Ayurvedic wisdom has been passed down through the generations that guide women in the many ways to enjoy a peaceful, steady cycle and menses. The many practices include using its traditional food as medicine approach, herbal allies, and self-care practices; however, the most important one, to begin with, is observing the moon cycles.

How Do The Moon Cycles Support A Woman’s Wellness?

Ayurveda has long supported that a woman’s health and well-being are associated with the Moon and that menstruation is associated with the moon’s phases. The Moon is considered the matriarch of the celestial world and is the embodiment of the Divine Feminine. She is imbibed with the energy of the Kapha dosha and has an abundance of both Earth and Water energy. She represents the mind and emotions for both men and women and represents fertility and creativity. Her energy is cooling, nurturing, and grounding. Observing the Moon and her phases is a foundational practice for women who want to receive lunar healing energy to support health and well-being in body, mind, and spirit.

It’s believed that the Full Moon is a time of fullness when the Moon’s energy is at its peak and so is that of a woman’s. This is traditionally considered an ideal time for ovulation. On the other side is the Dark or New Moon, also known as the Blood Moon, which is an ideal time for menstruation. The New Moon phase is when the Moon’s energy wanes; as a woman’s energy does. This is a time when a woman can focus on the internal process and connect with her feelings and emotions.

With their menstrual cycle, women have a unique opportunity to attune to the energy of the phase of the moon for more support physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Full Moon Practices For Women

During the Full Moon (or Waxing Moon) Phase, which starts after the New Moon and the moon begins to grow again, a woman’s energy and vitality increase as does her metabolism. This prompts a hearty diet incorporating plenty of sustaining foods including whole grains, proteins of all kinds, eggs, and dairy along with a variety of plant foods. This phase corresponds with the growth of a follicle (egg) in the womb when estrogen dominates. She may feel more support to be more active and focus externally on work, service, relationships, etc. In general, this is a good time for action and expansive work, starting new projects, signing contracts, etc. Traditionally, the waxing moon phase is the best time to sow seeds, harvest crops, and perform rites of passage and spiritual rituals. It’s seen as auspicious to have the support of the growing moon.

The Full Moon is the apex of the cycle when a woman experiences the highest concentration of hormones at ovulation. Her energy and vitality are at their peak. This is a time of celebration and ritual to strengthen relationships, especially with other women. Women can gather to celebrate their fullness with song, dance, and pay homage to the Divine Feminine that supports all life on Earth and in the Universe.

The New Moon (or waning moon) phase begins after the Full Moon when the Moon begins to disappear. This is not an auspicious time to start projects and do expansive work; rather, it’s a time for inner reflection, quietude, solitude, and self-care. Energy decreases. The hormone progesterone is dominant which causes fluid retention, slows down all internal processes including digestion and metabolism, and can affect emotions and mood. A supportive diet is easy to digest and simple. Think about nutritious soups, warm cereals, bone broths, steamed vegetables and greens, and light whole grains and lentils. Kitchari is an ideal food during menstruation because it’s nutritious and easy to digest. Reduce heavier foods like animal protein and dairy.

The New Moon when it is at its darkest point and disappears from the night sky marks the beginning of the new Lunar Cycle. Energy is at its lowest and women may feel the most vulnerable or sensitive. This is an ideal time for menstruation when women are encouraged to take time away from their usual obligations and take time for themselves. Our modern world and fast-paced lives seldom support this tradition; however, it is still possible for women to mark this time with reflection and rest.

Which is Right: Menstruating On The New or Full Moon?

Women may find that they typically menstruate with the New or the Full Moon. They may also find that their timing changes from time to time. There’s no right or wrong. Traditionally, menstruating with the New Moon can be more advantageous as its energy supports slowing down for self-care. This means your cycle is more influenced by female or lunar energy. If you are menstruating with the Full Moon, this may mean it is a time of great external efforts and that you will have two periods of rest during your cycle: once during the New Moon and again during menstruation. This means your cycle is informed by male or solar energy. If you switch gears to a more internal focus that harmonizes with feminine energy and focuses on reflection and self-care, you might find your menses starting closer to the New Moon.

Full Moon And Vedic Astrology

The Moon travels through a Zodiac sign every three days. The Full Moon can occur in a different astrological sign every month. This sign infuses the Full Moon with its energy whether it’s an air, fire, Earth, or water sign. Each Zodiac sign brings different doshas as well. Air signs will increase Vata, Fire signs will increase Pitta, and Earth and Water signs will increase Kapha. The constellation the Full Moon is visiting offers women a purpose and direction to channel their energy. A Virgo Full Moon may emphasize harmony and order whereas a Scorpio Full Moon may shine a spotlight on hidden emotions and secrets.

