The separation of the solar cycle in the modulation of the galactic cosmic ray intensity into the four main phases (the minimum, ascending, maximum, and descending) is considered. We substantiate advantages of such classification, choose as its initial point one of the known classifications, and discuss the special features of the main phases of the solar cycle in the heliospheric and cosmic ray characteristics. The initial assumption on the physical meaning of the sought for classification is proposed. The role of the very local interstellar medium in forming the solar cycle in the heliosphere is briefly discussed.