Tarot and Astrological Energies: The Hormone Series
Connecting Science & Spirit to the hormones that govern the menstrual cycle
The following information is taken from the PCOS + Womb Alchemy Grimoire that I am currently writing. It has taken me longer than I originally thought to write a book and LOADS of research. You can subscribe to my website to be notified of updates for its potential release.
Please check out the previous blog post where I walked us through each phase of the four phases of the menstrual cycle, and connected the astrological and tarot archetypes to them! I am currently doing research on melatonin which I give to The Moon tarot & Neptune energies due to the fact that it is amphiphilic [water-soluble and fat-soluble]. Melatonin can cross the blood-brain barrier [1, 2], meaning it can be found in the blood and in the brain. This amphiphilic property reminds me of Neptune’s “dissolution of boundaries” significations.
Remember that the information found on this blog post, across this blog website, and any associated social media profiles is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information is not meant to replace advice provided by licensed professionals, and astrology is not intended to diagnose illnesses or prescribe treatments. Do not self-diagnose. You can cause serious harm to yourself. Please work with a licensed professional. For more information, please see my Terms & Conditions Page.
In this post we learn about:
Progesterone
Estrogen
Androgen/Testosterone
Cortisol
PROGESTERONE:
THE STAR TAROT & THE MOON ENERGIES
Progesterone is a hormone that is produced in the ovaries, as well as the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine gland that is developed in your luteal phase to release an egg in preparation for fertilization. It is sometimes referred to as "the pregnancy hormone", due to its activity in helping someone become pregnant, and then maintain the pregnancy. One of the roles it plays is to thicken the uterine lining in preparation for implantation of a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum is absorbed by the body. Progesterone is important, and has an influence on the body other than its role in pregnancy.
These roles include the following:
Has a soothing and calming effect
Regulates the menstrual cycle
Regulates mood
Prevents the endometrium from overgrowing
Protects against androgen-dominant & estrogen-dominant conditions
Regulates water retention [it acts as a diuretic]
Promotes a healthy sleep cycle [studies have shown that it can stimulate hypnagogic events, and is associated with nightmares and dreaming]
Regulates blood sugar
Supports healthy libido
Supports pregnancy if conceived
Possible symptoms when there it too much Progesterone:
Increased appetite
Cravings for carbs
Increased cortisol levels
Inhibited immune system
Insulin resistance
Water retention
Headaches
Depression
Bloating
Swelling and tender breasts
Constipation
Possible symptoms when there is progesterone scarcity:
Trouble sleeping
Hot flashes
Weight gain
Miscarriage
Ectopic pregnancy [ when the egg is fertilized outside of uterus ]
Anxiety
Depression
Irregular menstrual cycle
Headaches
Progesterone's Role in Sleep & Dreaming:
Studies have shown that progesterone is linked to dreaming and hypnagogia [3]. One of its biggest influences is bringing a general feeling of calm and serenity. Its sedative qualities are helpful for pregnant people because it is the body's way of saying "slow down, and protect your body!" That way, the baby remains safe throughout the pregnancy. If you are not pregnant, progesterone's effects will make you go inward, relax, and become more introspective. This hormone can be helpful in our sleep cycle because of its ability to tranquilize us. Due to the increase of progesterone during pregnancy, a pregnant person may float in the REM [Rapid Eye Movement] stage of sleep for a longer period of time. During this stage, dreaming occurs. Elevated progesterone is linked to anxiety, so that can explain pregnancy nightmares or unusual dreams. There are connections between hypnagogia [a natural event that occurs between sleep and awake in which audible or visual hallucinations can occur] and increased progesterone. In the third trimester of pregnancy, when pregnancy hormones are at their highest, you may have vivid dreams often.
If you are interested in experimenting with dreamwork, progesterone peaks right after ovulation, during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Create a sleep ritual that is suited to your needs, listen to some nighttime guided meditations, grab a fresh notebook, and record all your dreams!
