The Menstrual Cycle and Its Connection to the Moon

Menstruation is regarded as a sacred process in Indian culture that is closely bound to the cosmic cycles of the moon ("Chandra"). The Rigveda and Atharvaveda speak of the menstrual cycle as an imitation of the cycles of nature, highlighting its cleansing and rejuvenating quality. Sanskrit terms the menstrual flow as "Rajaswala", which has a derivation of both "Rajas," denoting "blood" and "cosmic energy". Vedic traditions, Ayurveda, and Hindu scriptures correspond women's menstrual cycles to moon phases as these are marked by intensified energy and transformation.

Vedic Perspective on the Moon and Women’s Cycles
The Rigveda states:

"Chandrama Manaso Jaatah" – "The moon was born from the mind (of the Cosmic Being)."

This verse highlights that the moon governs the mind ("Manas"), emotions, and cycles of nature, including the menstrual cycle. The moon’s influence over women’s reproductive health is further supported in Ayurveda and Tantra, where it is said:

"Yatha Pinde Tatha Brahmande" – "As is the microcosm, so is the macrocosm."

This means that just as the moon governs the tides of the ocean, it also influences the fluids within the body, including the menstrual flow.

a. Shukla Paksha (Increasing Moon - Development Stage)

• The moon grows brighter, representing creativity, fertility, and growth.
• Ayurveda equates this to the Kapha stage—allied to food and reproductive energies.
• Women are found to be more fertile and vibrant at this time.

b. Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon - Release Phase)

• The light of the moon decreases, representing introspection, purification, and withdrawal.
• This corresponds to the Vata phase—regulating elimination and purification.
• Traditionally, menstruation was expected to begin during this time.

Many Indian customs encourage women to observe rest and self-care during menstruation, similar to the energy of the dark moon (Amavasya), which symbolizes renewal and inner wisdom.

Vedic Reference to the Moon’s Influence on Women

The Atharvaveda describes how the moon governs feminine energy:

"Somaḥ pavate janitā matīnām, janitā divo janitā pṛthivyāḥ" – "The moon (Soma) flows as the progenitor of wisdom, as the creator of the heavens and the earth."

In Ayurveda, Soma (nectar of the moon) is considered essential for reproductive health, beauty, and vitality, directly linking it to menstruation.

a. White Moon Cycle (Menstruation during the New Moon, Ovulation during the Full Moon)

• The most natural and ideal cycle for fertility.
• The New Moon ("Amavasya") is associated with menstruation, a period of purification.
• The Full Moon ("Purnima") symbolizes ovulation, highest fertility, and increased Ojas (vital energy).
• This cycle is related to motherhood, nurturing, and creative power.
• In Hindu cultures, this position is thought to improve reproductive health and spiritual equilibrium.

Vedic Insight on the Full Moon and Fertility

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad states:

"Yatra ha va ayam chandramāḥ yatra ha vā ayam strī pumsayoḥ maithunam samāgacchati tatra garbhābhivyaktirbhavati." – "When the moon is full and union between man and woman occurs, conception is more likely to happen."

This aligns with Ayurveda’s belief that ovulation during the full moon increases fertility.

b. Red Moon Cycle (Menstruation during the Full Moon, Ovulation during the New Moon)

• Historically associated with spirituality, wisdom, and inner change and not fertility.
• Women menstruating during the Full Moon (Purnima) were said to possess greater psychic powers and healing energy.
• This cycle was linked with Rishikas (female sages), healers, and Yoginis in the past.
• This cycle is related to motherhood, nurturing, and creative power.
• Most Goddesses, including Kali and Durga, are linked with this cycle, representing strength and divine.

Vedic Reference to Women’s Spiritual Energy

In Vedic thought, women with this cycle were often considered Rishikas (female sages) and Tantrikas, engaging in meditation, healing, and higher consciousness practices. The Devi Sukta states:

"Aham eva swayam idam vadāmi... aham annam annam adantam" – "I am the force that speaks within myself... I am the nourishment that nourishes the one who eats."

This verse highlights how the divine feminine (Shakti) nourishes and sustains creation—mirroring the cyclical nature of menstruation.

In Ayurveda, menstruation is viewed as a period of Vata predominance, and rest and rejuvenation are needed. The body naturally goes through a detoxification process, and women are cautioned against overwork, cold foods, and strenuous physical activities.

a. Rest and Solitude

• Women were asked to shun household work and social interaction.
• This was not to be done in a limiting manner but for inner healing and self-nurturing.

b. Dietary Guidelines

• Cold, heavy, or very spicy foods were avoided since they may disrupt Vata and Pitta equilibrium.
• Warm, nourishing foods such as kitchari, ghee, dates, sesame seeds, and jaggery were advised.
Related Read: For a deeper understanding of how Ayurveda supports menstrual health, check out our previous blog – "Balancing Your Cycle Naturally with Ayurveda."

c. Avoiding Overexertion

• Women in menstruation had avoided temples and religious rituals not because of uncleanliness but since their power was inward-centered instead of outer-directed.
• It was a period for meditation, chanting, and linking with internal Shakti

d. Herbal Remedies for Balance

• Shatavari – Strengthens the reproductive system.
• Ashoka Bark – Regulates heavy bleeding.
• Aloe Vera & Turmeric – Helps balance hormones and reduce inflammation.
Related Read: For more insights on Ayurvedic approaches to different menstrual phases, explore our previous blog – "The Ayurvedic View of Menstrual Phases."

e. Spiritual Practices – Women were advised to meditate and chant mantras, such as:

• "Om Chandraya Namah" – A mantra for the moon’s healing energy.
• "Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Rajaswaleti Sansthitah" – Honoring menstruation as divine.

These were not taboos but synchronizing with natural cycles to ensure long-term health and fertility.

a. Navratri and the Feminine Cycle

The nine nights of Navratri represent the menstrual cycle phases:

• The first three days (Kapha phase) celebrate Durga, representing cleansing and transformation.
• The middle three days (Pitta phase) celebrate Lakshmi, associated with fertility and abundance.
• The final three days (Vata phase) reverence Saraswati, symbol of wisdom and divine understanding.

b. Ritu Kala Samskara (Coming-of-Age Ceremony)

• In most Indian societies, on the first occurrence of menstruation (Menarche) for a girl, she is being celebrated with a Ritu Kala Samskara—a coming-of-age ritual celebrating her passage into womanhood.
• This ceremony recognizes the feminine power of creation in her and harmonizes with lunar blessings.

c. Fasting and the Menstrual Cycle

• Indian women tend to modify fasting ceremonies according to their menstrual cycles.
• During menstruation, Ayurveda advises against extreme fasting in order to stay in balance.
• Cycles corresponding to the Ekadashi (11th lunar day) fasts are, however, spiritually meaningful.

Ayurveda recommends a number of practices to align with the moon:

• Moon Gazing ("Chandra Trataka") – Gazing at the full moon to balance emotions.
• Chanting Mantras – Sounding "Om Somaya Namah" for lunar alignment.
• Ayurvedic Herbs – Shatavari, Ashoka, and Aloe Vera regulate menstrual cycles.
• Menstrual Journaling – Monitoring cycles in relation to lunar phases.

In Vedic scripture, menstruation is not a burden but a sacred, potent process linked intimately with the moon. One can follow the White Moon Cycle, Red Moon Cycle, or any other cycle and, in so doing, acknowledge this association, which can contribute to greater health, enhanced self-knowledge, and more intense connection to nature.