The menstrual cycle, a rhythmic and cyclical journey unique to women, is deeply intertwined with the ebb and flow of nature’s seasons. Each phase of the menstrual cycle corresponds not only to physiological changes within the body but also to energetic shifts that resonate with the subtle energy centers known as chakras. By understanding the dynamic interplay between the menstrual cycle and chakra activation across the four seasons, we can gain deeper insight into our bodies’ innate wisdom and cultivate greater harmony and balance within.
Menstrual Cycle and Chakras: An Overview
Chakras, are perceived as spinning wheels or vortexes of energy located along the body’s central axis. Each chakra is associated with specific physical, emotional, and spiritual qualities, governing various aspects of our being. The menstrual cycle, likewise, unfolds in four distinct phases – menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase – each characterised by hormonal fluctuations and physiological changes.
Seasonal Correspondences and Chakra Activation
Menstruation (Winter):
What’s happening in the body
Menstruation is your bleed. The first day of a full bleed (no spotting) is counted as the first day of your new cycle. Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone have bottomed out just previous to the bleed and now they can begin to rise from this point.
Your bleed length can be anywhere between 3-7 days as an average, however remember everyone is different. The usual is 5 days with maybe 2 days heavy and 3 days light. If you are bleeding longer or shorter then some care and reflection into what might be causing this should be considered. As we get older and experience perimenopause you can see bleeds become a lot heavier and longer or actually shorten to ⅔ days and be very light. In our teens, bleeds tend to be much heavier.
Day 5 of your cycle can be a turning point where your hormones have risen significantly enough to feel more energized; however you can take up to day 10 to feel this.
Which Chakras are most active?
Your root chakra is most active here with the sense of grounding and being in your ‘I am’ phase there is also the activation of the Sacral Chakra and the creative energy towards the start of your follicular phase.
Follicular Phase (Spring):
What’s happening in the body
Between days 6 – 14 (longer if you ovulate later) you are in your spring. Your hormones are dancing and firing up. Estrogen levels will be rising and will continue to rise until they peak right before Ovulation. Even if we aren’t trying to conceive, a healthy ovulation cycle is a key indicator of overall wellness in the body.
You may notice that your skin looks fuller and more radiant. Your breasts might feel more full and lifted.
Estrogen promotes proliferation of the endometrium (the lining of your uterus). High estrogen levels are also responsible for creating sperm-protective cervical mucus, which looks like egg whites during your most fertile days. Testosterone levels also start to rise a few days before ovulation, elevating your libido even more.
Which Chakras are most active?
Sacral & Solar plexus chakras are most active in this part of our cycle.
Confidence and creativity abound.
Ovulation (Summer):
What’s happening in the body
Days 14-18 are your ovulation potential – but remember as discussed we can ovulate much later, only you can know with tracking.
Ovulation itself only lasts for approximately 12-24 hours. That’s how long it takes from the egg being released for it to be fertilized and start traveling down the fallopian tube. If you are trying to get pregnant, aim to have daily sex from 3 days BEFORE ovulation because if you have fertile (egg white or watery) mucus the sperm can be kept alive until your egg is released. If not, you’ve only got a one day window you can get pregnant! (This is why tracking your menstrual cycle is so important!)
In terms of living cyclically we count the ovulatory period as the day ovulation begins until approximately 4-5 days afterwards. Really it ends when you stop feeling your superwoman energy, so that can be different for each woman, depending on her hormone fluctuations.
At the end of phase 2, rising estrogen levels trigger the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from your pituitary gland, which stimulates ovulation.
About 24 to 36 hours after LH surges, ovulation occurs.
After the egg is released from the follicle, the remaining ovarian structure becomes the corpus luteum, which is responsible for secreting progesterone.
Which Chakras are most active?
Heart and throat Chakras. With the heart you have a link between worlds, you feel the pull of the spiritual but also you have one foot in reality. With the throat you are able to speak more clearly and ask for your heart’s desire.
Luteal Phase (Autumn):
What’s happening in the body
Days 16-28 (or later) are split into two periods. The first part there is a leveling out of both estrogen and progesterone. In the second half both dramatically decrease if no conception has happened. Low estrogen levels mean you may have a bigger appetite and crave more carbohydrate-heavy foods. Carbs promote serotonin production, making up for the lack of estrogen-associated serotonin.
In order to get pregnant (and stay pregnant) you need good levels of Progesterone for at least 10 days (ideally 12 days) after ovulation. And even if you aren’t trying to get pregnant, you need the levels to stay steady to avoid the physical and emotional PMS symptoms.
Which Chakras are most active?
Third eye & Crown – you will start to feel the pull of the spiritual or the more mindful. This is a time when you are able to drop into your higher self and your higher power. As the season progresses you may find that you have deeper thoughts and reflections.
Lean into this new found insight and journal as much as possible. Track your dreams and your meditations to see what is coming through.
Cultivating Balance and Harmony
By recognizing the interconnectedness of the menstrual cycle and chakra activation across the seasons, we can cultivate greater awareness and alignment within ourselves. Just as nature has its cycles so do we.
I like to imagine that through our cycles we are given the opportunity to open up deeply into each part of us, exploring our energies in different ways.
If you would like to explore your cycle more deeply whilst bringing in the charkas then check out my self paced Chakra Course HERE