Cosmic Rhythms – Align Your Female Cycle with the Moon

In the modern view, time is linear—past, present, future. But in Vedic and other ancient cultures, time was seen as cyclical, deeply connected to natural and celestial cycles. This interconnectedness between the cosmos and the human body is encapsulated in the Sanskrit saying, ‘Yat Pinde Tat Brahmande,’ translating to ‘What is in this body is in the cosmos too.’

The Moon influences our minds and emotions, embodying feminine, cooling energy that contrasts with the Sun’s masculine warmth. Similar to how it governs the sea’s tides, the Moon impacts the rhythmic flow within our largely water-composed bodies, affecting both physical and mental states.

The Moon’s cycle mirrors the feminine menstrual cycle. While monthly premenstrual symptoms like cramps and mood swings can be challenging, they also connect women to nature’s inherent rhythms, emphasizing the sacredness of this natural process.

In medical astrology it is said that the menstrual cycle matches the Moon’s 28 to 29.5-day orbit and is influenced by lunar phases affecting hormone release, like estrogen and progesterone. As the Moon waxes, estrogen builds, peaking at ovulation during the full moon—mirroring the Moon’s fullness with the body’s peak fertility, readying it for potential fertilization.

During the waxing Moon, women typically feel more energetic, confident, and creative, while the waning Moon often brings PMS symptoms, necessitating rest and reflection. The New Moon or No Moon, coinciding with menstruation, marks a cleansing period and the start of a new cycle. Vedic tradition honors this phase by relieving women from daily duties to rest and recuperate, supporting the body’s natural renewal process.

Historically, just as the Moon’s phases guided activities like planting and spiritual ceremonies, the female cycle ideally aligns with the Moon’s rhythms. Yet, modern lifestyle factors—such as long work hours, stress, and disrupted sleep and eating patterns—can often disrupt this natural synchronization.

Here are 4 things you can do to take care of yourself and bring your natural cycles in sync with nature

1. Strengthen Mars and the Moon in Your Chart

Mars is the significator of blood, and the Moon is the significator of water, as well as the ovaries and uterus. The placement of these planets in your chart and which planets aspect them can determine whether you will experience irregularity and pain in your menstrual cycle. Strengthening these planets in your birth chart through rituals can help you ease the pain and discomfort and regulate your cycle.

Strengthen your Moon by listening to or meditating on Sri Rudram, the vedic chant that honors Lord Rudra, a form of Lord Shiva, the all pervading divine consciousness, on Mondays. Alternatively you can listen to Chandra Ashtothram, the Sanskrit chant dedicated to the Moon. Whenever you can see the Moon in the sky, silently watch and meditate on it.

Strengthen your Mars by taking care of your younger siblings, and by chanting or meditating on the Mars Ashtotram – the Sanskrit chant dedicated to Mars – every Tuesday. Angaraka Kavacham is another Sanskrit chant that creates an armor of protection from problems caused by the planet Mars. Lord Angaraka is a name for Mars.

You can find personalized rituals based on your own vedic birth chart

2. Practice Moon Salutations

Chandra Namaskar, or Moon Salutations, are ideal for women, including those who are pregnant or menstruating, as it helps channel lunar energy, which has cool, relaxing, and creative qualities.

This yoga sequence enhances flexibility in the spine and legs while strengthening the arms, legs, back, and abdomen. For optimal benefits, perform Chandra Namaskar on an empty stomach at or after sunset, ideally when the Moon is visible and especially during a Full Moon. Start with your body’s left (lunar) side and alternate, although practicing any time of day is beneficial.

Start the practice with a feeling of grace and gratitude towards the energy of the Moon.

See the Chandra Namaskar (Moon Salutations) and Astrology article for steps on how to do this.

3. Full Moon Meditation

During the next Full Moon, engage in a Full Moon Meditation to align with its cooling energy. You can do one through the Sattva Mantras and Meditation app. Meditation activates the pineal gland which is associated with the Moon. The menstrual cycle is a Moon-based cycle, and meditating on the Full Moon connects and aligns you with its soothing nature.

The Ida Nadi, associated with the Moon and creativity, is an energy channel that runs along the left side of the body and is connected to the right side of the brain hemisphere – the side responsible for creativity, intuition and the female reproductive organs.

4. Engage in some R&R

During your menstrual cycle, do the obvious and prioritize rest and avoid strenuous tasks, to accommodate hormonal shifts in the body. The body experiences a downward flow of energy at this time, so avoid activities that interfere with this including spiritual rituals such as Pujas and Homas (fire ceremonies) which are naturally energy-rising activities. Stay hydrated with plenty of water or herbal teas to support your body’s needs.

Holistic Tips for Pain Relief During Menstruation

Practise these Mudras

To help ease menstrual pain, you can practice the following 3 mudras (hand positions). In each position take a few long deep breaths with your eyes closed, and relax.

Surya Mudra – Fold the ring finger, and rest the thumb on the nail of the ring finger. Put the palms on your lap facing upwards.

Shakti Mudra – Fold the first two fingers over your thumb. Touch the tips of the two ring fingers together, and touch the tips of the two little fingers together. Place your hands in front of your navel.

Vata Naashak Mudra – Put the tips of the index and middle finger at the base of the thumb and let the thumb sit gently on the folded fingers. Stretch out the little finger and the ring finger, keeping them together. Gently place your hands on your lap, facing upwards.

Tweak Your Diet

During your period, avoid eating meat so as not to aggravate your emotional turbulence. When animals are sacrificed they go through a range of emotions that are stored in the cells of their body, and it is suggested that when humans consume the meat, it can increase aggression and emotional instability. In addition, eliminate white sugar and opt for natural sweeteners like dates, honey or jaggery which can satisfy sweet cravings without causing imbalance in your system.

To help ease period pain, Ayurveda suggests soaking a teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds (Methi) in a glass of water overnight. Drink it the next morning, with the seeds if possible.