The concept of the “four seasons of a woman” is often used as a metaphor for the different phases of a woman’s life or menstrual cycle, each reflecting the changes in energy, emotions, and focus. These phases are likened to the natural cycles of the seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—each bringing its own rhythm and purpose.
Here’s a breakdown of the four seasons in terms of the menstrual cycle:
1. Spring – Follicular Phase (Post-Menstruation)
Energy: This is the time just after menstruation, when energy levels begin to rise.
• Associated with: Renewal, growth, creativity, and optimism.
• How you might feel: Rejuvenated, inspired, more mentally clear, and motivated to start new projects or take action.
• Best activities: Learning, planning, setting intentions, trying new things, physical activities like yoga or exercise.
2. Summer – Ovulation Phase
Energy: This is the peak of a woman’s cycle, when energy is high, and social connections feel easy and fulfilling.
• Associated with: Fertility, connection, communication, and radiance.
• How you might feel: Confident, magnetic, outgoing, and emotionally open. It’s often a time when relationships feel easier, and you might feel more attractive and connected to others.
• Best activities: Social events, networking, creative expression, nurturing relationships.
3. Autumn – Luteal Phase (Pre-Menstruation)
Energy: Energy starts to decline as your body prepares for menstruation.
• Associated with: Reflection, grounding, letting go.
• How you might feel: More inward-focused, analytical, sometimes irritable or sensitive, but also able to address deeper truths and cut through the superficial.
• Best activities: Organizing, completing tasks, setting boundaries, journaling, self-care practices, and letting go of what’s not serving you.
4. Winter – Menstrual Phase
Energy: Energy is at its lowest during menstruation, and it’s a time of rest and renewal.
• Associated with: Release, introspection, stillness, and healing.
• How you might feel: Tired, reflective, needing rest and solitude. It’s a time to honor your body’s need for restoration.
• Best activities: Resting, meditating, reflecting on the past cycle, and setting intentions for the next one. This is a powerful time for self-reflection and spiritual connection.
The Seasons as Phases of Life:
This concept can also apply to the phases of a woman’s life:
1. Spring (Maiden): Youth, discovery, and growth.
2. Summer (Mother): Nurturing, creativity, and building.
3. Autumn (Queen): Wisdom, leadership, and mastery.
4. Winter (Crone): Rest, reflection, and spiritual depth.
Each season has its own beauty, purpose, and challenges. Embracing the ebb and flow of these cycles can help with self-awareness, self-care, and alignment with your natural rhythms.
A book I highly recommend is ‘4 seasons in 4 weeks’ by Suzanne Mathis McQueen.
The author approaches the menstrual cycle a bit differently from the traditional breakdown I just shared. In her model, Autumn (Fall) is aligned with menstruation.
She shifts everything one season forward but still keeps the cyclical nature of energy flow. It’s really more about perspective and how the phases are framed around energy and renewal.
Are you in tune with your seasons?
xox marie
The Wild Gems 