Show Notes
Did you know the moon moves through a full cycle — dark to full and back again — in about 28 days, which is also the length of the average menstrual cycle? In this solo episode, Kate explores lunar rhythms: one of her favorite topics, and a subject she covers in Chapter 9 of her book Everyday Ayurveda for Women's Health. Ayurveda already asks us to live in tune with daily rhythms (sun up, sun down) and seasonal rhythms (what grows and changes through the year). The lunar rhythm sits alongside both of these — a roughly two-week arc of waxing energy followed by a two-week arc of waning energy, repeating all month long. Kate explains why attuning to this cycle matters for everyone, not just people who menstruate: it connects us to something larger than our day-to-day worries, and it offers a built-in, nature-guided balance of activity and rest that modern "always-on" life tends to erase. Kate walks through the physical logic, too — the same gravitational pull that raises ocean tides and draws moisture into topsoil (which is why farmers plant near the full moon) also affects the water element in our own bodies, which is part of why energy can feel more "juicy" as the moon waxes. She maps out what to focus on during each phase: building, moving, and socializing during the waxing moon; celebrating, baking, and gathering at the full moon; tapering down and finishing projects during the waning moon; and resting, self-care, and simplifying food at the new moon. She also addresses how this maps — or doesn't — onto an individual menstrual cycle, and what to prioritize if the two aren't in sync. In this episode:
Why Ayurveda pairs daily, seasonal, and lunar rhythms together The uncanny overlap between the ~28-day lunar cycle and the average menstrual cycle Two reasons lunar attunement is grounding, even for those no longer menstruating How the moon's pull on water explains tides, farming by the full moon, and feeling "juicier" What to prioritize during the waxing moon: movement, socializing, starting projects Full moon practices: celebration, baking, making ghee, growing sprouts Waning moon practices: finishing projects, tapering activity, simplifying meals New moon practices: rest, self-care, and the traditional practice of fasting Whether to follow your menstrual cycle or the moon's cycle when the two don't align How to start tracking your own patterns over the next several months
Mentioned in this episode:
Kate's book, Everyday Ayurveda for Women's Health (Chapter 9), which includes recipes for the soups and treats referenced in this episode.
Have you noticed your own patterns with the moon? Kate would love to hear about it — leave a comment or send her a message. Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.orgCulinary Training in Indiahttps://ayurvedicliving.institute/ayurvedic-culinary-nutrition-trainingFall Cleansehttps://ayurvedicliving.institute/kitchari-cleanse-ayurveda-fall Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024Panchakarma in India: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/panchakarma-in-indiaThanks to our Sponsors: Banyan Botanicalshttps://alnk.to/eOQb34qTriphala Support:https://alnk.to/bPhiKjx
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