Want to learn more about Hypnagogia & Hypnopompia?
Check out this episode of What Magic is This? Podcast featuring me, and hosted by my friend Douglas Batchelor: a Necromancer, Sorcerer, and indirect mentor to a lot of people in the Magic Community. In this episode, we talk about hypnagogia, hypnopompia, and other sleep states. You could say it was a dream come true.
“There is a state that occurs right before one falls asleep that is perhaps one of the oddest and trippiest experiences one can have without the use of drugs. This is called Hypnagogia and it occurs every time we fall asleep. Our perceptions become very strange and we can experience many different sensations; sometimes amazing and sometimes terrifying. And yet this state has been utilized by inventors, artists, mystics and prophets to great effect. Joining WMiT? on this episode is friend of the show and fellow oneironaut, The Mad Sorceress Samantha Giacalone!”
- Douglas Batchelor
The Star Tarot & Lunar Energies:
Because of progesterone's activity in regard to introspection, sedation, and dreaming, I feel that The Star tarot has a connection with this hormone. The Star is all about returning to spirit or source, having faith renewed [ which is how it could feel for someone who becomes pregnant after many times of trying ], healing, and wishes coming true. I associate this card with "Me Time", as well as "discovering a new path through spiritual means". Personally, I feel it is a hint from the universe that I need to reflect, restore myself, and seek time to reconnect with spirit before heading back into the world. Seeking answers from the dream world is one of the ways in which we can discover a new path. It can feel like a cue from the universe that it is time to protect my body, and know that the universe is preparing me for something new, all while my body is preparing for the next phase of the menstrual cycle.
ESTROGEN
THE CHARIOT TAROT & VENUS ENERGY
Estrogen is a category of hormones responsible for sex drive, development of reproductive organs, and plays a part in regulating the menstrual cycle. Estrogen is made in the ovaries and adrenal glands, although some can be made in fat cells. Estrogen dominates the first half of your cycle.
There are various different types of estrogen. Let's go through them!
ESTRADIOL: A form of estrogen which is produced in the ovaries. Estradiol helps us to learn new skills. It encourages fertility, clears up the skin, and studies show that estrogen is the power behind confidence!
PHYTOESTROGEN: Also known as "plant-based estrogens". These are constituents in plants that mimic the activity of our endogenous [made in our body] estrogen.
SYNTHETIC ESTROGENS: These are the medications we take that act like the estrogen made in our bodies, but have a more dominating activity. These can be found in birth control pills. Of note: it is important to remember that when we talk about hormone therapy and birth control, that we speak about it without judgment. While it is true that birth control has created womb conditions in people with wombs, it has also helped others with and without wombs. By saying “without wombs”, I mean those who were born with uteruses and who opted to take them out, as well as people not born with wombs and identify as women and/or femme. This, then, also extends to hormonal therapy which uses synthetic estrogens. The issue with birth control isn’t the pill itself, but it is the knowledge and education we lack upon being prescribed birth control. We must continue to fight for our doctors to set us up for success, rather than leave us in the dark. This goes beyond being given a pamphlet, but in a long-term holistic-sense, where we can get the testing done to see how our bodies are handling the medication regularly before disease and syndromes take place. Some people need birth control to regulate more than just hormones, and in others, it has created dysregulation. Both can exist together, as all bodies are different. This is a subject for another post entirely.
XENOESTROGENS: Did you know that chemicals that are released in the environment can actually bind to the estrogen receptors in our body, which take the place of our own endogenous estrogen? It takes much longer for them to leave our bodies. They are a stronger form of estrogen, and are known to be dangerous- especially for estrogen-dominant conditions like estrogen-dominant PCOS, adenomyosis, and endometriosis.
There are many functions of estrogen in the body.
