I wanted to take a moment to honor and acknowledge the bleeding phase of the menstrual cycle.
Yes, really take it in—or rather, let it all out: the blood.
This particular phase of the cycle seems to hold all the stigma and yet all the attention, all at once.
In fact, for many, it’s the only phase of the cycle they notice.
I mean, you can’t exactly ignore it—it’s kind of in your face.
Whether your bleeding phase is punctuated by, well… a really shitty time (pun sometimes intended), or it simply floats by, barely noticeable, it deserves recognition.
Because here’s the thing:
The bleeding phase is incredibly important to your health.
It’s not just a monthly “check-up” from Mother Nature letting you know everything is balanced and working as it should.
It’s also a time of profound purging. Your body is shedding the uterine lining it no longer needs—skin cells, blood, toxins, and maybe even remnants of your ex… just kidding about that last part. (Maybe?)
And as with all things sacred, the physical is never just physical. There’s emotional and spiritual purging happening here, too.
Last month, I wrote about my changing relationship with the luteal phase of my cycle—how it had always been this dreaded fog and static irritation wrapped in unbelievable urges to eat more Taco Bell.
But I realized something: That heightened sensitivity during the luteal phase is my body’s way of trying to get my attention.
It’s a nudge to let go of things I don’t need, like:
- My desire for perfection.
- My knee-jerk reaction to control everything.
- Maybe even a little piece of my ego or identity that’s weighing me down.
And the bleed? Well, that’s so much more than a nudge. It’s a demand to let it all go.
Here’s something fascinating: During the first few days of your bleed, your hormones are at their lowest, and both sides of your brain are firing simultaneously in divine balance.
This makes it the perfect time to reflect, to meditate, and to let go.
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The Red Tent:
Historically, many cultures have revered menstruation as sacred. From Indigenous moon lodges to Ayurvedic practices to Traditional Chinese Medicine, menstruation has been honored as a time of cleansing and spiritual insight. Women retreated to sacred spaces to rest, reflect, and connect with their intuition.
Today, sacred bleeding spaces and rituals are making a comeback (hello, this post).
My friend Vanessa often talks about how she sets up sacred space and rituals around her bleed. And I am not gonna lie… with the amount of love and reverence this woman has for her bleed, I was curious. I had to try it out.
So, here’s what I did:
- I set up a cozy camp in my yoga studio, creating a sacred space just for this ritual.
- Covered my yoga mat with a heated blanket for warmth and comfort.
- Brewed a cup of raspberry leaf tea (a cycle-friendly boost for this time).
- Kept a journal and some oracle cards on deck—I specifically love the Sacred Cycles Oracle Deck for getting more in tune with my sacred cycle.
- Played a playlist called “Inner Winter” on Spotify, crafted by Vanessa, to set the tone.
- Tested out a journaling companion I created called the 3-Day Bleeding Ritual Journal <3
……and honestly?
I was shocked by how clearly the messages came pouring in. I still am.
So, in honor of the sacred cycles—the cycles of the moon, the rhythms of this miraculous body, and every bleeding human that has come before us—I ask you:
How do you honor this sacred time?
Let’s start a conversation. Share your thoughts, your rituals, or your space with me.
#ShowMeYourSacredSpace
Here’s mine:
<3 Ariel
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The Black Moon:
It’s no coincidence that the bleeding phase often aligns with the energy of the New Moon—a time of darkness, reflection, and renewal. Just as a dark moon in the sky marks the start of a new lunar cycle, your bleed marks the beginning of your body’s next chapter.
Even if you don’t have a bleed or a menstrual cycle, you can still follow the phases of the moon. The energy of release and renewal is universal. Everyone has not only the right but also the responsibility to clear and purge what no longer serves them, making space for growth and transformation.
This concept will become even more significant in the upcoming year. Stay tuned as I dive into the importance of purging, the power of the Black Moon, and the profound symbolism of the year 2025 and the number 9.
P.S. Do you love the above photo as well as the cover photo of this blog post as much as I do? This beautiful image is by Vanessa Wingerath, and you can check out more of her work at Wild Rose Woman Photography.
