Tarot & Astrological Energies for Each Phase of the Menstrual Cycle
A Witchy Guide to Your Hormones
Please note that I am not a licensed healthcare professional. If you need medical advice, please seek out a licensed healthcare professional. Any changes to your diet, or the addition of herbal supplements, are at your own risk. This blog, its associated links, tarot, and astrology are for entertainment purposes only, and should not take the place of medical care or therapy. Please read the Terms & Conditions of this blog to learn more.
This post is a collection of four Instagram posts I made discussing possible tarot and astrological archetypes for each phase of the menstrual cycle. I then went on to post about the hormones that are involved in each cycle, and I will publish a separate blog post for the hormones once I have completed it! As of the beginning of this week, all of those posts are archived, and I will re-post them with clearer fonts and colors so it is easier to read. On these blog posts, you will find the accumulated information all together in one place.
This exercise is inspired by Maisie Hill’s Period Power book, where she attributes each hormone to a celebrity. In the world of Magicians & Creatives looking to create Womb Alchemy Rituals and Restoration Magic, I thought it would be helpful to connect our two favorite tools of divination to our monthly cycles. This, of course, is part of the Womb Alchemy book I am writing [ the outline has been completed!! ] where I will dive more into this topic. I wrote a bit about why I think each archetype fits for the phase of the menstrual cycle in general, but obviously you can [ and should ] choose the planet and tarot card that best represents you in each of your phases! Have fun with it. It's a great exercise to help tune into your cycle and inner-knowing. Also, remember that it can change depending where you are in life, hormonal balance and/or imbalances, and individual perception. For instance, personally, I am lethargic and want to hide during my ovulation phase. As you read on, you will see that the ovulation phase is where physical energy and the need to connect with others should increase. Because I have PCOS and adenomyosis, my progesterone and estrogen levels can get imbalanced, and this causes a disconnect from the innate rhythm of my body’s cycle. However, a Womb Alchemist knows not to judge thyself, and to work with this knowledge. One tiny step at a time towards balance will create ultimate harmony within and without in the long run.
A quick reference of the hormonal shifts during the entire menstrual cycle :
Follicular Phase - Spring - Magician - Mercury
DURATION :
Everyone is different, but the follicular phase is about days 8 - 11 of the menstrual cycle
LIFESTYLE :
During this time, the hippocampus is activated, making it easier to memorize, learn, and retain information.
This is a great time to pick up that new hobby you’ve always wanted to try!
Creative problem-solving is easier
There is a greater potential of new habits sticking if you start them in this phase
Because of the above, the follicular phase has been known to be the "spring season" of your menstrual cycle.
HORMONES :
All hormones are at their lowest during this phase. Estrogen begins to increase, which thickens the uterine lining in preparation to host an egg. The hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary gland to make Follicle-Stimulating Hormone [ FSH ] to then prompt follicles to encourage growth of the eggs they contain. Once the body chooses a follicle, it will start to produce estrogen. Then, FSH takes a break.
NUTRIENTS NEEDED :
Iron
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc
Selenium
The body is replenishing itself after menstruating, and then beginning to prep itself to release an egg during ovulation.
Try these foods to support this part of the cycle:
Pomegranates
Carrots
Broccoli
Avocado
Oats
Kale
Eggs
Pickled veggies
Olives
Beans
Chicken
Trout
Citrus
The above foods that are underlined, are beautiful sources of phytoestrogens [ "plant-based estrogens" ]. That being said, if you have any estrogen-dominant conditions [ PCOS / PCOD, adenomyosis, endometriosis ] or chronic diseases, please work with a licensed professional before changing your diet. Phytoestrogens can potentially worsen any chronic symptom associated with estrogen-dominant conditions.
THE MAGICIAN & MERCURY :
Mercury represents our communication, thought, resources, and sometimes magic and tricks. The Magician, ruled by Mercury, feels like it has a curious nature to it. The Magician has the power to manifest with their resourcefulness and wild creativity. Recall that during this time, your brain has the capacity to learn and retain new information with ease - How Mercurial!
Ovulation Phase - Summer - Empress - Venus
DURATION :
About days 12 - 17 of the menstrual cycle.