These include:
Circulating blood flow throughout the body
Improves bone health
Supports healthy libido
Supports healthy skin and hair
Lowers LDL cholesterol [Low Density Lipoprotein, otherwise known as disadvantageous cholesterol]
Regulates the neuroendocrine [endocrine and nervous system connection]
One of the hormones that regulates the menstrual cycle
Encourages sensitivity to insulin
Supports healthy blood pressure levels
Encourages healthier moods + confidence
Plays a role in the regulation of vaginal lubrication
Symptoms of estrogen dominance:
Severe bloating
Low libido
Spotting
Tenderness of breasts [especially before your period]
Dysmenorrhoea [painful periods]
Food cravings
Fatigue you cannot shake off
Mood swings : anxiety, irritability, depression, lethargy
Uterine fibroids
Prolonged, irregular, and/or heavy periods
Autoimmune disorders
Estrogen-dependant cancers
Hypothyroidism
Estrogen dominance is associated with adenomyosis and endometriosis.
Symptoms of estrogen scarcity:
Insomnia or irregular sleep patterns
Acne and/or oily skin
Low libido
Confusion or a general "foggy" feeling
Infertility
Lack of periods
Painful intercourse
Low moods: chronic depression and anxiety
Recurring UTIs
Night sweats and/or hot flashes
The Chariot Tarot & Venusian Energies:
The Chariot is a major arcana in the tarot deck, and is associated with confidence, becoming victorious, and mastering the flow of life. Because estrogen makes us feel charismatic, alluring, and self-assured, I associate estrogen with The Chariot. As it is the main hormone that dominates during the 1st half of the cycle, I know I am on my way to the ovulatory phase, and then the luteal phase where it rises again! It is all about mastering the flow! Estrogen also helps us to learn new skills and talents. Remember, this is your transition from Spring to Summer phase [read more about it here]. Maisie Hill, who wrote Period Power [I highly recommend this inclusive resource], associates estrogen with Beyonce. I feel like that is all I need to say about estrogen to get the point across. Estrogen makes us bold, grounded, assured, and as Maisie mentions- it clears up our skin, and makes us feel glamorous! Venus is definitely all about glamor-magic and showing up for yourself. Venus knows what it does and does not like, and expresses that without guilt.
TESTOSTERONE:
THE STRENGTH TAROT & THE SUN ENERGY
Androgens are a class of hormones that contains testosterone. Testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. All bodies naturally produce androgen, and we all depend on certain levels of androgens. It encourages the healthy repair of reproductive tissues, as well as regulates estrogen production.
Testosterone surges around ovulation, and then again right before Day 01 of your period. Testosterone has a number of functions for the body.
These include:
Supports memory
Supports healthy libido
Encourages repairment of reproductive tissues
Supports muscle mass and tone
Encourages a brighter mood due to the production of neurotransmitters
Red blood cell production
Symptoms of androgen dominance:
Excessive hair growth [also known as Hirsutism]
Acne
The absence of periods [amenorrhea]
Irregular periods [unpredictable, frequent, infrequent]
Painful periods [dysmenorrhoea]
Infertility
Anger issues, or hard to control emotions
Irregular periods
Weight gain
Bloating
Oily skin
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Symptoms of androgen scarcity:
Issues with retaining information or memories
Bone loss
Anxiety and depression
Muscle mass is decreased
Fatigue
Low libido
Decrease in HDL [beneficial cholesterol]
Strength Tarot & Solar Energies:
I associate androgens with the Strength tarot card and Solar Energies. We need androgens for building muscle mass, healthy libido, and brighter moods. The Strength card is about benevolence, energy, and literally strength. Androgens help our bodies to repair tissue, and it combats muscle atrophy. Androgens are our Strength Archetype. Too much or too little, and our moods become unstable. When I think of Solar energies, I am reminded of how crucial getting some sunlight for brighter moods can be. The Sun is our perception of things, and it brings life. It represents Solar Gods like Apollo and Helios who were also Gods of Healing.
