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Embracing the cycles of life: Honouring every season of womanhood
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Life, in all its complexity, moves in cycles. From the shifting phases of the moon to the ebb and flow of our daily energy, everything is intertwined with a natural rhythm. These patterns aren’t just random; they are reflections of a larger, universal order that has nurtured life on Earth for millennia.
When we come to know and understand these cycles, we can learn to flow with the tides rather than fight against them. When we embrace and align with these natural rhythms—whether it's the lunar cycle, the seasons, or our personal hormonal shifts— we learn how to find balance and a deep connection with the world within us and beyond us.
The life stages of a woman
The life stages of a woman form one of the most profound cyclical journeys. While there are many ways to explore these transformations in a woman’s life, an ancient approach follows a journey of the 3 archetypes; the Maiden, the Mother, and the Sage or Crone. Much like the changing seasons, each phase of life brings unique roles, needs, changes to our bodies and energies.
These are not categories defined by age or the bearing of children; they serve as a blueprint, a map that acknowledges and celebrates the natural, beautiful changes we move through.
From the awakening of our maiden years to the nurturing power of motherhood and the deep, intuitive wisdom of our later years, every chapter holds unique gifts and challenges. Can we approach this journey as our ancestors did, with reverence and respect, embracing the lessons each season brings? Let’s journey deeper.
The Maiden: Curiosity, Exploration, and Growth
This stage generally ranges from adolescence to the mid-20s or early 30s
The symbolic template of the Maiden embodies innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential. This stage of life represents vitality, experimenting with life, self-discovery and growth. However, with this phase also comes a need for grounding, self-love and nourishment, as the Maiden is often prone to self-doubt and societal pressures.
Nutrition
The Maiden stage often brings the excitement of newfound independence, marked by making your own food choices for the first time. Navigating processed foods, the pressure to diet, shifting hormones, and self-esteem struggles can feel like a rollercoaster.
This approach often backfires, as our metabolism and nervous system thrive when properly nourished with a variety of whole foods. During this period, nutrition should support the body's many changes, promoting physical growth while also maintaining hormonal and emotional balance.
Nutrients which require more attention during this time are protein, healthy fats, fibre, zinc, iron, B vitamins & vitamin D and calcium as they nourish the changing body. A female is in the final stage of optimising bone density in their 20s, which plays an important role in their risk for osteoporosis later in life, hence the focus on building and growth during this stage. This needs optimal nutrition, not restriction.
This is also a time when the over-consumption of processed foods and sugar can contribute to hormonal imbalances and mood disorders (hello PMS!).
Intention
During this life stage, the Maiden is encouraged to come to know herself and find her own voice. This means making time for self care and exploration, establishing positive habits and nurturing a foundation she can rely on throughout her journey ahead. Enjoying activities like hiking, boxing and dancing can help balance this life stage’s natural intensity. Learning to build emotional resilience is important in order to navigate the complexities of the adolescent years. Cultivating journalling or yoga practices offers powerful tools for reflection and learning.
Addition
Radiant Collagyn - alongside protein and collagen specific amino acids, Radiant collagyn contains an array of daily nutrients such as Vitamin D, C, zinc and choline. Rosehip, an ancient plant to support skin health, is high in vitamins and antioxidants to support changing skin.
True Magnesium+ - an essential mineral for hormonal balance, active lives and regulating mood.
Coffee + Collagen - balancing organic coffee with ashwagandha, chicory and nourishing collagen peptides to support the changing body
The Mother: Nurturing, Creation, and Balance
This stage usually encompasses late 20s to late 40s or early 50s
There are many ways to mother. While this stage may make you think of child-bearing or devoting oneself to a child, this archetype speaks to all types of creation. It could be a profession, studying, a work of art, a book, anything that allows that energy of birthing something of your own into the world.
However, this time of devotion can often result in forgetting to mother oneself. Amidst all this giving, here a woman must guard against losing herself entirely and learn to balance the needs of others with self-care and compassion.