LIFESTYLE :
Outgoing
Confident
Increased Sex drive
Connection with others is desired
Fertility is emphasized during this phase, making you magnetic and charismatic
Because of the above, this ovulation phase is considered your “summer season” of the menstrual cycle.
HORMONES:
To stimulate and burst a follicle and release an egg, FSH and LH [ Luteinizing Hormone ] rise. Estrogen levels continue to elevate to thicken the uterine lining, which is crucial as it supports the growth of immune system cells. Then, testosterone drops quickly after its sharp rise.
NUTRIENTS NEEDED DURING THIS TIME:
Essential fatty acids
Fiber
Glutathione
Vitamin B
TRY THIS:
Quinoa
Asparagus
Spinach
Dandelion
Okra
Coconut
Apricot
Strawberry
Red lentils
Almonds
Pecans
Salmon
Tuna
The above foods that are underlined, are beautiful sources of phytoestrogens [ "plant-based estrogens" ]. That being said, if you have any estrogen-dominant conditions [ PCOS / PCOD, adenomyosis, endometriosis ] or chronic diseases, please work with a licensed professional before changing your diet. Phytoestrogens can potentially worsen any chronic symptom associated with estrogen-dominant conditions.
Because of the rise in Estrogen, make sure to keep the liver healthy while your body is metabolizing and eliminating any excess estrogen. Dandelion is amazing for liver support.
THE EMPRESS & VENUS :
I associate the ovulatory phase with Venus and The Empress because of the magnetism one generates during this phase of the cycle. The ability to communicate fairly and clearly, the desire to connect with others, an increased sex drive, and the creative force behind it all are very Venusian. This phase gives off the aura of Empress energy! Not to mention, during the ovulation phase, conception is possible.
Luteal - Fall/Autumn - High Priestess - The Moon
DURATION :
About days 18 - 28 of the menstrual cycle
LIFESTYLE :
Immune system is lowered
Somber feelings
Introspective
It is important to really listen to your body's needs, and not work against it.
Explore desires, wants, and needs
This is a great time to prep and organize!
Physical energy can be reduced during this time
Changes in confidence
Reduced or remitted prefrontal cortex [ depression and blunted reward/pleasure feedback loop in brain ]
Because of the above, the luteal phase is considered the "fall season" of your menstrual cycle
HORMONES:
The corpus luteum, or the follicle that the egg bursts from, starts to grow on the ovaries. It then produces progesterone, which supports the uterine lining. To make sure only one egg is brought forth during this time, progesterone also signals FSH + LH to take a break for now. Estrogen continues to increase, while progesterone will step back if the egg is not fertilized. At the end of this phase, testosterone will begin to increase.
A note on progesterone and sleep :
It is reported that healthy progesterone levels are needed for restful sleep and dreams. It can be why so many of us lose sleep during the luteal phase of our cycle- because progesterone dips low! Furthermore, if you have PCOS, adenomyosis or endometriosis, low progesterone levels tend to be associated with these conditions. You may even start to feel sleepier in between the ovulation and luteal phase. Otherwise, now is a great time to develop a bedtime ritual to induce dreams with the natural increase in progesterone! Hypnagogia and hypnopompia, a natural liminal dreamstate in which audible, tactile, visual, or olfactory hallucinations develop in between sleep and awake, are said to be driven by progesterone. If you love podcasts, and want to learn more about this dream state, check out this episode of What Magic is This? Podcast with Douglas Batchelor where he invited me on his podcast to talk about Hypnagogia!
NUTRIENTS NEEDED DURING THIS TIME :
Complex carbs
Fiber
Vitamin B
Calcium
Manganese
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Fluid retention can happen in this phase, so leafy greens are great to rid the body of any fluid build-up! Continuing to support the liver and waste system will help eliminate estrogen dominance.
TRY THIS:
Cucumber
Onion
Pumpkin
Radish
Sweet potato
Dates
Apples
Peach
Sunflower Seeds
Walnuts
Chickpeas
Ginger
Burdock root
Brown rice
Turkey
Spirulina
The above foods that are underlined, are beautiful sources of phytoestrogens [ "plant-based estrogens" ]. That being said, if you have any estrogen-dominant conditions [ PCOS / PCOD, adenomyosis, endometriosis ] or chronic diseases, please work with a licensed professional before changing your diet. Phytoestrogens can potentially worsen any chronic symptom associated with estrogen-dominance.
