The Moon has long been associated with the Feminine. Ancient civilizations from across the Earth have been honoring her wisdom in different ways for thousands of years. If you are looking to deepen your relationship with this celestial body, this article has been written for you! Learn about the history of this mysterious interconnexion, discover her sacred representations, and create your own rituals inspired by ancestral traditions.
Why is the Moon Feminine?
The Feminine Energy of the Moon
The Moon is the guardian of the night. And you might wonder why, symbolically, obscurity is often associated with the Feminine. Far from being a disgrace, it is a reverence to the life carried by each feminine body. From the darkness light was born. In our mother’s womb we were conceived. From the heart of the earth the seeds grow.
There is no coincidence in nature, her rhythm is always perfect, and every stage has a purpose. The night brings balance to the Earth. And as she flies over laying her black veil, she invites us to go within. She can be used as an escape, she can keep you up, she can even make you face your worst nightmares.
This is when you should seek the support of Grandmother Moon. She sees all and knows all. She watches you in silence. She lends an attentive ear so you can whisper all your secrets.
As she invites you to slow down, she reminds you that in stillness you can listen, and receive the answers you’ve been looking for. In our monthly, free Raindrop Movement practice, we help you slow down to reconnect to your body’s wisdom.
Lunar and Menstrual Cycles
Although scientifical studies have not concorded yet on the presupposed link between the menstrual and lunar cycles, some synchronicities cannot be denied.
First and foremost, they are very similar in length. As we observe the Moon orbiting around the Earth for about 29.5 days, women’s cycles have an average of 28 days.
Synched or not, the four main phases of the moon can be associated, symbolically, with the four phases of the menstrual cycle.
The new moon corresponds to the menstrual phase and is a time of self-care and introspection. Allow yourself to slow down, reflect on the past cycle, and set a new intention for the weeks to come.
The waxing moon corresponds to the follicular phase. As the first crescent of the moon is showing up in the sky, so is your time to gently come back to the world. Nature never rushes, neither should you. Remember your intention, plant the seed, and remember to water it every single day.
The full moon corresponds to the ovulation. Let the moon be your mirror and remind you of the power you hold inside of you. You, too, can move oceans. It is your time to shine bright!
The Waning Moon corresponds to the luteal phase. As the moon is about to disappear from the human’s sight, so are you. Bring your to-do list to an end and prepare yourself for a few restful days. You deserve it so much.
The different faces of the moon remind you that no matter what you look like, no matter what you feel like, you are always whole. All you have to do is to keep moving and to come back to the light.
Ancient Moon Deities
We can find various representations of the moon among ancient mythologies and cosmovisions. She might be called by different names, but these feminine figures prove that she has long been perceived both as a sacred entity, and a source of power.
Some civilizations even had different personifications according to her phases. As an example, the Greeks were the keepers of a lunar triad. They celebrated Artemis on the full moon, Selene on the wanning crescent moon, and Hecate on the new moon. With each of their appearances, the three goddesses were also important markers of time.
Further South in Ancient Egypt, Isis was embodying all the qualities of the moon. In her book Ancient Egyptians Legends, Margaret Murray, Egyptologist and Archeologist, introduces her as “the great Goddess, the Mistress of Magic, the Speaker of Spells”. Many stories relate the beauty, the kindness, the sharpness, and the powers of this mystical creature.
Native Americans still refer to the moon as an abuela, a grandmother. To this day, her spirit is prayed and offered to by many tribes and communities. Her gentle light opens the path in the night. Her loving presence is received as an embrace. Although the form can different, she is often celebrated through ceremonies, rituals, songs, dances, and prayers.
How To Start a Moon Ritual?
Dance to the Moon
In Mexico, Abuela Malinalli created La Danza de La Luna, a powerful ceremony inspired by ancestral traditions. Once a year, for five days and four nights, women gather in sisterhood to worship the moon through fasting, sacred dances, medicine songs, tobacco prayers, and temazcal — traditional sweat lodges.
“The dance […] is the Red Road from the heart, using a variety of techniques that connect us with the spirit. The dance, the force of the moon and the masters of the night and nature, let us vibrate in harmony with the whole universe.” — Abuela Malinalli
As beautiful as this ancient practice is, you can also simply start dancing in the comfort of your home. Although at Raindrop Movement we strongly encourage you to invite conscious movement in your daily life, lunar events are meaningful occasions to reconnect to your feminine essence.
Whether you choose to gather a few friends or keep it a personal practice, make it sacred! Create space and time for this ritual. Honor yourself as much as the moon. Light up a candle. Burn any plant or incense that is meaningful to you and smells heavenly. Open your windows, bathe yourself in the moonlight, and start with a prayer.
Let your intuition be your guide. Reclaim your infinite power with every move. Remember your magic. Allow yourself to feel all and reconnect all parts of you. Dance as an offering and just like the moon, be whole again.
Create your own Moon Ritual
As introduced above, each phase of the moon comes with a specific purpose and symbolism. In pagan traditions, the new moon and full moon are the most celebrated astrological occurrences. Create unique rituals to mark each of them.
Long ago, before electricity was even invented, nights were too dark on the new moon to venture outside. Although we might not be facing this issue anymore, there is a certain wisdom to it. One of the main teachings of the moon, is to honor the natural rhythm of your feminine body. And when she retires, so should we.
Moonless nights are for self-care and introspection. Play an Essie Jain album, run a flower bath, and let go off all the tensions in your body. Once fully relaxed, put on some comfy clothes, and take the time to journal. Reflect on the cycle ending and set new intentions for the one starting. A tarot spread can give you some more insights!
On the full moon, start by connecting with her if she is visible in the sky. Observe her. Feel her. Express your gratitude for her presence, for her teachings, for everything she represents to you. Your energy levels might be up, and your emotions amplified. Find your own ways to move and release them. You might want to dance, sing, or write. You might even want to take a walk under the moonlight.
Also remember to charge your spiritual instruments. Gather your tarot and oracle decks, your crystals, your drum, place them in your garden or in front of your window, and let them receive her light until the next morning.
Join a Women’s Circle
As much needed and regenerative alone time can be, sisterhood can also bring loving support, weave heartful connections, and open a field of infinite possibilities.
“The moment women gather in circle with the intention to reconnect with their essence, magic happens.” — Nada Mesqui, Founder of Raindrop Movement
At Raindrop Movement, we are dedicated to creating safe spaces for women to explore and remember their divine feminine through conscious movement.
As part of our Wild Woman’s Altar program, we gather online every new moon to experiment the power of community, rituals, ancient wisdom, and feminine embodiment.
If you have been looking to rewild yourself, join us at the Altar of our lives!
We will breathe as prayer, move as we are offering ourselves to the Divine, and heal in the sacred embrace of each other.