CORTISOL:
THE SUN TAROT & MARS ENERGY
Cortisol is a stress hormone, and is produced in the adrenal cortex. It is transported throughout the body via the blood. This hormone is necessary in our fight, flight, and freeze responses. It is essential for how we respond to stress, and it is vital for our immune system’s health. It is really important to make sure cortisol is balanced when bringing PCOS, adenomyosis, and endometriosis in remission. There are many functions of cortisol within the body. Let's go through them!
These include:
Stress response [fight, flight, or freeze]
Regulation of other hormones
Regulates sleep, and is at its peak first thing upon waking
Regulates the Circadian Rhythm
Influences moods
Influences digestion and weight
Regulated blood sugar levels
Cortisol Overload Symptoms:
Insomnia
Chronic fatigue [due to insomnia and overworked adrenals]
Depression, anxiety, and anger
Infertility
Digestion issues
High blood pressure
Inflammation
The Sun Tarot & Mars Energy:
The Sun tarot card represents vitality, and in astrology it represents our perception of our reality. The Sun tarot card is associated with the path ahead, and moving forward. Cortisol regulates other hormones, and especially is important in our fight, flight, or freeze response. This response is so dependent on our perception of life and our lived-experiences. Our literal sun is crucial in our circadian rhythm, and cortisol also regulates this cycle. Cortisol is at its peak first thing in the morning. This is what wakes us up in the morning. If you want to learn more about why I associate Mars with Cortisol, please check out my blog posts here and here. Mars is a planet that represents our will and our drive. Mars can represent inflammation and anger, and with an overload of cortisol, it is possible that we can tend to feel inflamed, or feel angry.
Alternatively, I am also on Substack, which is a subscription-based extension to the Holographic Phytomancy blog website. You can subscribe there! By subscribing to the SubStack, you are directly supporting my work while I am in school for Natural Medicine full time.
My luminous offerings include:
Herbal Monographs, revealing their chemical constituents and planetary rulership, enriched by my personal experiences with these mystical herbs.
Musings on Medical Astrology, unveiling the celestial secrets behind your well-being.
Unveiling the lost language between plant and human: Phytonutrients.
The Zodiacal Color Wheel, illuminating the magical hues that connect us to the cosmos.
Dive into the world of Flower Essences, and learn to harness their transformative powers.
Explore the realms of Hypnagogic and lucid dream experiences, as we venture into the realm of the subconscious.
Messages from meditation, dreams, and encounters with my personal deities, offering profound insights.
Herbal, Healing Food, and Self-care ideas tailored for Creatives, Artists, and Magicians, fostering your creative and spiritual gifts.
Resources:
Period Power, by Maisie Hill
SheSyncs PCOS Reversal Guide, Bailey Haddad and company
Why Can't Anyone Help Me? The Nightmare of Adenomyosis, by Maria Yeager
WomanCode, by Alisa Vitti
[3] - https://www.bettersleep.com/blog/vivid-dreams-during-pregnancy/
Bourjeily, Ghada. “Sleep disorders in pregnancy.” Obstetric medicine vol. 2,3 (2009): 100-6. doi:10.1258/om.2009.090015
Friess E, Tagaya H, Trachsel L, Holsboer F, Rupprecht R. Progesterone-induced changes in sleep in male subjects. Am J Physiol. 1997 May;272(5 Pt 1):E885-91. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.1997.272.5.E885. PMID: 9176190.
[1] - Deanna Minich, PhD, CNS
[2] - Tan, Dun-Xian. “Melatonin and brain.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 8,3 (2010): 161. doi:10.2174/157015910792246263
Read more about the Tarot & Astrology Energies for the Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle.
Can’t get enough? I wrote a whole blog post dedicated to the Tarot & Astrological Energies of Melatonin, a hormone that is involved in our menstrual cycle and sleep.
The Tarot & Astrology Archetypes for the Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle.
Let’s walk through each phase of the menstrual cycle, and see if they correlate to a tarot card and astrological archetype.
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