Menstrual Cycle and Moon Phases: Ancient Knowledge of the Sacred Feminine.

 *Per leggere questo articolo in Italiano clicca qui.*

We are about to leave a phase of the year dedicated to the Moon, the Albedo, the Sacred Feminine, the Matriarchy and with it that is what most distinguishes it: the uterus and the alchemical cauldron of creation which is the female womb.

In this chaotic mayhem that was the beginning of this just past Cancer Season (Roe Vs Wade an example above all), it seems the ideal time to talk about topics still now considered taboo by Western civilization after millennia of Abrahamic hegemony; we speak precisely of the menstrual cycle.

Ancestral, alchemical, as fascinating as it was condemned over the centuries, it is linked to the phases of a Woman's life from birth to death, marking them as seasons during her existence - the key to creation par excellence.

Not surprisingly, the comparison with the Moon is spontaneous: a complete lunar cycle lasts ~ 29.5 days while the menstrual cycle on average lasts 28-29 days (ranging from 21 to 35 days).

The pale satellite also controls the tides, the agricultural cycles - according to popular tradition, the plants should be harvested during the full moon phase, as the gravity of the celestial body would influence the content of active principles of the plant itself; it goes without saying what effects it can have on our bodily fluids such as blood.

Our ancestors, following the natural cycles and turning their eyes to the sky, immediately made the association: not surprisingly, many civilizations still use the lunar calendar, think of the Chinese New Year or the Muslim Ramadan - to name just a couple. Naturally, the movements of the Sun and the Moon were used to mark the time in a historical moment in which there were no clocks and daily life was mainly based on Nature and in harmony with it.

It is no wonder that the menstrual cycle was also marked by celestial movements.

But what does science say nowadays? Are menstrual cycles and moon phases really related?

If we talk about what is considered modern science, Charles Darwin was one of the first to notice the similar duration between the menarche and the lunar cycle and several studies have been conducted since then.

In the 1950s, Dr Eugen Jonas noted that a considerable number of people became pregnant outside of ovulation, theorising there were more fertile periods influenced by the various phases of the moon, rather than the menstrual cycle itself - but it was branded as a charlatan, thanks to his unorthodox beliefs related to astrology.

In 1977 a study confirmed that women who began their menstrual cycle on the new moon became pregnant much more easily.

In 1986 a famous study was conducted which showed that, out of 826 women, almost 30% menstruated in conjunction with the New Moon, a study later confirmed in 1987.

In more recent times, however, different results were found:

In 2013, testing 74 people, no synchrony was noted in this regard.

While in 2021, it was hypothesized that the menstrual cycle could be synchronized with the lunar cycle in the past but the lack of synchrony with the natural world, artificial light and the phase shift of circadian rhythms may have altered this process.

** Read here how to tune into the rhythms of Nature **

So, in essence, modern science does not find any connection between one phenomenon and another - even though there are events altered by the phases of the moon (for example, the quality of sleep) that are well documented. But as often happens, when it comes to elements related to femininity and its mysteries, there are not enough studies and funding to investigate them.

If we wanted to approach this phenomenon from a holistic point of view, instead, what can we deduce from it?

In ancient civilizations, before the patriarchy imposed itself with its overwhelming influence, the menarche was considered a period of power, beauty, new life, and purification: a real rite marking the passage of time and symbolizing a rebirth - literally, since it is the uterus we talking about.

Traditionally, menstruation should align with the New Moon - the ideal time to renew our intention and rest, or the Full Moon, as described by Miranda Gray in her book "Red Moon"; let's see them together:

• White Moon Cycle: If you follow this cycle, your body will menstruate during the New Moon; thus being at the peak of fertility during the Full Moon. This is the most “traditional” cycle if we can say so, as it would align with the natural rhythms of the Earth (precisely see the peasant traditions we mentioned earlier).
• Red Moon Cycle: If you follow this cycle, it means that your body will menstruate during the Full Moon and reach maximum fertility during the New Moon. Despite the apparent countertrend compared to the "canonical cycle", it was seen as the cycle of priestesses and shamans - as their creative energy was propelled outwards rather than inwards.