The Full Moon will also take place in a different nakshatra, or lunar mansion, which is ruled by a different planet. This brings its own energy to the lunar holiday, which is layered upon the theme of the dominating Zodiac sign. In fact, the Moon transits a different nakshatra for every day of the Lunar Cycle, which is 28 days. Every Full Moon will have a personal meaning for each individual as the Moon shows up differently in everyone’s natal chart.

There is a difference between Western and Vedic Astrology. The Vedic view of the heavens and celestial bodies is said to be more accurate as it is based on the laws of nature. Read on to learn more about that…

An essential difference between Western and Vedic, also known as Indian astrology, is the use of different zodiac systems. Western astrologers use the tropical zodiac, based upon the seasons and the orientation between the sun and Earth. In the tropical zodiac, the Spring Equinox always coincides with the onset of Aries season. 

By contrast, Vedic astrology uses the sidereal zodiac which is based upon the physical positions of the constellations in the sky. As the Earth spins on its axis it experiences a bit of a tilt a whirl known as precession. As such the stars and constellations do not remain in a fixed state, in fact each star moves roughly one degree every 70 odd years.

While Western astrology does not take this shift into account, the sidereal system recognizes the discrepancy and corrects it within the birth chart using a system called ayanamas. For this reason, your sun sign in Vedic astrology may very well be different than what you have previously accepted.

https://nypost.com/article/what-is-vedic-astrology/

Listen to the full podcast episode here.

The Full Moon holidays that land on your Zodiac sign will have more personal significance for you. You may feel these visiting energies more intensely, making self-reflection and self-care all the more important.

If you would like to get your birth chart generated and learn what your ascending sign is, you can sign up for a Birth Chart Reading with me. We can discuss your Sun and Moon signs as well, which play different roles in your natal chart. Remember that your Vedic ascendant sign may be different from your Western sign. For example, my dominant sign is Scorpio in Western astrology; whereas in Vedic astrology my ascendant is Virgo, which makes much more sense to me. Be aware that I am self-taught in the science of Jyotish, the art of Vedic astrology, and can refer you to a Jyotishi if you want a full reading.

Balance Your Cycle with Ayurvedic Lunar Practices

To start, you can begin to track when the Full and New Moon Events are on your calendar. Then, start tracking your menses if you’re not already. Do this manually on a printed calendar and put it in a place you see every day. Take note of when you’re menstruating and any patterns before, during, and after. Include symptoms, emotions, and any self-care practices you do. You can also do this in a dedicated moon journal. Track how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. Forecast when you expect your next period so you can anticipate and prepare for it.

If you’re menstruating with the Full Moon, use more self-care measures and take more time for yourself that help you to connect with your feelings and your needs (physical, mental, and emotional), and opt out of nonessential activities so you can get more rest. Do these practices again when the New Moon comes. Track your progress and how you feel in your moon journal.

Discover A Peaceful Period And A Graceful Transition to Menopause With The Balanced Cycle Guide

Her Well Being’s Balanced Cycle Guide can help you learn more about Ayurvedic practices that support a woman’s entire cycle. Discover more helpful dietary, herbal, and lifestyle suggestions that you can incorporate into your routine to help you work towards a balanced cycle, a peaceful period, and eventually a graceful transition to menopause. Really! This is how it’s done.

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to preparing for menopause. Don’t just wait for it to happen to you. Be proactive now and take the reigns of your cycle so that when it comes to an end you don’t have such a hard time like many women do.

Book a Birth Chart Reading, and you will get an invitation to sign up for the Balanced Cycle Guide.

When you sign up for my Balanced Cycle Guide, you’ll get a month’s worth of helpful emails to help you with the learning process along with the PDF Guide, a printable Lunar Cycle Journal, and a chance to book a private consultation with me to personalize your practices.

Join Heather at the Full Moon Circle and New Moon Sadhana (Yoga and Self-Care Practices).

Learn more about special events with Heather here.

Remember that it takes time to put these practices in place and that patience and self-compassion are your best allies. Return to the Guide time and time again for guidance and inspiration on your lunar cycle journey.

Heather R. Burkart

Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner

Founder, Her Well Being Ayurveda & Yoga

Please be advised that the content on this website is for education and information purposes only and does not replace advice from a medical professional.

Heather R. Burkart

Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner

Founder, Her Well Being Ayurveda & Yoga

Please be advised that the content on this website is for education and information purposes only and does not replace advice from a medical professional.