PERIOD MAGIC
The flowering of our wombs, let we remember the flow of our ancestral mothers…
I remember when I got my very first period. I had an overwhelming feeling of pride and pure joy. It was a feeling, a soul connection, like a portal opening to the divinity within my being.
What strikes me even more than this purest joy I experienced, was that my reaction when I walked out of the bathroom to tell my mother, was one of disappointment. I remember having to physically make myself not smile to show my fake dissatisfaction at starting my menstrual cycle, for that was the appropriate response to match how I had heard it talked about at school, with friends, and our culture at large….that having your period was nothing but an imposition, something negative to hide and be ashamed about. But something inside my soul knew….this was something very special. Something to be celebrated, rejoyced over, as the sacred cosmic phenomenon it is and has always been.
Thousands of years ago, before the patriarchy and religious takeovers came to villainize and taint the sacred practices and vessels of what it means to be a woman, menstruation was a regal ritual that honored the flowing and life giving energy of the womb. All life was revered to begin within the womb. In ancient mythology, the Holy Grail and fountain of youth were both created from menstrual blood. Native Indians of South America believed that all mankind was made from “moon blood”, while Cletic kings were transformed into gods after drinking the “red sovereignty.
Passing your monthly moon blood was a time of immense power and inner wisdom. Women were encouraged, and innately called to, spend time alone, listening to this deep inner voice that was connected to the universal life giving energy of the life, death, and rebirth cycle. A woman is at the height of her power when she is menstruating, and yet in our model culture we have so deeply devalued the importance of listening to our cycles that we are shamed and chastised for not being able to be as productive, happy, outgoing, or active while menstruating. We have completely lost touch in honoring our moon cycles - by no fault of our own - but it is time to call it back to us.
As they are ruled by the moon, our cycles often match up with different lunar cycles. It is common for most women to have periods around the new moon, when they are shedding the old and getting ready for a new cycle. Healers and priestesses are more likely to receive their periods during the full moon, so that, in ancient times, they were able to hold space for the rest of the tribal women during their new moon periods.
Look at your period as a regal gift. It is given to us, and it is our pleasure to receive it with honor and peace. Let the red blood of our ancestors flow through us and bring us back to new life.
Herbs for supporting your flow:
-Milk Thistle: supports liver health, curbs mood swings, anger, depression, and sugar cravings
- Evening of Primrose: balances hormones, good source of essential fatty acids, reduces PMS symptoms
-Magnesium: prevents fatigue, mood swings, relaxes muscles for less cramps and headaches
Moon Blood Face Mask:
Many moons ago (no pun intended) a friend told me about period blood face masks. I was called this month to try this sacred practice, and truly I have never felt so empowered or grounded in my womanhood. Mentrastion blood is rich in stem cell properties that help to righten, tighten, and smooth the skin. Not only is it a beautiful ritual, it connects you deeply to your primal inner goddess.
May you flow with love, light, and joy.
