Align your business + life around the menstrual, lunar + earth cycles
If you sometimes find yourself laid out with imposter syndrome and an inner critic s*** storm that feels like you’re about to crash your life into a wall, yet at other times are full of ideas and are all Beyoncé-who-runs-the-world, this post is here to help. It's time to step away from the Patriarchal conditioning and into a new, deeply fulfilling, sustainable and FUN way of doing business and life.
Recently I was asked to be on not one but TWO podcasts to talk about my absolute passion - - how to design your business and life in harmony with nature's cycles for more magnetism and FLOW!
If you're new to my work, you may not know that I take a firm stance on calling out Patriarchal, neo-liberal BS. I think it's important to NAME the systems that oppress us and wake up to the Truth that there are structures in place that simply do not serve us.
Part of this is about understanding the feminine medicine we are all so desperately in need of has been suppressed and repressed for generations. We are collectively healing from SO MUCH trauma that sometimes it feels like we are going to buckle under the weight of it all.
What is 'feminine medicine'?
It's the cyclical, nurturing, intuitive, collaborative, sensual and creative Divine Feminine energy present in all beings.
It's my belief that an epic rebalancing of the masculine and feminine energies is needed for us to come into greater harmony with ourselves, each other and Mother Earth.
If you're STILL designing your life in line with masculine, linear structures, keep reading.
Darling, we are cyclical beings, and there is huge power in a) recognising and b) responding to that.
I don’t subscribe to the Patriarchal structures of work because why the f*** should I!? If you run a business and are still following the linear 9-5 mon-fri structure, please ask yourself why.
Why are you ignoring your body’s needs?
Why are you cutting yourself off from your greatest source of wisdom?
Why are you pretending that your energy, creativity, ambition and confidence are the same all month?
There is POWER inside your cycle - why do you think it’s been suppressed for so long?
Knowing how to work WITH your cycle is your untapped power and it changes everything.
It's not an accident that our menstrual cycle aligns perfectly with the cycles of the moon and the earth.
But there’s been a lot of negative conditioning about menstruation. This natural cycle teaches us to not always push through; that taking time to let go, be quiet and reflect can have huge pay-offs in your life - especially if you run your own show.
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Here's a very basic run down of how your inner seasons align with the seasonal shifts of the earth.
The seasons of your cycle explained + how to make them work for you as an embodied feminine leader.
Menstruation ~ New Moon ~ Inner Winter ~ Crone Archetype
This is an important time of introspection and intuition where you're invited to open yourself to the wisdom of your womb. Your spiritual purpose will speak loudly to you during this time, and call your forth onto your path. You will have the ability to access information regarding the steps you must take in order to achieve peace and harmony in your life.
A time of releasing and letting go, you are both physically and metaphorically cleansing yourself. This is your opportunity to let go of old beliefs, patterns and ways of being that no longer serve you. Allow your inner Crone to act as both a destructive and creative force; it will undo the patterns that bind you, and create pathways to free you from yourself. This is the emptiness of seeding time, open your womb, your heart, and nurture your dreams.
YOUR ENERGY:
This is the start of your period. Your energy is inwardly collected and about to begin its expansion phase once again. All three of your sex hormones are at their lowest.
EMBODIED FEMININE LEADER TIPS:
Lighten your schedule so that inspiration can strike and you can shore up energy for the rest of the cycle.
This is a fertile time for ‘planting seeds’ and spending time doing inward reflection. Quiet your mind, settle your heart, and recharge for what is to come.
Set your intentions for the month, and for your life. Consider the mark you’d like to make on the world, and begin to create a plan.
Take time to retreat, gather your thoughts, set intentions, plan your campaign, and get plenty of rest in preparation for sharing your vision with the world later in the cycle.
Pre-ovulation ~ Waxing Moon ~ Inner Spring ~ Maiden Archetype
This part of the cycle is represented by the Maiden archetype and is the representation of the fertile, sexual, vibrant woman. She is whole, complete, and fully empowered. This is the woman ready and willing to step out into the world with a certain boldness and dynamism that attracts attention from others. Communications, social events, and connections are made with ease during this time.
YOUR ENERGY:
During this phase your energetic field begins its expansion. You have more energy for outward tasks. Your estrogen and testosterone levels rise, creating a more upbeat mood and physical state.
EMBODIED FEMININE LEADER TIPS:
Feel the desire for creative ideas to be birthed
Move from inspiration into gentle actions on your dreams, desires and wishes
Be willing to step outward here - both literally and figuratively. Reach out to friends and new contacts as your energy will be received more openly during this phase
Notice any resistance arise as your light begins to shine and continue to trust in this part of your cycle.
Initiate and assert yourself.
