The moon, the cycle, and birth 🌙

Article · 2 min read · Nov 13, 2025

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Why is the full moon associated with birth?

Did you know that in Ancient Greek, menstruation and moon translate to the same term, amenrluna? Also, in French there's the expression "avoir ses lunes" to refer to menstruation. Interesting, right? And here's something even more fascinating: the lunar cycle and menstrual cycle last practically the same amount of time (give or take a day, because as women we can vary a little). Too many coincidences... or are they?

If we look back, many cultures reference the moon and the menstrual cycle, and this makes sense: in the past, women's cycles were synchronized with the lunar phases. Nowadays we're so disconnected from natural rhythms that this synchrony has been lost... though I promise you that if you study this and reconnect with those rhythms, you can feel that connection with the moon again.

Illustration for The moon, the cycle, and birth 🌙

The lunar phases and the feminine cycle 🌔

- New moon → cycle begins / menstruation. This is a time of cleansing and renewal, both for the body and energy, to start fresh.

- First quarter moon → follicular phase / growth. Represents vitality, positivity, and energy. During this phase, we women tend to feel more active, creative, and productive.

- Full moon → ovulation / development. Here, lunar energy is at its peak. Libido increases, femininity is heightened, and nature prepares the ground for the possibility of creating life.

- Last quarter moon → luteal phase / decline. A time of calm, introspection, and creativity, where everything returns to its place before beginning the cycle anew.

As you can see, there's a perfect synchrony with a woman's nature, a harmonious cycle that reflects lunar energy in each phase.

The full moon and birth 🌕

So, why is it said that the full moon coincides with a higher likelihood of birth? Because the full moon represents the peak of energy, the moment of fullness and culmination. Just as during ovulation life has the possibility to begin, the full moon symbolizes the culmination of that feminine energy, the moment when life breaks through and birth becomes its ultimate expression.

In other words, the full moon doesn't just mark a point in the sky, but resonates with the creative and vital force of woman, reminding us of the deep connection between our bodies and the natural rhythms that surround us.