Have you ever felt like time is rushing by, disconnected from the natural world? Why do the months feel uneven and arbitrary, while the flow of the calendar rarely aligns with the rhythms of life itself? For centuries, we’ve used the Gregorian calendar, a tool born out of political, economic, and religious needs rather than a system designed to nurture humanity’s connection to the Earth.

The origins of the Gregorian calendar: a tool of power and control

The Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII to fix the inaccuracies of the Julian calendar and regulate religious holidays like Easter. Yet, behind its practical purposes lay other motivations. The word “calendar” itself comes from the Latin “kalendas,” meaning “accounting book.” In ancient Rome, “kalendas” referred to the first day of the month when debts were due, taxes collected, and interest recorded. From its inception, the calendar has been a tool for managing economies and asserting control over people.

This control extended beyond economic systems. The Gregorian calendar reflects the hierarchical structures of the time, particularly those of patriarchy. By prioritizing a solar cycle -associated in many ancient cultures with masculine energy-over the moon’s cyclical patterns, which were linked to feminine energy and intuition, the calendar erased the balance between these forces. The imposition of a rigid, solar-focused calendar sidelined the lunar rhythms that had governed life, particularly for agricultural societies and communities that honoured the cycles of nature.

A disjointed calendar built on power, not logic

The Gregorian calendar inherited quirks from its predecessor, the Julian calendar. The names of the months, for example, are a curious mix of mythology and politics. March honours Mars, the Roman god of war, while July and August were added to glorify Roman emperors Julius Caesar and Augustus. 

September, October, November, and December derive from Latin numbers meaning seven, eight, nine, and ten—yet these are now the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth months, making no sense whatsoever. Political tampering disrupted the natural order, leaving behind a mishmash of names and meanings that feel out of sync with reality.

Beyond its names, the calendar’s structure is equally disjointed. Months range from 28 to 31 days, creating an uneven flow of time that adds unnecessary complexity. Leap years, while solving solar alignment issues, are yet another layer of inconsistency. This chaotic design fails to reflect the steady, rhythmic cycles of nature—and instead imposes an artificial structure that often feels at odds with our lives.

A disconnect from nature, feminine energy, and indigenous wisdom

The Gregorian calendar’s focus on solar cycles ignores the moon, a celestial body that profoundly influences life on Earth. Lunar rhythms govern ocean tides, agricultural cycles, and even human biology, from sleep patterns to menstrual cycles. By neglecting these rhythms, the Gregorian calendar fosters a sense of separation from the natural world and diminishes the feminine qualities of renewal, reflection, and intuition that lunar cycles represent.

This disconnection was further compounded by colonialism. The Gregorian calendar was imposed globally during the colonial era, replacing Indigenous timekeeping systems that were deeply tied to local ecosystems. Ancient civilizations, from the Maya to the Druids to countless Indigenous cultures, followed lunar or ecological calendars that aligned with the rhythms of their environments. These systems were more than methods of tracking time; they were frameworks for living in harmony with the Earth. Replacing them with the Gregorian calendar erased valuable cultural knowledge and imposed a Eurocentric and patriarchal view of time on the world.

The wisdom of the 13-moon calendar

Imagine living in a world where time flows naturally, in harmony with the cycles of life and nature. The 13-moon calendar offers this vision. Unlike the rigid 12-month Gregorian calendar, it divides the year into 13 months of 28 days each, perfectly mirroring the moon’s cycles. Each month is equal—28 days, 4 perfect weeks—creating a consistent rhythm that’s easy to follow. With 364 days total, the calendar also honors a “Day Out of Time,” a special moment for reflection, renewal, and celebration of life beyond the constraints of the ordinary schedule. This day symbolizes the importance of stepping back, pausing, and reconnecting with ourselves and the world around us.

But the 13-moon calendar is more than a practical tool; it’s deeply rooted in ancient cultural and spiritual wisdom. For millennia, Indigenous and ancestral societies around the globe revered the moon as a symbol of feminine energy, intuition, and renewal. The cyclical nature of the moon reflects the phases of life—birth, growth, death, and rebirth—reminding us of our own inherent rhythms. By aligning with these natural cycles, the calendar fosters a balance between the masculine solar energy (action, logic, structure) and the feminine lunar energy (intuition, creativity, flow).

In a world dominated by rigid schedules and productivity pressures, this calendar offers a chance to reconnect with the sacred interconnectedness of all life. It encourages us to slow down, attune to nature, and live with greater presence and intention.

Ecological and regenerative significance

The 13-moon calendar is also a guide to ecological living. By aligning human activities—such as planting, harvesting, festivals, and personal rituals—with natural rhythms, it encourages us to live in harmony with Earth’s cycles. This is more than symbolic; it’s a practical system of regenerative wisdom. Farmers who observe lunar cycles have long noted that certain phases of the moon influence plant growth, soil health, and water retention. Traditional knowledge teaches us that planting, pruning, and harvesting at the right time fosters both abundance and sustainability.

This alignment invites us to rethink our relationship with time and nature. Instead of extracting from the Earth in relentless cycles of overproduction, the calendar reminds us to move with the seasons and honor the regenerative power of rest. It promotes sustainable practices that care for the land, ensuring it can continue to support life for future generations.

Moreover, by reintroducing balance into how we measure time, the calendar nurtures mental and spiritual well-being. Imagine a world where we collectively embrace natural pauses, celebrate meaningful transitions, and recognize the seasonal wisdom of cycles. This calendar calls us back to wholeness—a way of life that harmonizes with the cosmos, honors the Earth, and nourishes both body and soul.

Incorporating the 13-moon calendar into our lives may be the step we need to break free from the pressures of industrial time and reconnect with a more intuitive, regenerative flow of life. It is a powerful reminder that time isn’t just a human construct—it’s a reflection of the living, breathing universe we’re part of.

Reclaiming time for harmony and sustainability

Returning to a 13-moon calendar is not just a logistical change; it is a paradigm shift. It challenges the systems of control embedded in the Gregorian calendar and offers a way to reconnect with nature, honour ancient wisdom, and create a more sustainable future. This shift represents a form of decolonization, allowing us to reclaim Indigenous knowledge systems and respect diverse cultural traditions.

Imagine a world where time flows naturally, where businesses and communities align their activities with the seasons and celestial cycles. A world where the calendar inspires renewal and mindfulness, rather than stress and disconnection. This is the promise of the 13-moon calendar: a system that simplifies timekeeping while fostering harmony with the rhythms of life.

The call to rethink time

The Gregorian calendar has served its purpose, but its time is over. Its inconsistencies, colonial roots, and disconnection from nature make it ill-suited for a world striving for sustainability and regeneration. 

As we face global challenges like planetary collapse, the need for systems that support regeneration has never been greater. Rethinking our relationship with time is a critical step toward this transformation. By embracing these ancient and harmonious calendars, we can create a future where humanity lives in alignment with nature and each other.

illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.