Embracing the Inner Autumn: Understanding and Nurturing Your Luteal Phase

Welcome to the Wild Womb Medicine Blog! I'm Claire, and today, we're diving into the mysteries of our inner autumn—the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. This is part of a series exploring each phase of the menstrual cycle, as I believe that healing any menstrual-related symptom requires a holistic understanding of the entire cycle. If you haven't already, I recommend listening to previous episodes on other phases before delving into this one.

Understanding Your Inner Autumn

The inner autumn, or luteal phase, begins after ovulation and can vary in length for everyone. This phase is a lead-up to menstruation, often marked by premenstrual symptoms that many are familiar with, including PMS. This phase often gets a bad rap due to the "premenstrual woman" stereotype. However, my aim is to provide insight into what these symptoms signify and how you can work with them, rather than feeling at their mercy.

Tracking and Transition

Your luteal phase begins a few days after ovulation, which is why menstrual cycle tracking is crucial. It helps you pinpoint when each phase transitions, offering a clearer understanding of your body’s rhythm. For many, entering the luteal phase brings up challenges like PMS, making it seem like a dreaded time. This is often due to a misunderstanding of the underlying causes.

The Archetypes of the Menstrual Cycle

In my series, I align each phase with an archetypal energy. For the luteal phase, this energy is the Muse Beloved. Although it might not align with everyone’s initial experience due to common symptoms like PMS, beneath that lies a creative and mysterious energy ready to be tapped into. The Muse Beloved is about courting the unknown, diving into the shadows, and expressing creativity, much like autumn festivals such as Halloween.

Meeting the Shadow Self

A significant aspect of the luteal phase involves the emergence of your shadow self—those aspects suppressed or denied. These suppressed elements can manifest as strong premenstrual symptoms. This shadow self often challenges our perceived identity, calling for attention and recognition.

For example, my personal struggle with premenstrual rage stemmed from a long-term suppression of anger, which I perceived negatively. Embracing and understanding these feelings as natural allowed me to explore deeper aspects of myself.

Tools and Strategies for the Luteal Phase

To navigate your inner autumn, you can use several tools:

• Regulation Tools: These are essential for managing emotional surges during this phase. I offer a free premenstrual survival pack with my favorite regulation exercises, such as breathwork and journaling.

• Engage with Your Inner Critic: Meet and understand the critical voices within you. They might hold important truths about self-abandonment or values, revealing what truly matters to you.

• Understand the Larger Cycle Story: Consider how different phases impact your symptoms by examining your entire menstrual cycle. This holistic approach can uncover patterns and areas needing attention.

• Authentic Alignment: Take small steps to align more closely with who you are and the life you wish to live. This reduces the internal conflict that can intensify during the luteal phase.

Conclusion

The inner autumn is a potent phase for inner work, creativity, and embracing shadow parts of ourselves. By using these tools and strategies, you can transform your experience and connect with the deeper energies within. It's a journey of ongoing discovery and integration, and I hope you’ll continue with me on this path as we explore more in upcoming posts.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more insights in the next installment.