Nutrition
This stage requires nutrients that support energy, replenishing depleted nutrients and cellular repair.
Those who journey into motherhood in the most literal sense require increased levels of certain nutrients, such as folate, vitamin D, iron, choline, essential fatty acids and protein during and post-pregnancy.
Including a variety of whole food groups—such as plenty of fruits and vegetables, proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats—is essential. However, it’s important to focus on the big picture rather than the nitty gritty of strict food rules. Aim to incorporate nourishing foods whenever possible, and remember that every balanced bite counts. It’s about doing what you can, not striving for perfection.
Intention
This stage is marked by surrender and compassion. During this time we are trying to strike a balance between fulfilling obligations and having enough time to nurture our health. Motherhood calls for grounding and a flexible routine to balance the body and mind. Consider incorporating shorter rituals like a mindful skin routine, quick bursts of movement, and time in nature. Meditation helps the mother reconnect with her own needs, while strength training sustains her. This phase is about establishing clear boundaries and remembering that nurturing oneself with comforting practices like long baths and time to herself is essential to being of service to others.
Addition
True collagen - as collagen levels begin to deplete, starting to incorporate collagen peptides into your daily routine supports nitrites the whole body. Those entering the post-natal phase also benefit from collagen to help the body repair.
True hydration - proper hydration supports those with busy lives and replenishes mind and body. Incorporating electrolytes helps to rehydrate the body at a cellular level, especially for those with higher needs for hydration such as when breastfeeding.
True Ashwagandha - this phase requires the woman to have emotional resilience. Thanks to its adaptogenic properties, which help the body manage stress more effectively, Ashwagandha can be particularly beneficial during the challenges of this stage, where stress and fatigue are common.
True Creatine+ - with lots to juggle in the day, creatine can be a valuable ally, supporting energy, cognitive function, and muscle health. Many women are now using creatine before and during pregnancy, as research suggests it benefits both mother and baby by enhancing energy production in reproductive tissues.
The Queen: A Time for Transformation
Typically from mid-40s to mid-60s
The Queen represents the later phase of the Mother archetype—a woman embracing her inner power and authority. At this stage, with older children or fewer caregiving demands, she can now focus on her personal passions and achievements.
She begins to navigate her responsibilities with more wisdom, setting clear boundaries and teaching others through her life’s experiences. In this phase, she starts to connect with the wisdom of the Crone.
Nutrition
As she transitions into perimenopause, the Queen must once again adapt her diet and lifestyle to support this new phase. With hormonal shifts altering her body’s needs, it becomes essential to let go of unhelpful habits that no longer work for her.
A focus on balancing blood sugar can support mood health and energy shifts as well as changes in body composition. Foods high in fibre and phytoestrogens naturally support fluctuation in hormones, whilst protein yet again is highlighted, as needs rise with muscle becoming more difficult to maintain without adequate nutrition.
Intention
Prioritising muscle health is crucial, yet often overlooked. Incorporating weight-bearing exercises helps to maintain strength and vitality throughout these later years.
As she embraces her wild woman, she can harmonise her inner calling for movement, nature, and social connection with rituals such as wild swimming, women’s circles, and forest bathing. These practices not only deepen her connection to the divine feminine but also strengthen bonds with friends, family, and the broader community.
Establishing restful sleep rituals is also essential for calming the nervous system and allowing the body to rejuvenate.
Addition
Cacao + Reishi - Calming reishi mushroom works in synergy with ashwagandha and mineral rich raw cacao to create the perfect drink to begin a rest ritual. Hops feature in this chocolatey drink, known to help along those sleepy feelings as well as being high in phytoestrogens.
True Magnesium+ and True Ashwagandha combination - a perfect pair for restoration, magnesium works to replenish depleted magnesium whilst ashwagandha helps to reduce cortisol and balance inflammation, classically higher as hormones fluctuate during the perimenopause.