What happens if our cycle doesn't follow these phases? Are there any right or wrong phases?

Absolutely not: as in all laws of the Cosmos, there is no concept of right or wrong. Some people have irregular periods and can deviate from the usual phase even for the most regular of us; take me as an example: since I had it for the first time at 10, I had it regularly every 28 days - almost breaking the second. But it can happen, of course, over the years to get out of phase because of stress, travel, disease ... While before I was aligned with the White Moon Cycle, in the last few months I tend to have my moons during the Waning Moon.

What can it mean?

For each of us it has different meanings, think about the properties of the phases of the moon - the very same properties you would use for a magical work. For example, taking the Waning Moon, it can indicate a time when we need to get rid of what we no longer need. There are no coincidences, if your body aligns itself in such a magical, raw and vulnerable moment to a specific alignment, believe me that nothing is left to chance.

What I can recommend is to take note of your menstrual phases - in addition to the traditional calendar notes, there are a myriad of apps that can help you with this (I, for example, have been using Flo for several years now). Write down the phase of the moon you are in, take time to rest, meditate, journal, take care of yourself.

♃Ludna

Get lost in Nature, Find yourself

These days we often talk about the influence that has the frenzy of this modern world on our life.

We have become accustomed to rapid and technological rhythms, rhythms that often prevent us from dedicating ourselves to what is good for our body and soul, in order to give space to activities that have reached a higher level of priority.

We are always in a hurry, we always seem to have no time to waste and consequently we do not stop a moment, we spend most of our time indoors, in rooms lit by fluorescent lights, we eat badly and quickly, without paying attention to what we introduce in our body, considering whether it can be good or bad for us, the idea of ​​stopping and meditating or simply relaxing for a few minutes seems a waste of time, time that we could use to work, make money and engage in routine activities.

Now even the traditional holidays, which should represent a moment of pause and relaxation, have become almost a nuisance, I noticed this particularly in recent years during the Christmas period: a lot of people who, instead of taking advantage of the days of vacation, pour themselves in shopping centers, stressing in search of gifts for their loved ones; just because making a gift has nowadays passed from being a pleasure to being a duty, something you are forced to do reluctantly, which is then reduced to strenuous research of the less expensive and less personal object, so as not to make mistakes.

All this frenzy has made us completely lose the contact between ourselves and the environment that surrounds us, and drastically reducing, if not canceling out, our relationship with nature and its cyclicity.

It is clear that living in this era, fascinating and terrible at the same time, it is practically impossible not to be subjected to its rhythms and therefore we too, like everyone, must adapt.

In ancient times things were very different: every moment of the human life was marked by a natural cycle, the human being was forced to synchronize with the events of the environment in which he lived.

We used to wake up at dawn with the sunrise, we worked in the hottest hours and, when darkness fell, we gathered around the fire to get ready to face the night.

The alternation of the seasons marked the different activities agriculture related: it was sown in the spring, the abundant summer harvest was celebrated, which needed to be preserved in autumn, preparing for the harsh winter season.

From the most ancient times, in all traditions and in all parts of the world, man used the moon's revolution motion and the position of the stars as a tool to measure the passage of time, thus determining equinoxes and solstices and making that these astronomical events became the cardinal points of the year, establishing real holidays to be honored.

With the passing of the centuries, however, the new monotheistic religions expanded and prevailed on paganism; one of the most effective tools for converting pagans to the new religion was, in fact,  a new calendar. Finding themselves honoring holidays that had nothing to do with the natural cycles, people began to lose that deep connection with Mother Earth, moving away from what was their true nature.

