The Garden: Moon Time

How many of us women actually enjoy our menstrual period? If I was in a room I bet not too many hands would be up, if any and I don’t blame you. Period cycles can be very “inconvenient” and often gets us so annoyed and grossed out. You would think because it happens so regularly one would get used to it but no. I for one is yet to come to terms with the fact that each month my sleep-pattern is disrupted, my dreams are wild, I  bleed, get abdominal pain, feel bloated, experience an emotional numbness with some depression I and  do not want human contact and and….😅 it really messes me up completely.

However, recently I have been talking to Yvette Aloe about my journey and she shared with me some information that has helped me to see my menstrual period positively. The article by Aletheia Luna has morphed me in the most profound ways and I share it with you below:

Can you believe that in ancient cultures the period cycle was deeply respected and revered? Although we try our hardest to ignore and control our cycles these days, our female ancestors actually celebrated it and let it flow naturally. The most famous example can be found among the Native American tribes who reserved Moon Lodges for their menstruating women. These Moon Lodges were places for the women to gather, rest, introspect and dream. At this time of the month when the women were most sensitive, they would often have prophetic dreams about how to hunt and govern the tribe. There is so much more to the period cycle than what we’ve been taught.

Our period cycles are physical, but they are also emotional, mental and spiritual. In other words, menstruation isn’t just about bleeding, cramping and getting PMS! In reality, menstrual symptoms are actually messages in disguise telling you to slow down and honour your body. In fact, every month, our periods reveal to us just how many physical and emotional toxins we have accumulated —and we’re shown the state of our inner selves in complete rawness. To many females this kind of honesty is very painful and daunting to face. But that is only because we haven’t been taught how to listen and live in sync with our cycles.

So why is the period cycle not only sacred, but powerful?

1. Our senses are heightened.This includes our sense of taste, smell, sight, touch and hearing. As a result, this makes us more aware.
2. We dream more frequently. During our Moon Time, we are much more likely to experience lucid as well as prophetic dreams.
3. Our energy is focused inwards. This makes us less emotionally available for other people, and more focused on the lessons we need to learn about our lives.
4. We are more intuitive.Our increased sensitivity at the time of menstruation makes us more receptive and open to life.
5. We are in the process of death and rebirth.In other words, this time of month is the perfect opportunity to :let go” of old patterns, habits and thoughts that no longer serve us. This is physically expressed through the release of our womb’s blood.

Many women wonder why they are moody and irritable at this time of month. Often the result of this moodiness is getting into fights with friends or spouses. When these common symptoms are analysed, we see that women simply want to be left alone. And what better way than to fight with and repel others? This is because not only do they lack the physical energy (due to blood loss and fatigue), but they are being called to take out time for themselves. This is a deep biological calling. But the problem is, how can we take time out for ourselves? Very few of us have the ability to go on retreat during our periods. Most of us have full-time jobs, children and/or other demanding duties to attend to.

So what can we do instead to honour our Moon Times?

The first step to honouring your Moon Time is to understand that it is a cycle. And this cycle can be divided into four stages:

Menstruation — Winter — The Crone — Days 1-7

Pre-Ovulation — Spring — The Maiden — Days 7-14

Ovulation — Summer — The Mother — Days 14-21

Pre-Menstruation — Autumn — The Mother/Crone — Days 21-28

As we can see, each week corresponds to a different season and feminine stage. Therefore, every week has its own energy to connect with. Learning to love your body during menstruation is about realizing that as a female you are a cyclical being. This is one of the most charming and beautiful things about being a female: your body, mind and emotions are constantly ebbing and flowing.

You are like the moon, the seasons, the life force itself. In fact, the entire menstrual cycle is about birth, life, growth and decay.  This makes your period cycle sacred, for you are the embodiment of life and death. Each month you have the opportunity to live according to the patterns of this constant fluctuation of energy within you.

Here are some ways you can learn to honour your Moon Time.

Recognize how you’re feeling: At this time you’re feeling sensitive, quiet, and inwardly focused. Any issues that have been suppressed or attached to during the month are revealing themselves through your physical and mental state. You are in the process of dying to old things, both physically and mentally. You are in the stage of rest and renewal. You don’t want to be disturbed.

Key phrases: “I feel quiet,” “Please don’t disturb me.”

After bleeding: “I feel soft and tender,” “I’m quietly entering the world again.”

Gentleman, I hope this article has given you a little insight and will assist you in providing support to the women around you otherwise ladies enjoy your moon time going forth let it be a celebration of your sacred honour and the renewal of your body and your world.