Wild collagen - closely tied to oestrogen levels in the body, collagen production drops further once perimenopause and menopause draws in. Replenishing with collagen peptides supports collagen levels in the body as well as providing a source of protein for blood sugar balancing.
Matcha + Collagen - this phase, a woman can often benefit from reducing stimulants such as coffee, replacing instead with high antioxidant matcha. Added collagen peptides works in synergy with matcha which protects skin health whilst lions mane and MCT oil powder supports mental clarity and cognition
The Crone: Wisdom, Reflection, and Legacy
Usually from mid-60s and beyond
The Crone is a woman of profound wisdom, reflecting a lifetime of experience. No longer bound by the demands of youth, she can turn inward, allowing space for deep understanding, spiritual growth and creativity.
The word “crone” is derived from the Old French coronne, meaning “crown.” This original meaning is tied to the sense of authority, dignity and the woman who has lived a full life, gaining knowledge and respect. In many cultures, older women have been viewed as wise figures, often serving as healers, storytellers, or leaders in their communities. Over time, the word “crone” has taken on negative associations, often linked to stereotypes of old women as haggard, witch-like figures, intertwined with patriarchal views and societal attitudes towards ageing women and femininity.
In fact, during this phase, the crone archetype embodies patience and acceptance, sharing her accumulated knowledge with others.
Nutrition
Ageing positively and gracefully involves a diet which supports digestion, bone health, and cellular rejuvenation. As digestive function slows, the Crone benefits from nutrient-dense yet easily digestible foods like soups, stews, and fermented vegetables.
To support joint and tissue health, plenty of protein and bone supportive minerals such as Vitamin D, calcium and magnesium are vital. Phytonutrients found in dark coloured plants, herbs and spices support the immune system and combats oxidative stress during this time. Herbs like turmeric, ginger, and holy basil offer anti-inflammatory benefits, supporting the Crone as she moves through this life stage.
Intention
Whilst this age is defined by reflection, self-nurturing, and sharing her wisdom, it is extremely important for the Crone to stay connected to her community. Meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature nourish her spirit. Movement practices such as gentle yoga or tai chi maintain flexibility and grounding. Creative pursuits like writing, painting, or storytelling allow her to share her legacy and connect with younger generations, completing the circle back to the Maiden.
Addition
True Nightcap – As we age, our bodies undergo changes that make restorative sleep more challenging, yet more important. With magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C, True Nightcap is crafted to nourish and support the nervous system while you rest, enabling deep restoration. It combines the comforting warmth of ginger for digestive and immune health.
Cacao + Collagen – Ancient traditions recognise raw cacao as a heart-opening, grounding elixir, and when paired with True Collagen, it provides soothing gut support and aids joint strength. This blend contains adaptogens like ashwagandha, offering a calming energy. Whether enjoyed in a morning ritual or evening wind-down, it’s a gentle, nourishing treat with benefits for the Crone’s strength and resilience.
Noble Collagen – As we age, supporting joints and bones becomes essential. Noble Collagen, with Type 2 collagen, aids connective tissue, while boswellia offers powerful anti-inflammatory support. Together, they sustain mobility, helping the crone to stay active and connected.
True MCT oil - provides an easily accessible energy source that can bypass glucose metabolism, directly fueling brain cells, beneficial for the ageing brain. MCTs convert quickly into ketones, offering an alternative energy source that supports mental clarity, focus, and resilience. Additionally, MCTs have been shown to have neuroprotective qualities, helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can accelerate brain ageing.
Embrace each stage of the journey
The Maiden, Mother, Queen and Crone reside within us all, reflecting our potential, nurturing energy, and wisdom. As you move through the stages, remember to honour the unique gifts each archetype brings, weaving their lessons into a life of depth, purpose, and joy. Adapting mindful nutrition, self-care rituals, and nourishing connections, we can fully embrace and cherish each stage of life, rather than fear the idea of growing older.