With the advent of modernity, the invention of electric light and the consequent light pollution also radically changed our schedules, our daily habits and our circadian rhythm, we are no longer linked to the night / day cycle and to seasons to regulate our activities, which is certainly positive in some ways, but our body and our spirituality often suffer.

EFFECTS OF DESINCHRONIZATION

I think I do not stray far from reality if I describe the daily routine of most of us with:

- Sleep little and poorly,

- Get up abruptly with and alarm clock,

- Take caffeine and sugars to help our body awaken.

- Work / Study in an indoor area, illuminated by artificial lights.

All these habits, which nowadays are considered normal, are actually quite harmful for our health.

Our body reacts to the natural light of the sun by activating a whole series of endocrine mechanisms: for example the cycle of the secretion of melatonin, one of the hormones that determines our sleep / wake rhythm, or the serotonin one, a very important hormone that determines the proper functioning of intestines, bones, prevents migraines, but above all affects mood, sleep and our libido.

As a result, the lack of stimulation on our brain by sunlight, causes in humans serious disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, stress, depression and metabolic disorders. According to some studies, in fact, those who work at night are more prone to diseases of the nervous system or the cardio-circulatory system.

One of the problems that I often hear complaining about in the pagan / spiritual environment is mental fatigue or lack of connection that prevents us from practicing constantly and maintaining the right concentration during rituals. It is a very widespread problem and I believe that it is largely due to the quality of our daily life.

GET BACK IN TUNE WITH THE UNIVERSE:

It is obvious that giving up everything and starting a new life in the middle of nature is not a viable option for the most of us, but we can take measures to ensure that our body and our spirituality feel the least possible of the great changes in the modern era:

✦ Find your time. We are often convinced that we do not have a second available for ourselves, but the truth is that we are lazy; start to spend 10 minutes a day in which you will only think about relaxing. You do not need big things, just close your eyes, listen to nice music and focus on your breathing.

***Click here to read our article about Meditation***

✦ Spend more time outdoors. When you have the opportunity to take a break, go out for a few minutes and let the sun's beams light up and recharge you with positive energy.

✦ Eat proper food. Increase the amount of fruit and vegetables in your diet and decrease or cut the intake of refined sugars and all those foods that have low vibrations, such as meat and processed foods. Spend a few minutes more on your food, cook your meals as much as possible. What we ingest can nourish us or poison us, the choice depends on us only.

✦ Wake up early. Probably many of us is already doing this during the week, but waking up early, even on your day off, helps us not to lose synchronization and leaves us more time available to devote to ourselves.

✦ Stay as much as possible in the green. Gardens, woods, mountains, lakes; going to these places every time we have the opportunity allows us to reunite with the earth element, unload the stress and to get in tune with the vibrations of nature.

✦ Practicing Yoga. Yoga is not just gymnastics or stretching, it is not about positioning the body in a certain way, but about perceiving the sensations that the body receives in that position, without being distracted and focusing on the "here and now". It takes only half an hour a day to see excellent results in a short time.

***Click here to read our article about the Sun Salutation***

✦ Detox from technology. Now telephones and television have become an main part of our lives, but trying to use them less or just for the essential will make us find time to devote to the other activities mentioned above. In addition, the light of the blue screens disturbs our endocrine system, detach from the smartphone at least half an hour before sleep, it will allow your body to rest better.

✦ Practice during the Sabbaths. Even if you can not practice exactly on the right day, even the days before or after will be fine. There is no need of great rituals, a brief meditation is sufficient, reflecting on the meaning of the Sabbath. A constant practice allows us to perceive the variation of subtle energies in the alternation of months and seasons. Synchronizing with the vibrations of the universe will make us more and more sensitive and will allow us to increase our power.

✦ Observe the Moon. Whenever you can observe the moon in the sky, feel its energy and try to be always aware of the phase in which it is located. An excellent idea is to take note of the effects it has on us, our emotions and our mood based on the time of the month. Practice small rituals with the full moon and the new moon.

