The January moon cycle offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on new beginnings, set intentions, and align with the natural rhythms of the universe. But did you know that your menstrual cycle can also sync with the phases of the moon?
While the link used to be largely dismissed, recent studies have linked lunar phases with sleep and moods. In a 2021 study, researchers analyzed long-term data from women and found that for some their periods synced with lunar light and gravity cycles at certain times in their lives.
Many cultures, especially indigenous ones, have a long history of this. These communities have a long history of understanding menstruation in relation to the moon, even calling their menstrual phase a special name: Moontime.
You might find, too, that your periods and the lunar cycle are deeply connected. Whether you’re looking to prioritize your period care this year, or hit your personal goals, the January moon and your menstrual help support you.
The Moon's Phases and Their Influence
The moon goes through a complete cycle roughly every 29.5 days, and its phases — from New Moon to Full Moon — correspond to distinct energetic stages that affect not only the natural world but also our emotional and physical experiences.
1. New Moon (January 29, 2025) – The Beginning of a Cycle
The New Moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle, a time for setting intentions, planting seeds for the future, and embracing new opportunities. This phase is often associated with introspection and renewal, a time to rest and reflect before moving forward.
If you menstruate around the New Moon, you may feel an energetic alignment with this phase. Your body’s need for rest and your internal focus on clearing away the old to make space for new growth is mirrored in the dark sky above. This is a great time to honor your body's rhythm by embracing quiet reflection, journaling, or setting intentions for the month ahead. You may feel more introspective and intuitive during this time, as both the moon and your body are in a period of renewal.
2. Waxing Crescent (January 12–17, 2025) – Building Energy
The Waxing Crescent is a time of growth and expansion, as the moon’s light begins to increase. This phase is all about action, building momentum, and taking the first steps toward your goals. Physically, this aligns with the post-menstrual phase of the cycle (follicular phase), when energy levels begin to rise, and you may feel more confident, creative, and motivated.
During this phase, as your body emerges from menstruation, your energy levels start to pick up. It’s an excellent time to start new projects, make decisions, and take action toward what you want to manifest in the coming weeks. Your energy is likely to be at a high point, as both your hormonal levels and the moon's influence align for action.
3. First Quarter (January 18–20, 2025) – Commitment and Challenge
The First Quarter moon represents a time of challenge, decision-making, and action. It’s when the energy of the cycle begins to push for growth but also brings up obstacles or challenges to overcome. This is the time to get clear on what’s working and what isn’t and to stay focused on your goals.
If your period occurs during this phase, it may represent a time of heightened tension or discomfort in your body. Your menstrual cycle may bring physical challenges as your body prepares for ovulation. This is an opportunity to tune into any blockages or discomfort in your life—whether physical or emotional—and clear them out.
4. Full Moon (January 13, 2025) – Peak Energy and Illumination
The Full Moon is the culmination of the lunar cycle, a time of peak energy, illumination, and fruition. It’s the time when intentions set during the New Moon come to light, and the results of your efforts are revealed. This is a time for celebration, gratitude, and release.
If your period aligns with the Full Moon, you might experience heightened emotional sensitivity, as the full moon often amplifies our emotions. The Full Moon is also a great time for letting go—of old habits, toxic relationships, or limiting beliefs. Menstruation during this phase can act as a physical manifestation of this need for release, as your body sheds what no longer serves you.
The Full Moon also symbolizes the peak of the menstrual cycle, when the body is preparing to release eggs for fertilization. If you don’t menstruate at this time, you may still feel an inner urge to let go of what isn’t working in your life and make space for new experiences or opportunities.
5. Waning Crescent (January 26–29, 2025) – Rest and Reflection
The Waning Crescent is a time of rest, reflection, and release. As the moon’s light diminishes, it's a time to slow down and let go of any final remnants of the cycle. It’s a powerful time to prepare for the next New Moon and reset.
For those in the later stages of their menstrual cycle (luteal phase), this phase aligns with the body's natural rhythm of winding down before menstruation begins. The Waning Crescent invites you to connect with your inner wisdom, spend time in quiet contemplation, and release any lingering emotional or physical tension.
How Astrology Enhances the Connection
Astrology can deepen our understanding of the moon’s influence on our lives and bodies. By tracking the moon’s cycle alongside your menstrual cycle, you can tune into the unique energies of each phase and use them to support your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
-
Moon Signs: Each New Moon occurs in a different zodiac sign, bringing specific energies that align with certain themes. For example, the January 2025 New Moon is in Aquarius, a sign known for discipline, structure, and long-term planning. This is an excellent time to focus on career goals, personal growth, and creating solid foundations for the future. If your period falls near the New Moon in Capricorn, you may feel a heightened sense of focus and a desire for organization and achievement.
-
Personal Birth Chart: Your astrological chart provides more nuanced insights into how the lunar phases affect you. For example, if your natal moon is in a water sign like Pisces or Cancer, you may feel more emotionally connected to the moon's phases, with each cycle affecting your intuition and emotional state. On the opposite end, if you have a lot of earth or fire in your chart, you may experience a more grounded or action-oriented approach to each phase.
-
Lunar Nodes: The lunar nodes, which represent points where the moon’s orbit intersects the ecliptic, can also provide insights into the karmic lessons and soul growth tied to your cycle. The North Node shows where your soul is heading, while the South Node shows what you’re moving away from. The moon’s cycle helps illuminate these paths, and understanding your nodal axis can provide deeper insight into your journey.
Honoring the Sacred Dance Between Your Cycle and the Moon
Whether or not you experience a direct connection between your menstrual cycle and the moon's phases, there is undeniable power in aligning your rhythms with the natural world. In astrology, the moon represents our emotions, intuition, and inner world, making it a profound symbol of feminine energy. Just as the moon goes through its phases, so too do our bodies move through cycles of creation, growth, release, and renewal.
While all of that is true, we at DIVA also acknowledge that not everyone menstruates — for reasons such as PCOS or endometriosis, gender dysphoria, or other natural causes — but this doesn’t mean that the phases of the moon can’t work as a powerful cycle in your life.
Many people track and work with the moon on an introspective level. For example, the new moon lends itself well to goal setting and the full moon lends itself to releasing or letting go.
If you choose to work with the moon, remember that its phases are cyclical and simply an opportunity to connect or reconnect your body and mind to the natural world.
