Throughout history, the Moon has fascinated people across many cultures. For ancient societies, the Moon was more than just a distant object in the sky—it was seen as a powerful force, closely linked to the rhythms of life on Earth. One of the most remarkable observations was the similarity between the Moon’s monthly cycle and the menstrual cycles of women.
In the ancient world, this connection was considered deeply meaningful. Early civilizations noticed that women’s bodies followed a cycle of about 28 days, which matched the lunar month. This pattern was viewed as evidence of a special, mystical relationship between women and the Moon. In communities where understanding nature was essential for survival, such patterns were not only observed but also respected. Women were often seen as magical, their bodies reflecting the order of the cosmos.
There were several reasons for this respect. First, the fact that women bled regularly without being injured was seen as extraordinary. Unlike wounds, menstruation was a natural and recurring event. Another fascinating observation was that women living together often experienced their cycles at the same time—a phenomenon now called menstrual synchrony. While modern science still debates its causes, ancient people saw this shared rhythm as magical, further supporting the idea of women as holders of mysterious power.
Another important observation was that when menstruation stopped in young women, it often meant the possibility of new life. Pregnancy, considered a miracle, was even more intriguing because it lasted about nine lunar months. This led to the idea that the process of creating life was guided by the Moon’s cycles, making humans unique as “lunar primates.” The Moon became a symbol of fertility and the essence of human life.
The changes experienced by older women were also seen as mysterious. As women aged, their cycles shifted to match the Waning Moon, and eventually, menstruation ended. In ancient times, this was not viewed as a loss, but as the beginning of a new kind of magic. Older women, no longer tied to fertility, were often honored as wise women or crones, believed to have special spiritual insight and power.
Today, science explains these patterns, but for early civilizations, they were sources of wonder and inspiration. The close connection between women’s lives and the Moon likely inspired some of the earliest forms of lunar worship. The Moon was celebrated in its feminine forms—Maiden, Mother, and Crone—each phase representing a stage of womanhood and a part of the great mystery that links humanity to the universe.
