Inner Spring: Reawakening with the Follicular Phase
Katie Glyer
From the deep wintry, watery well of the menstrual phase, we emerge into the follicular phase of the cycle. Associated with Inner Spring, the waxing moon, and the Air element, this is a time of growth, creativity, and high energy. It’s the energetic equivalent of a cool breeze gently clearing away any remaining leaf litter and debris.
Even if you're no longer cycling—whether through menopause, hysterectomy, or a different rhythm—this season lives in your body. You may sense it after a time of emotional stillness or creative dormancy. You might feel the urge to reorganize your space, walk in the sun, or plant new intentions. Inner Spring is a time of emergence for us all.
The follicular phase typically lasts 7-10 days and occurs when your body is preparing to release an egg during ovulation. In the follicular phase, maturing follicles in the ovary release estradiol into the bloodstream to build up the endometrium (uterine lining) in which a fertilized egg would implant, should fertilization occur. We see the energetics of Spring mirrored in the dominant follicle that continues to swell and nourish the egg inside, preparing to rupture and be released from the ovary.
This phase is marked by a rise in estradiol (a type of estrogen) levels, which increases serotonin and dopamine, generally leaving you feeling more confident, happy, and outgoing. You may feel inclined to plan, organize, socialize, and generally be "productive." Creativity is flowing freely and it feels easier to make decisions, problem solve, and take initiative. This is a time to tune into your vision for the future, set intentions, and gain clarity actionable steps to take next.
Pro-tip: Planning in this way actually helps decrease stress later on in your cycle when you're less inclined to make decisions and start projects. Imagine how your future luteal or menstrual phase self will feel when your meal planning is done and you don't have to decide what to make for dinner.
Practices for the inner spring body:
Movement:
If you peruse Pinterest looking for ways to sync your cycle with movement, you’ll find all kinds of recommendations. My biggest recommendation is rather than look outward at an infographic or health coach on Instagram to tell you how to move your body during each phase, listen to your body in each phase. If it’s asking for more intense movement at this time, go for it. If instead it’s craving gentle stretching or a long, meandering walk, do that. The whole point of connecting with your cycle is to learn to listen to and trust your body.
With rising estrogen, many feel a natural boost in energy. But instead of following charts or outside prescriptions, listen to your own rhythm.
Pelvic Steaming (1-2x after menstruation):
Promote circulation and lymphatic flow, preparing the body for ovulation.
Eases pelvic congestion and stagnation.
Reconnects you with your womb space.
Castor Oil Packs (1-3x per week):
Reduces inflammation.
Improves lymphatic flow and circulation.
Supports detoxification after your bleed.
Always check in with your body. These are invitations, not prescriptions.
Tending the Inner Spring, No Matter the Cycle:
The following are practices for women who no longer bleed but who want to connect with their inner spring. I think it’s important to remember that even without a bleed, the seasons are very much alive in you. In our culture, we tend to treat menopause as an ending. But when we view the overarching lifecycle of women through the lens of nature, each ending marks a new beginning.
1. Seasonal Re-Awakening Ritual
A simple practice for reconnecting to the energy of emergence and beginning again—no matter your hormonal status.
How to Practice:
Set aside 10–15 minutes with a candle or tea (nettle & tulsi is lovely). Sit quietly and reflect:
What parts of me feel like they are returning to life?
What am I curious about now that I wasn’t before?
Where do I feel possibility stirring in my body or spirit?
Place your hands on your low belly or heart. Breathe deeply and whisper: “I welcome what is returning.”
This practice honors the inner landscape shift many feel in spring—emotional lightness, creative urges, a desire to stretch outward—regardless of a bleed.
2. Emergence Walk (with Journaling or Voice Notes)
This is a somatic and sensory practice for tuning into the Air/Wood element of Inner Spring.
How to Practice:
Go for a slow, unscripted walk—ideally outside, but around your home works too.
Move with the question: “What is emerging in me right now?”
Let your eyes scan for signs of growth: buds on trees, sprouts through cracks, light patterns.
When you return, record a voice memo or write a few lines:
What shifted in me as I walked?
What wants attention now that the light is returning?
This practice connects you to your inner tide, even without the markers of a physical cycle.
Skin as oracle:
As estrogen rises, many experience improved skin hydration, elasticity, and clarity. Estrogen supports collagen production and tends to reduce excess sebum by counterbalancing androgens, contributing to clearer, more hydrated skin.
Rather than working against your skin, this is a time to support its natural arising—partnering with your skin's inner tides.
Skincare Ritual:
Cleanse:
Use Sanctum Cleansing Milk to gently wash away buildup without stripping your natural oils. Breathe in the grounding coniferous oils. This is a moment of pause, presence, and preparation.
Hydrate:
Spritz Rose or Calendula Hydrosol before moisturizing. These calm inflammation and support the skin’s microbiome, pH, and barrier.
Moisturize:
Apply Solis Antioxidant Serum—a lightweight, vitamin-rich oil serum that brightens and protects, restoring skin’s natural radiance.
Weekly Treatment:
Use Claritas Brightening Mask to gently exfoliate and encourage cellular renewal.
Key ingredients:
Camu Camu – rich in Vitamin C for firming and brightening
Tulsi – soothes inflammation and supports clarity
Licorice Root – evens discoloration and calms irritation
Comfrey & Pearl – hydrate, restore, refine
Listen to your skin as you would to a wise friend. Instead of silencing symptoms, ask: What are you trying to tell me?
Herbal allies:
These plants support the vibrancy and clarity of this phase:
Nettle – deeply nourishing, rich in minerals; strengthens and energizes after the menstrual phase
Lemon Balm – uplifting, gentle on the nervous system
Tulsi (Holy Basil) – opens the heart, clears the mind
Yarrow – protects and supports circulation
Try a simple infusion of nettle and tulsi. Sip slowly while journaling on what’s stirring awake in you.
Journaling prompts:
These prompts are perfect for inner and outer spring whether you are still in your bleeding years or not.
What wants to grow in me now that the light is returning?
Where am I rushing ahead—and how can I slow down?
How can I protect the fragile shoots of a new beginning within me?
Closing Blessing
May you greet your Inner Spring with gentleness.
May you trust the rhythm of your return.
May you plant only what you have the energy to nourish.
And may the light within you grow ever brighter.