. Instead of channeling their life energy toward reproduction, they channel it toward self-expression, healing, creativity, and leadership.
I thought this was the most interesting part: Historically, this cycle was viewed as uncommon and often linked to women who were not primarily focused on childbearing but on contributing their energy outward into community, creativity, and spiritual guidance.
On a personal note, my cycle has been remarkably consistent—almost always 28 days like clockwork. Only a few times in my life was it a few days late due to stress, but it always returned the next month to its natural circadian rhythm, in balance. I never wanted children, and I told my mom this when I was just 23. As I got older, I shared with friends that I wanted to be a mother to all, not just to one. Having one might hold me back from giving that love to many. In a way, this perspective feels very aligned with the Red Moon archetype—to hold wisdom and nurturing not just within a family unit but in service to the wider community.
Spiritually, the Red Moon Cycle represents:
Rebellion and Transformation — breaking from societal expectations of fertility-first roles.
Visionary Energy — guiding others with wisdom born of personal cycles.
Healing Gifts — offering medicine through words, creativity, rituals, or presence.
Sacred Leadership — holding space for others to grow, transform, or awaken.
In ancient traditions, women who bled with the Full Moon were sometimes seen as witches, shamans, or wise women—keepers of spiritual knowledge who walked between worlds. Today, we might see Red Moon menstruators as those who feel called to inspire, create, and lead in unconventional ways.
3. 🌒 Pink Moon Cycle (Bleeding on the Waxing Moon)
Symbolism: Growth, expansion, ambition
Focus: Aligns with the rising lunar energy after the New Moon
Meaning: Often connected to women in times of personal development, career building, or self-discovery. Energy is about pushing forward.
Archetype: Maiden / Seeker — curious, learning, striving, exploring
4. 🌘 Purple Moon Cycle (Bleeding on the Waning Moon)
Symbolism: Release, wisdom, surrender
Focus: Syncs with the Moon’s descent after the Full Moon
Meaning: Often shows up during life transitions, deep healing, or times of letting go (end of relationships, jobs, or identities).
Archetype: Crone / Transformational Guide — holding space for endings and renewal
✨ Why This Matters
Your cycle syncing with the Moon can shift throughout your lifetime depending on your season of growth, priorities, and inner work. None of these cycles is “better” than another—they simply highlight the role or archetype you are embodying in the present moment.
Whether you find yourself in the nurturing rhythms of the White Moon, the visionary energy of the Red Moon, the striving growth of the Pink Moon, or the deep wisdom of the Purple Moon—your alignment is a mirror of your inner landscape.
The beauty is in noticing, honoring, and allowing your cycle to guide you deeper into your own wisdom.