Know the Moon's cycle to be in tune with your femininity

Since the dawn of time, the Moon has fascinated men and women alike. Many beliefs associate this changing star with femininity and fertility. In fact, the lunar cycle and the menstrual cycle have phases and are almost equally long. Would you like to learn more about the Moon's cycle and theinfluence it can have on your femininity? Here's everything you need to know!

What is the lunar cycle? Definition

The lunar cycle is the succession of phases of our satellite. Since the Moon doesn't emit light, the silvery glow we see is simply the Sun's light reflected on its surface. When observed from Earth, it therefore takes on different appearances depending on its position relative to the Sun.

We also always see the same hemisphere, called the "visible side", as opposed to the "hidden side", which we never see. This is due to the Moon's synchronous rotation. In fact, it takes about as long to complete its orbit around our planet as it does to turn on itself(29.5 days).

Every month, we can admire its eight phases in the sky:

1. the new or black Moon (almost invisible to the naked eye) ;
2. the first crescent Moon ;
3. the first quarter Moon ;
4. the waxing Gibbous Moon ;
5. full Moon ;
6. Waning Gibbous Moon ;
7. last quarter Moon;
8. the last crescent Moon.

What is a lunation?

The lunation, also known as the lunar month or synodic month, refers to thetime interval between two consecutive new Moons . It should not be confused with the sidereal month, which corresponds to the time it takes for the Moon to complete one revolution of the Earth (27 days 7 hours 43 minutes and 11.5 seconds).

As our satellite and planet also revolve around the Sun, there is a two-day time lag before sunlight hits the Moon in the same way as at the start of the lunar cycle. The average length of a lunation is therefore 29 days 12 hours 44 minutes and 2.8 seconds.

How long is a lunar cycle?

A new lunar cycle begins each time the Sun, Earth and Moon are aligned. The length of this cycle corresponds to the time of a lunation, i.e. 29 and a half days.

Since a woman's menstrual period occurs every 28 days on average, the menstrual cycle and the Moon have been compared and compared very early in history. According to certain beliefs, the different phases of the lunar cycle and the menstrual cycle are intimately linked and relate to the four great energies of life : birth, growth, fulfillment and finally decline.

In a study published in 2021 in the journal Science Advances, researchers were able to confirm the hypothesis of a relationship between the Moon and menstruation. According to them, the female cycle and the lunar cycle were probably synchronized in ancient times. And it's our current way of life, less in tune with nature, as well as the advent of artificial light and the pill, that have upset this harmony.

Moon cycle: how does it influence us?

You've probably heard of the impact of the Moon's different phases on the tides. Our satellite exerts an attractive force on the Earth, causing the mass of water at a given point to rise or fall.

But did you know that the Moon's cycle can also influence living beings, and women in particular? Thanks to the work of Professor Marc Henry of Strasbourg University, this influence has been scientifically demonstrated.

In his book L'Eau morphogénique : santé, information et champs de conscience, the researcher describes a phenomenon known as the "magneto-gravitational effect". He explains that ions passing through our cells create an electromagnetic field that can be stimulated by the gravitational force of the Moon, but also of the planets. Visit horoscopes drawn up by astrologers reflect the influences that the stars have on us.

Since 65% of our bodies are made up of water, we are alsoinfluenced by the Moon. Of course, some people are more receptive than others, and experience different effects depending on the phase of the Moon.

When the Moon is full, you may feel more nervous and tired, suffer frominsomnia and a slight loss of appetite. Other Moon phases may also affect hair growth, skinhydration and sensitivity.

As the lunar cycle is closely linked to the menstrual period, it may also have additional effects on women. Although not yet scientifically proven, some people report a more pronounced menstrual syndrome or painful periods as the full Moon approaches. Whatever the case, paying attention to lunar energies and their influences can only be beneficial for reconnecting with nature and yourself.

You're interested in the lunar cycle and astrology? Know that lunology could be a valuable ally. This practice aims to harness the influence of the lunar cycle on our daily lives. According to astrologer Yasmine Boland, each phase of the Moon is more or less conducive to certain activities.

To find out the Moon's position, refer to the lunar calendar for the current year, which lists the various lunations to come. In this way, you'll be able to make the most of the energies diffused by this luminous and familiar star to feel in tune with your femininity.

Moon cycle FAQ

How many lunar cycles are there in a year?

How do you calculate the Moon's cycle?