THE HIGH PRIESTESS & THE MOON :
Because the body goes through a lot of changes and hormonal levels in this one phase of the cycle, I associate the luteal phase with The Moon and The High Priestess. The Moon represents our body and emotions in astrology, and even more important, the connection we have with them. In this phase, tune into your inner-knowing and intuition [ High Priestess ] to help guide you towards what your body needs through this time. As physical energy starts to decrease in this phase, it is a perfect time to meditate and seek stillness. As physical energy starts to decrease in this phase, it is a perfect time to meditate and seek stillness. It is also best to allow your intuition to help plan and organize any projects.
Menstruation - Winter - Hermit - Saturn
DURATION :
About days 1 -7 of the menstrual cycle.
LIFESTYLE :
Turning inwards
Contemplation
Hibernation
Release any pent up emotions
Possible backaches and pelvic cramps
The left and right hemispheres of your brain are working together more powerfully, which helps you to assess things in life
Refocus your energy on what you want
Clear intuitive feelings may surface - tune in to them!
Because of the above, the menstruation phase is considered the "winter season" of your menstrual cycle.
HORMONES:
In order to help shed the lining of your uterus [ menstruation ], progesterone will now start to decline as the corpus luteum is absorbed. Estrogen will also start to drop off after a short burst of peaking. As this happens, you may feel a sense of serenity as estrogen takes a step back. However, if you have conceived, progesterone will continue to its production, which tells the body not to shed the uterine lining. This will increase body temperature, slow down digestion [ constipation can occur because of this ], and have a slight sedative effect. Progesterone signals the body to take it easy and rest to ensure the fertilized egg is safe.
NUTRIENTS NEEDED DURING THIS TIME:
Calcium
Magnesium
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Vitamin B
Zinc
Iron
In this phase, the body is eliminating the uterine lining, so it is best to focus on anti-inflammatory and nutrient-dense foods. You also may lose iron and zinc, so it is important to eat foods rich in both of them!
TRY THIS:
Wild rice
Beets
Mushroom
Kale
Watermelon
Cranberry
Blueberry
Kidney beans
Chestnuts
Crab
Lobster
Mussels
Nettle leaf
Sea salt
Liquid aminos
The above foods that are underlined, are beautiful sources of phytoestrogens [ "plant-based estrogens" ]. That being said, if you have any estrogen-dominant conditions [ PCOS / PCOD, adenomyosis, endometriosis ] or chronic diseases, please work with a licensed professional before changing your diet. Phytoestrogens can potentially worsen any chronic symptom associated with estrogen-dominance.
THE HERMIT & SATURN :
Okay, so - technically Saturn does not rule The Hermit tarot card in the Major Arcana. It is Mercury that rules this card. However, I do sometimes think of The Hermit as Elder Mercury, and Saturn represents elders. Saturn likes to brood and contemplate, and also loves isolation and solitude. In the menstruation phase, we are more likely to hibernate and retreat. The Hermit is all about returning to spirit or source. Note that intuition is more sharply tuned now, and since the right and left hemispheres of the brain are working together with ease, it will help to tune inward, organize thoughts, and create order [ Saturn loves these things ] among them!
Resources:
Why Can't Anyone Help Me? The Nightmare of Adenomyosis by Maria Yeager
Woman Code by Alisa Vitti
Period Power by Maisie Hill
SheSyncs Network - PCOS Reversal Guide
Want to learn more about Tarot & Astrology Archetypes for the menstrual cycle?
Tarot & Astrology Archetypes for the Menstrual Cycle
The Hormone Series! Let’s take a look at the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle, and see what archetypes we can compare them to!
Melatonin, Neptune, and The Moon
Connecting the Science to Spirit on Sleep: What is melatonin, what does the literature say about it, and how can we implement it in a safe way into our Dreamwork, Dream Magic, and Sleep Rituals?
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