Ovulation ~ Full Moon ~ Inner Summer ~ Mother Archetype
During this phase we have the energy to really take care of ourselves, nurture our ideas, and expand our creative endeavors. And yet, just like a powerful mother knows, it is always in everyone’s highest good to seek support from those we trust. Whether you are calling in on friends, mentors, or spiritual guides, be sure to reach out so that your energy can be tenfold in its power.
During ovulation you will notice a certain kind of magnetism in your energy. People will see and desire you more. This is an opportune time to ask for that which you want, as it is very unlikely you’ll be hearing “no" very often. As people and opportunities are drawn towards you now, be conscious about stepping up to receive. Your hormones are calling for a partner, and that same energy can fall forth your highest desires. Let go and trust in your dynamism. You are worthy, and this phase is on your side.
After ovulation, be aware of a shift to a more contracted energy. Also note that you may ovulate early (during the maiden phase.) As you begin to familiarize yourself with your cycle, you will more effectively be able to track which phase you are currently in. Always keep in mind that the days noted with the cycles are approximations. It is up to you to get to know your cycle intimately so you can plan accordingly, and this calendar will help you do just that.
YOUR ENERGY:
Testosterone and estrogen decrease as progesterone rises. This shift in hormones will have a soothing effect on your mood as your intuition heightens.
EMBODIED FEMININE LEADER TIPS:
This phase is all about stepping up and out into the light of your efforts
Film videos, meet with clients, give speeches and presentations.
Your influence on others, and the influence they have on you, will be in the forefront of your experience.
You may feel like a light is shining on all of your insecurities - use that power to make changes in the way you choose to show up in the world. If you’re feeling empowered and fired up, sign those contracts, confirm those proposals, and be ready to step up.
Embody your power, and know that you are fully worthy of being seen, heard and loved.
Trust that the universe is working with you to bring your desires into fruition.
Create time for a ceremony of gratitude for all that is and all that is to come.
Pre-menstruation ~ Waning Moon ~ Inner Autumn ~ Priestess Archetype
Don’t resist what your body naturally needs, otherwise tension and the inner critic come out.
Be guided to release people, projects and plans that don’t serve you now.
Speak truth to BS
Say no to other people’s expectations of you
Listen to your inner guidance about what you need.
The gift of the Priestess energy allows us to shift from an outward energy in the world to a more inward and reflective one. We are given the opportunity to assess the ‘work’ that we’ve done in the past few phases and see how it has impacted our lives and the lives of those around us. As you become more reflective, as well as generally sensitive to your inner space, you may notice a need for more alone time in order to process what you’re encountering. Allow yourself this time and you will be rewarded with deep insights and understandings.
It is recommended that you do not make many promises or commitments during this phase. It’s likely you may even feel resentful at other’s requests for your time and energy. You need space right now, so create it. Your intuition is opening immensely, and the quietness of this time will allow you to fully hear its whispers.
The ‘veil’ between the worlds begins to thin, and you will gain access to hidden and unseen realms. Use this space to be creative, and daydream! Do some visioning exercises, get clear on your desires, and meditate. Allow yourself to step into the creative vortex and you will feel fulfilled.
YOUR ENERGY:
Your body is beginning its journey towards the Crone phase. Therefore your energy and attention begin moving inward. All sex hormones will begin to drop and your sensitivity will be at its peak. This is ‘me’ time, and can also be associated with ‘PMS’ symptoms. Be gentle with yourself.
EMBODIED FEMININE LEADER TIPS:
Look at the projects, plans and to-dos that don't light you up and let them go now so you can move into the new cycle with renewed focus on what really matters to you.
Share your insights, wisdom, and teachings with the world. This is a fantastic time for content creation, which ideally can be set up for automated distribution during the latter half of your cycle.
Inspire your followers, employees, and team members with the insights you have received.
Allow gratitude to pour forth for all those who are impacting your life in beautiful ways. (Thank you letters to your past clients, co-workers or team members for example).
“Lunar information is reflective and intuitive. It comes to us in our dreams, our emotions, and our hungers. It comes under cover of darkness. When we routinely block the information that is coming to us in the second half of our menstrual cycles, it has no choice but to come back as PMS or menopausal madness, in the same way that our other feelings and bodily symptoms, if ignored, often result in illness.” - Caroline Myss, P.H.D
Tips for cyclical living
Use an app or paper planner to track your cycle, the phase of the moon, moods and physical symptoms so you can better plan when you’re going to be at your most creative and when to schedule client-facing activities that require more confidence.
Connect with your intuition and body wisdom by placing one hand on the heart and one on the womb space and developing a relationship of gratitude rather than punishment
Practice yoga nidra (yogic sleep) to calm your nervous system and better align with the natural rhythms of your body.
