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Menopause and the Moon

By Dana Gerhardt

“When I went through menopause, following the Moon saved me.
I was unmoored without my cycle.”

I’ve heard statements like this from many clients and students over the years. It makes sense. Aligning with the lunation cycle helps keep crones juicy and in rhythm. All earth beings are designed to live in monthly rhythm, but women’s bodies are more uniquely attuned to this cycle. When the menopausal body drops  the activity and rhythm of menses, it’s a wise woman who joins her own tempo to the Moon’s.

From one New Moon to the next takes about 29.5 days. Fertile women’s cycles are similarly timed. There is similarity too in their tides and symphonies of emotions. We feel the sense of beginning at the end of menses, which is like the igniting spirit of each month’s New Moon. The body begins womb building after menses; similarly, moonlight increases in the waxing weeks following the New phase. Next comes the cycle’s flowering and fulfillment—the Full Moon—and ovulation. At the Dark Moon, energy ebbs, and there’s release, akin to menstruation’s sloughing off of the uterus.

Calendars vaguely hold this rhythm, dividing time into 30/31 day intervals. But unlike moon-time, there’s no “nature” or “energetic movement” in calendar months. They’re “units,” concepts, not energy. Calendar months don’t cleanse and nourish us the way Moon cycles do. Energetically, the first day of any month is no different than the middle or its last day.

I was born in the 1950’s. My generation of women, like our mothers before us, didn’t trust, let alone treasure, the natural rhythm of our wombs. My period was introduced as a “curse.” I was frequently incapacitated with cramps–until the miracle of ibuprophen was introduced in the mid-seventies. Yet, even cramp-free, I felt vulnerable and “off” during my periods. In my corporate days, I began to get migraines at this time. Had I only known then what I’ve since learned from the Moon!  My body was calling me inward, to the rich temple where my femininity was being renewed.  With the Moon’s tutoring. I’ve become more feminine in menopause than I was in more naturally juicy years.

We can jump into the Moon cycle at any time—each Moon phase is its own invitation. But if you’re a menopausal woman who’d like to start anchoring herself into this nurturing universal rhythm,  one of the best times to enter the cycle is during the six days of the Dark and New Moons—which is where we are now.  The Dark Moon ends the cycle, coming three to four days before each New Moon. Its call to rest is a profound signal and not subtle. Just pay attention. Notice when your body says you’re tired during these days—and then let yourself slow down. Unless you’ve neglected this need for too long, you won’t want to rest forever, so enjoy.  This is nature’s pause.

I don’t know if there’s value to synching one’s menstrual cycles with the Moon. I’ve heard from many who are delighted when they do this.  In my experience, women tend to cycle more strongly with other women than they do the phases of the Moon. But lacking that sisterhood, the Moon will do.

As the Dark Moon comes to an end, sense for an internal energy shift.  Wait for it. If you’ve rested properly, this will be a natural arising. It may come on the day of the New Moon or a day or so later, sometimes a day before. You’ll know when you feel a certain refreshed lightness of being, a slight or strong increase in your optimism, energy, and enthusiasm.

Observe these six days–Dark and New Moons–for a few months. Moonplay is an accumulative venture. Watching the Moon over time is how you get into rhythm.  Doing it once or twice a year won’t change much.

If after observing New Moons, you’d like a further step, start observing Full Moons too. How do the days before, during, and after the Full Moon week differ from those of the Dark week? Let your body be the Rosetta Stone that helps you read the Moon’s flow. Get still. Breathe. Tune into the texture of the atmosphere—the energy—floating within and around you. Describe what you feel, even if it’s so subtle you think you’re making it up. Over time your sensitivity and discernment will increase.

There are other groups who can benefit enormously from entraining to Moon phases. Among them, premenopausal women, of course; any female without strong community; also, women who work full time outside the home. The corporate rhythm has a masculine sameness to it that can tear a woman away from herself.

In an opposite yet similar situation, men who work full time caring for children at home can also use the lunar support. They need to learn this rhythm of rising, cresting, and falling as much as women have had to learn the daily masculine march. Men have Moons too! Man caves are strong evidence. I’ve been cheered to observe over the past few years, that more and more men have been drawn to enroll in my Moon workshop.

Woman or man, if you’d like support for your moonplay, do visit Mooncircles!  We’re here to support the natural flow in you and our wider, international community of Moonlovers. Subscribe to our newsletter for notices of the New and Full Moons. “Today’s Moon” will always tell you the sign and current phase of the Moon.

It’s an auspicious time to touch into the deeper layers of your goddess nature (order my intimate report,  “Your Venus Unleashed” here).
Or commit to your archetypal vibrance by enrolling in my monthly Moon workshop  this cycle.  Touch into what’s true in you. 

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About Dana Gerhardt

A popular columnist with The Mountain Astrologer since 1991, Dana Gerhardt is an internationally respected astrologer. She has lectured extensively and written for astrology publications on several continents. Her ongoing passions are the moon and living the intuitive life. Dana worked for many years in the corporate sector, where she observed the undeniable influence of natural cycles. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles and did graduate work in literature at Columbia University and CSULA. Dana can be contacted by email.

Comments

  1. Helen BRADSHAW says

    Nov 6, 2021 at 8:48 pm

    Hi,

    I just want to clarify that this course is to learn about the moon and how we can sync and learn from it in relation to menopause?

    This is primarily what I’m interested in.

    Many thanks Helen

    Reply
    • Dana Gerhardt says

      Nov 8, 2021 at 1:55 pm

      Good question! It’s moon course, not a menopause course. The idea is that keeping the rhythm of the moon has a healing effect on the menopausal psyche–but my workshop is open to women and men of all ages. Each has their own reasons for wanting to get closer to the moon. Thanks for checking, Dana

      Reply
  2. SEEMA MENON says

    Feb 26, 2017 at 4:18 pm

    Agree with the content of the article and simply love the way you’ve worded it. So interesting!
    But my question is,…what about Menopause…how does that synch with the moon ?

    Reply
    • Dana Gerhardt says

      Feb 26, 2017 at 5:24 pm

      It’s the dark moon.

      Reply
      • Tabitha says

        Mar 3, 2017 at 6:10 am

        I always had my period with each full moon, and feel lost now that I am menopausal. So how to link back, you mention the dark moon, the days before, how does that connection play out ?

        Reply
        • Dana Gerhardt says

          Mar 3, 2017 at 9:45 am

          I think you’re asking a bigger question than a blog and comment can answer. If you’d like to schedule a reading, we could get into this more deeply.

          Reply

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The Moon is in its
New Phase

in the
Sign of Aries


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon sextile Mars, 5:13pm  Mar 23 2023
  • Moon square Pluto, 6:42pm  Mar 23 2023
  • Moon sextile Saturn, 9:57pm  Mar 23 2023

Venus is currently
The Evening Star

in the sign of Taurus


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Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.