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Celebrate Your Femininity
by Kirsty Jacques of CharlieBum™
Why? Because we are unique and beautiful beings. For years many have been made to feel ashamed of who we are, of what happens to our bodies. The myths and falsehoods that have shrouded a woman’s cycle have turned it into a strange and scary event, the names that are sometimes used to describe menstruation have helped to support such beliefs: "the curse," "on the rag," your "period." What a shame. However we now have a wonderful opportunity break down these myths. We can become strong in the knowledge of who we are: intense, beautiful, amazing, intuitive and sensitive women. Throughout history we are told of strong women making their marks, queen Elizabeth the 1st, Bodecia, Florence nightingale all the way through to current peers like Susan Saradon, Anita Roderick, Hilary Clinton, and Margaret Thatcher. The list of strong women -- famous or not -- is truly endless. Traditionally a woman’s cycle moved with the moons cycle, ovulation around the full moon and menstruation at the new moon, and if you follow your own cycle you can often see a relationship to these times. The Native Americans valued this time. In ancient times, "moontime women" were afforded a place of retreat known as a "moon lodge". Here they rested, released their blood to the earth, and harnessed the powerful visionary energy that comes with moontime. The information that came from the dreams and visions of moontime women was seen as sacred, and was used as a source of inspiration and prophesy for the entire community. We can still celebrate this time now. Some women dance naked around the garden during menstruation and water their garden with their soaker water (full of iron and nutrients). Some prefer to sit and meditate under the moon. Others simply want to be pampered, instead of remaining relegated to uncomfortable store-bought paper pads or tampons. However it is marked, we should celebrate womanhood. With every cycle comes the chance to give new life. How lucky I feel as a woman to have been able to grow a baby and give birth. How can a woman do anything other than celebrate themselves when we are able to do something so magnificent?
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