Menstrual Cycle Magic (Part 4)
Menstruation. I saved this phase in the cycle for last as to me, it is the most magical phase. I feel saddened that for years I thought my period was to be dreaded. Called “the curse” by my grandmother I expected periods to be painful and inconvenient and so that's what they were.
Now, through cycle awareness I look forward to my bleed. To the peace and rest that comes with it. To the time by myself to reflect, contemplate and set intentions for the next menstrual cycle.
This phase of the menstrual cycle is the bleed. Often happening around day 24-30 but all women are different. This is the phase of the new moon (the dark sky). The archetype for this phase is the Crone or the wise woman. Imagine the Crone as the wisdom keeper.
This phase of your cycle may bring with it some pain, heightened emotions and feelings of disorientation however, it also brings with it an opportunity for introspection and accessing your own deep inner wisdom. This is a time for rest and turning inward. If you have important questions looming in your life now is the time to sit in silence and contemplate these questions. Your intuition is strong at this time and you may receive guidance if you carve out space to hear it. Take some time to journal and set your intentions for the coming menstrual cycle.
Self care, rest, sleep and nourishing food are called for during your bleed. If you have work and a family to care for, maybe you could ask for help for an hour or two. Or ensure you take your lunch break rather than pushing through. Take long warm baths with nurturing oils such as lavender and clary sage.
Replace high intensity workouts with yin yoga or a gentle walk and prioritise rest where you can. The old tampax adverts with the roller skating girls and the words “don’t stop when your period starts” has not served us well. Please stop, and take a rest. The more in alignment you become with the energy of your menstrual cycle the more ease you will feel in your body, mind and heart at each phase.
If I could have one wish it would be that young girls are taught this vital cyclical wisdom at menarche. That they are guided to rest and nourish themselves during their periods. Imagine the changes women could make to the world if they sat still to receive the wisdom of their heightened intuition during menstruation!
If you want to reflect on your own menstrual or moon cycle and begin cycle tracking, I have created a cyclical living guide with journal pages and printable cycle planning and cycle tracking sheets. I want to encourage you to try cycle tracking for at least a few months and become intimate with the energetics of your cycle. You will not regret the few minutes each day that will yield a huge insight into your inner landscape. Click HERE to download your copy and start tracking today.
