Moon and Menstruation

Dear Yael,

I'm hoping you can shed some much needed light. In digging around on the internet, I found plenty about the cycles of the moon and menstruation. What I didn't find any information on is astrology and menstruation.

Like many ladies, because of birth control, my cycle does not have freedom to move as it would on its own. The full moon is usually the few days leading up to my period. I'm generally an emotional wreck of an active volcano the weekend before (I start midweek). I have almost a week and a half marked off on my calendar in orange and red as the Danger Zone. The first half of DZ (before my period) being the most volatile time, and it is stressing my relationship. I've heard that as a Cancer I am strongly effected by the moon and, while I understand that I am naturally moody and irritable, I wonder if I'm magnifying an already trying time by being so close to the full moon. There are those that believe the dark moon a more natural and calm time for menstruation. What do you think? Should I undertake the pharmaceutical shuffle to move to a more in tune timeframe? Or will that not improve anything?

While I can shut myself away from some of the world during my time of the month it's impossible to take that approach with my love/roommate. Though he hasn't realized the clockwork regularity of our blowouts, it's obvious to calendar-tied me. I know that the issues rearing their heads need to be addressed (often the root being my unending need to feel loved) but I feel like everything gets multiplied into a giant emotional maelstrom and it's impossible to navigate at this time.

I'm 26, born June 29th 1985 at noon in Fitchburg MA.
He's also 26, born March 29th 1985, I believe around 4am, in Concord MA.

Sincerest thanks,
Tempest in a Teapot

Advice Seeker's Chart: Virgo Ascendant, Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon, Cancer Mercury, Taurus Venus, Cancer Mars, and Aquarius Jupiter.

The Ascendant describes your outward appearance, behavior, and mannerisms. The Sun reflects your core personality and the qualities of your ego. The Moon governs needs, emotions, moods, and habits; Mars rules defense mechanisms and thought processes; Mercury governs communication; Venus rules the world of love, pleasure, and desires; and Jupiter is the career sign.

Dear Tempest in a Teapot,

This is by far one of the more intriguing and difficult questions I have received.  Your question needs to be broken down into two parts.

Firstly, there are two subjects at hand.  The moon and menstruation is one thing and astrology and menstruation is another.  Logically speaking, you will find exactly what you are looking for if you pay close attention to your astrological map.  Secondly, all women – especially Cancer females – are more prone to mood swings during the full moon. 

While looking at your chart, I noticed that your Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Mars are water signs.  Your watery elements govern your core personality, emotional state, communication, and thought processes.  Once you grasp just how sensitive you are in general, it will help you prepare yourself and your boyfriend for the trying periods. 

You should also know that Cancers were traditionally called moonchildren, and in your case, this is even more so since you have three planets in Cancer and one in Scorpio.  At your core, you are a very emotionally charged individual.  Since I am not a medical expert, I cannot tell you to shuffle your period around to attain more emotional stability. 

However, I may be able to offer you some more clarity.  I think you are probably luckier, since as things stand now, you are killing two birds with one stone.  Instead of locking yourself in a cave for two separate times – your actual period and the full moon – why not just accept your situation and stick to one.  Go on a mini vacation away from your roommate/boyfriend or send him away. 

Since I have a very similar chart to you, I understand your “torment” more than you could realize.  I have had to learn to be vocal about my mood swings and to internalize the other nonsense.  You probably feel more intuitive, insecure, doubtful, and self-depreciating at this time.  You need to teach your significant other – in advance – that it is not about him.  Communicate your needs now so when the going gets tough, he will know how to manage the situation.  Men like directions.  Personally, I have found that writing and drawing help.  Try to stay busy and pay attention to your thought processes leading up to your period.  I guarantee you will notice a pattern in your thinking, and if this is the case, then you will be able to manage your thoughts (and mood swings) more. 

All the best,

Yael