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Hey there, beautiful souls!

Today, we're diving into something really near and dear to my heart—the cycles. The natural rhythms that govern everything around us, within us, and even above us in the cosmos. I’m so excited to talk to you about how we can align with the Earth’s cycles, the lunar cycles, and even our own personal rhythms to live with more intention, compassion, and understanding.

I know, I know… you might be thinking, “But Cynthia, I’m not an astrologer, and I don’t know my Human Design or have a fancy natal chart.” But here’s the thing—understanding the natural cycles doesn’t require a degree in the stars. Whether or not you’re familiar with astrology or energy work, simply recognizing these cycles is like learning to honor a part of yourself you’ve probably been ignoring for far too long. So let’s break it down together.

The Four Phases of the Earth’s Cycle

Let’s start with the Earth itself. Nature has this beautiful, four-phase cycle that mirrors so much of what we experience in life. Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

The cycle begins in Spring—this is the time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and growth. Think about how the Earth begins to awaken after the winter dormancy. Nature starts to emerge, the buds appear, and the air feels lighter. This is the phase of potential, where creativity stirs and ideas begin to grow.

Then we move into the Summer phase. This is the time of full bloom, high energy, and action. The sun is at its peak, and everything in nature is thriving, blooming, and radiating energy. It’s a time for doing, for being outwardly present and active, whether in our work, relationships, or personal projects.

But soon enough, Fall arrives. This is when the harvest happens. We start to let go, to release what no longer serves us. Just like the trees shedding their leaves, we begin to process and reflect, seeing what’s worked and what hasn’t, what we want to take with us, and what we need to leave behind.

And finally, Winter. Ah, Winter… a time of rest, reflection, and stillness. The cold, quiet beauty of the world around us serves as a reminder to go inward. To slow down, to nourish ourselves, and to take stock of everything that’s come before. It’s a season of deep introspection, where we can tap into our intuition, honor our elders, and give ourselves permission to just be.

Each of these four phases reflects not only the seasonal rhythms of the Earth but also cycles that we live through every day.

Connecting with the Lunar and Solar Cycles

If we’re going to talk about natural cycles, we can’t forget the moon and the sun, right? The moon’s phases are so deeply connected to the Earth’s cycles—and to our own bodies.

In the lunar cycle, we have the New Moon, which is like Winter. It’s the time to go inward, reflect, rest, and reset. Then, the First Quarter Moon corresponds to Spring—a time of growth, action, and setting intentions. The Full Moon is our Summer. This is the time of culmination, when everything comes into fullness. Finally, the Last Quarter Moon mirrors Fall—a time to release, reflect, and let go before the new cycle begins again.

And let’s not forget the solar cycle, even though it works on a daily rhythm. Think about the Sunrise as Spring, the Noon as Summer, the Sunset as Fall, and the Nighttime as Winter. Even though it’s a 24-hour cycle, there’s still this beautiful four-phase dance happening each and every day.

The Cycles of Our Bodies: Menstrual and Hormonal Rhythms

If we look even deeper, we can find these cycles mirrored in the rhythms of our own bodies.

The menstrual cycle is a perfect example. The Follicular Phase is Spring—new beginnings, fresh energy, creativity. Ovulation is Summer—peak energy, outward expression, fertility. The Luteal Phase is Fall—reflective, introspective, and a time to release. And finally, the Menstrual Phase is Winter—a time to rest, slow down, and honor our body’s need for recovery.

Now, I know this is an important piece to explore, especially for those of us who experience a menstrual cycle, but it’s just as important to remember that men’s hormonal cycles follow a 24-hour rhythm, much like the sun. They go through phases every day, just like the solar cycle.

The Power of Rest and Restoration

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on my journey is the vital importance of rest. Our society tends to glorify constant doing—always pushing, striving, and achieving. But this idea that we need to be in constant motion is so far removed from the natural world. The reality is, rest is just as important as action, if not more.

The Winter phase, that time of rest, is crucial for restoration. Think about how animals hibernate, how plants go dormant, how nature takes a pause. We need that pause too. When we allow ourselves time to rest—truly rest, away from distractions and the need to always be productive—we are able to come back stronger, more aligned with our vision, and clearer about the path ahead.

The Winter Solstice: A Sacred Time of Reflection and Renewal

The Winter Solstice holds such a special energy. It’s the longest night of the year, the shortest day, a time of deep darkness. But within that darkness, there is a promise that the light will return. This is why the Winter Solstice is such a beautiful time to reflect on the year that has passed and to prepare for the new cycle ahead.

This is the time to gather your lessons from the past year. Ask yourself:

• What worked for me this year? What brought me joy and alignment?
• What didn’t work? Where did I get off track, and what lessons can I take from that?
• What am I ready to let go of, and what do I want to invite into my life in the coming cycle?

Journal Prompts for Reflection:

To help you connect with this energy, here are a few journal prompts to guide your reflection during this Winter Solstice period:

1. What worked well in 2022? What were my victories, big or small?
2. What didn’t work, and why? What could I have done differently, or what was beyond my control?
3. What lessons have I learned this year?
4. What am I ready to release and let go of as we move into the new cycle?
5. What is my vision for the upcoming year? What seeds do I want to plant?

Remember, beautiful soul, this time of quiet and rest isn’t about being idle. It’s about tuning in, reflecting, and finding clarity within the stillness. By honoring these natural cycles, you can live a more embodied, intentional life.

Trust the process. Trust the cycles.

You are exactly where you need to be. 

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With love and gratitude,
Cynthia ✨