Sacred, Not Shameful: How Honouring Your Moon Cycle Deepens Your Sacred Self-Intimacy

"Yayy ! I Got My Period !"

Since I first started menstruating when I was 13 years old, for some reason, every month when my moon cycle visits me, it gives me a sense joy that naturally I just have to cheer and announce it out loud to my family. Beats me why I even started doing that !

I never saw this as anything unnatural until recently, a girlfriend recently chimed in, “Babes, OMG, why are you so happy...?” when she heard me exclaim, “Yayy, I got my period !”

I replied, “Well, just because it makes me feel happy!”

She raised an eyebrow. “Well, you know, it sounds like for a moment you thought you were (unintentionally) pregnant.”

I laughed. Funny. Valid perspective. I never thought of that, but it wasn’t that at all. For me, my period has always been something deeper~ it has always felt like it was a sacred blessing, for some reason.

I remember when I first got my period, it was in the morning. As I was taking my sleeping attire off , before jumping in the shower about to get ready for school~ there it was- a blood stain on my under garment.

I quickly went to my parents' room and told my mom that I had just started bleeding.

My mom went to our little garden and plucked some flowers off the plant pots and prepared me a flower bath, and she showered me herself that morning. For some reason, I felt a sense of renewal wrapped with loving energy. I asked my mom "why are you showering me with flowers ?"

She replied "It's because you are entering a new beginning, becoming a woman, and this is a special moment for you". Fo some reason, the ritual felt sacred~ it made me feel sacred and it had created a deep sense of bond between me and my period.

How Shaming the Moon Cycle Affects the Sacred Self:

The way society treats menstruation has a profound impact on a woman’s sense of self. Periods are either dismissed, stigmatised, or shamed. It creates such discomfort and a sense of detachment from the sacredness of self and connection to body.

In ancient times, in reference to ancient Chinese thoughts of Yin & Yang and texts like the Vedas, menstruation was seen as the most powerful and sacred time for women. 

It is a symbol of connection to self, nature, fertility, creation, spiritual power and sacred divine energy. Contrary to the common beliefs about our blood these days , it is divinely  sacred.

It is also known in Tantra teachings that the natural duration for our bleeding in the ancient time is for 2-3 days, and that we are not supposed to over bleed. I am not surprised, with this finding. The changes that our body face in over time as our environmental structure change , is highly likely due to the over exposure of toxins, radiation, lifestyle and chemically processed food that affect our hormonal balance. Not forgetting how our body have to endure stress and pressure because we have been trained to function like the masculine, who do not bleed and undergo four seasons like us.

Your monthly cycle consists of four seasons: 

Winter, Spring, Summer & Autumn. 

 (adapted from WomanCode by Alisa Vitti).

Winter (Rest & Turning Inward)

Menstrual Phase : Day 1-5 (2-5 days)

What’s Happening: Hormone levels drop sharply, triggering your period. Your body sheds the uterine lining it worked hard to build, marking the start of a new cycle.

Energy: Is at its lowest. Fatigue, cramping, and cravings and your body is asking for rest. Listen to her. Discomfort usually is a sign or underlying emotional or energetic baggages ( rule out any medical condition, although most medical conditions usually begin with stored unprocessed trauma in body or and unhealthy habits.) or it simply means your body is asking to rest.

Emotions: Calmness & introspection, vulnerability. You might feel raw or emotional, but also deeply intuitive and connected to yourself. The reason why you are moody is because your body needs to rest.

Lifestyle: Slow down, rest, and recharge. Your brain’s right and left hemispheres are most connected now, making this the best time to reflect, journal, and tune into your intuition.

Wear cozy clothes, enjoy nourishing foods, and prioritsze comfort. Use this quiet time to set intentions for the new cycle ahead.

Let your emotions flow~this phase is all about releasing what no longer serves you, physically and emotionally

Spring (Growth & Renewal)

Follicular Phase: Day 6-10 (8-10 days)

What’s Happening: Your body is preparing for creation. Estrogen starts to rise, helping your ovaries get ready to release an egg. Your uterine lining begins to build, creating a fresh start for your cycle.

Energy: A boost in energy~like you’re waking up after a long nap. You might feel lighter, active, and full of motivation to get things done.

Emotions: Excitement, optimism, curiosity, and hope. You may also feel restless or eager to start something new.

Lifestyle:  Fresh, vibrant energy flows through you.

Leverage on energy to brainstorm, plan, and dream big. Start projects, set goals, or take on something creative. You’re mentally sharp and full of ideas, so take advantage of this momentum to tackle challenges or explore new opportunities.

Summer (Abundance & Vitality)

Ovulatory Phase: Day 11-14 (3-4 days)

What’s Happening: Estrogen and other hormones peak, releasing an egg from your ovaries. This is your body’s way of saying, "I’m ready to create life !" Whether or not you’re thinking about making babies, this phase is your most fertile time.

Energy: Your energy is at its highest~you feel unstoppable, confident, and radiant. People are naturally drawn to you.

Possible Emotions: Confidence, happiness, flirtiness, and sociability. You might feel playful, magnetic, and deeply connected to yourself and others.

Lifestyle: This is your summer. You’re glowing inside and out.

This is the perfect time for socialising or having important conversations. Ask for that raise, pitch an idea, or go on a date :).

You’re at your most charismatic, so let your confidence shine and enjoy how irresistible you feel !

Autumn (Letting Go & Harvesting Lessons)

Luteal Phase : Day 15-26/28 (10-14 days)

What’s Happening: After ovulation, progesterone rises to balance out estrogen. Your body is preparing for a possible pregnancy. If the egg isn’t fertilised, hormone levels drop, signalling your period is coming.

Energy: Begins to dip. You may feel tired or sluggish, and PMS symptoms like bloating, cravings, or irritability.

Emotions: Sensitivity, moodiness, self-reflection, or irritability. You might feel easily overwhelmed, sensitive or emotional, but also more focused on details and introspection.

Lifestyle: It’s a time to slow down and turn inward. Release what are needed to be released; emotionally, energetically and physically.

You’ll feel the urge to tidy up or organise your space. Focus on smaller tasks that require attention to detail.

Avoid overloading your schedule. Instead, nurture yourself with comforting routines and give yourself permission to rest when needed.

Your Cycle Is Your Power. Each phase of your cycle brings unique energy and emotions, guiding you to live in harmony with your body.

- Rest in the winter of your menstrual phase to heal and renew

- Embrace the spring of your follicular phase to create.

- Bask in the summer of your ovulatory phase to connect and shine.

- Retreat in the autumn of your luteal phase to reflect and prepare.

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By understanding your emotions and energy throughout your cycle, you can unlock your natural rhythm and step into the power of your sacred self. You are able to understand yourself deeper, thus loving and embracing your sacred self.

Your moon cycle isn’t just biology~it’s a beautiful, sacred journey, even if you have stopped bleeding; the cycle continues in a different duration. Listen to it, honour it, and let her guide you.

Create your own sacred ritual(s) during your cycle, if you must. I personally find it to be very soothing and nourishing to the nervous system and soul.

Most importantly, listen to your body, energy and emotions. Your emotions or triggers that arise during your cycle are valid and is an invitation for you to understand yourself deeper. Your body & energy indicates what needs to be tended.

Embrace your nature as a woman. We are, nature.

xx

Much Love,

Miza