✦ Purify. Cleaning up the house from "dirty" energies that come from the outside world is always a good norm, in this way our senses will not be distracted and our home will be more comfortable. Light incense whenever you feel the need, listen to mantras, change the air by opening the windows every time you feel the atmosphere getting “heavy”.

♄Unornya

Per leggere questo articolo in Italiano clicca qui.

Meditation: The first step towards Ourselves.

I find myself to resume again my magical routine, after one year. Last year was quite an intense one: I moved into a new house that we are renovating, I had guests for shorter or longer periods, I got promoted at work, I traveled to the other side of the world ...2017 was awesome for my personal goals.

But of course all of this has taken my attention away from my personal practice; despite the path inside the coven. Having the fortune to practice with sisters is a blessing, but the backbone of our spiritual journey is the growth we perform alone.

So here we are, picking up the pieces of my spirituality again and start anew...

After starting the day with my Sun salutation and having arranged the offerings on the altar, I continue with a moment of silence in the evening.

This can be a prayer for one's own deity, thanksgiving or simply an opportunity to meditate. Whatever the motivation, it is an essential moment in our day: an opportunity to give us a fragment of “me time” from the buzz of everyday life.

We spend hours in front of screens, willy-nilly: television, our smartphone, computers. Whether for work or pleasure. This eye, perennially looking at the world, is a double edged sword: while allowing us to see in real time what happens on the other side of the globe, it also allows this technology to enter the depths of our soul and plumb its abysses...Harming our true Sight.

The twenty-first century opium is called "virtual reality". It is our duty to detoxify ourselves, so that we can develop our sensitivity to what surrounds us and that we can perceive with all our senses - in this plane or in the other.
It is our responsibility to make sure that this virtual audience does not affect our abilities, obfuscating them with negativity - thrown at us through the keyboard of perfect strangers.

Use that time, spent on smartphones, to meditate. So you can open your third eye and start to really see.

Lord Shiva depicted while meditating

Meditation is a practice used since the dawn of civilization, in different traditions, religions and areas of the world. It was immediately clear to the human being that, to understand the mysteries of life, it is necessary to first explore our unconscious.
From the Latin meditatio - reflection, the first written testimony of this powerful technique comes from India, in a Hindu sacred text dating back to the IX Century A.C. where it is called dhyāna (ध्यान); which, in Sanskrit, means vision. The same vision that would bring us closer to God, according to the yoga philosophy.

According to the Hindu religion, one would reach the godhood state through the awakening of the Kundalini and the opening of the various chakras located along our spine. The rise of Kundalini would be achieved through targeted techniques such as yoga and, indeed, meditation. Similar concepts can also be found in the great monotheistic religions.

But we do not have to adhere to a specific religion or follow a philosophy to practice and benefit from the results, there are many personal paths that make use of meditation. It has been scientifically proven that meditating also improves our physical health: stress reduction, improved mood, increased concentration and memory and greater acceptance of ourselves.

So how do we meditate?

There are many schools of thought in this regard, the main target is in any case to make the mind free from worldly thoughts and achieve enlightenment through relaxation and awareness. We can self-induce us into a meditative state or, if we need a guide, we can use a guided meditation (we can find really of all kinds, both on YouTube and on the various apps).

• So let us come to a quiet place, away from the buzz and daily interruptions. Maybe we can use relaxing music or the sounds of nature to help relax and filter out the noises in the distance.

• Let's sit down or lie down in a comfortable position, with a well-aligned back. Let us remember that we will be in the same position for several minutes, so it is essential to be at ease. It is important to keep the spine straight, as the Kundalini energy flows through it.

• We close our eyes and concentrate on our breathing. This will help us reduce external distractions and focus on the present moment, keeping the mind clear. Some instead prefer to meditate with open eyes, focusing on a sacred icon or on a candle flame.

• We can resort to aid like mantra, crystals and incense. Each of these tools, of course, brings different results so we can choose them before meditation based on what we want to achieve; particularly indicated is the rock crystal - stone notoriously recommended for stimulating calm. An incense recommended for meditation is sandalwood, its aroma increases awareness.

Whatever we decide to do, we must consider meditation a journey. An interior pilgrimage in search of ourselves; and as such it presents its difficulties along the way: we cannot get results with a couple of sessions but, with perseverance, we can obtain great benefits. Both in our spiritual practice and in everyday life. Once we reach the summit, we will be rewarded with a breathtaking view: the dawn of our spiritual albedo.

♃Ludna

Clicca qui per leggere questo articolo in Italiano

Surya Namaskar - The Sun Salutation

Being a Yogini, as well as Witch, the Sun Salutation is my way to start the day and pay my homage to the Star. Surya Namaskar is a sequence of 12 poses (asana), to be practiced preferably at dawn or early in the morning. A sequence that brings benefits to both the body (through movement) and the mind (through the solar plexus), it became so popular to be also known to those who are not practicing yoga.

The Sun Salutation improves our blood circulation, our immune system, our balance and coordination, it helps us to govern the mind and diseases such as anxiety.

From head to toe, every part of the body is involved in the flow of Surya Namaskar. But simply knowing how to do it, applying the merely physical part, it would not be enough.

The key is to know the science that is behind this ancient, sacred and powerful technique.

In Sanskrit "Surya" means "Sun", "Namaskar" means "Bowing." Without the Sun, there would be no life on Earth.
The Sun is present in everything we eat, drink or breathe. All forms of life would cease to exist if its rays were to disappear.
Solar energy is essential also for our body. The light therapy has been practiced since the time of Ancient Romans: the Sun's light activates vitamin D, which is essential for the development of our skeletal system, it stimulates blood circulation, metabolism and the autonomic nervous system, as well as haematopoiesis and the appetite.

The heat of the sun allows us to live, cultivate the land and create - both in natural form in inanimate form. If you are in tune with the cycle of the Sun, your physical health, vitality and energy will gain tremendous benefit from it.

Only by learning to "digest" the Sun and internalise its energy (making it then an integral part of our bodily system) we can benefit from the Sun Salutation. Hence why Surya Namaskar is a process to harness solar energy to make sure that its physical cycle become one with ours.

Photo of  Jessica DigitalArt & MakeUp

According to the ancient Indian Rishis, different parts of the body are governed by different energy nodes (chakra). I will not digress on what the chakras are, as there is so much material available online.
Long story short: the chakras are the centres where the divine energy lies within each one of us. In Hatha Yoga, in particular, they represent the stages of the route that the Kundalini is crossing, once awakened with appropriate rituals and practices.

This dormant energy (Kundalini) is imagined and symbolised as a serpent, lying coiled on itself. Once activated, the serpent stands erect long our spinal chord, releasing other dormant energies contained in the chakras. Once the chakras are touched by the Kundalini, they are represented as colourful lotus flowers blooming in all their beauty, releasing hidden potential.

Similar concepts have been found in other ancient civilizations such as the Egyptian, Greek and even some pre-Columbian cults in America.

The solar plexus, located behind the navel, is considered the centre of the body and it is said to be connected with the sun. All our emotions are located in the solar plexus, which is also the point where our "gut" feelings arise.
Our stomach is also scientifically known as the "second brain", the contraction of the third chakra contributes to diseases such as depression and anxiety. Its expansion, on the other hand, helps us to be more focused and balanced.

The size of the solar plexus it is said to be the size of an almond. This dimension can be increased through yoga and meditation, until it reaches the size of a palm. The bigger is the solar plexus, the greater will be our mental stability and intuition.
That is why the ancient Rishis recommended the Surya Namaskar: the daily practice of this technique allows us to increase the size of our third chakra and, consequently, our intuitive abilities.

♃Ludna

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