I was self-conscious about the tell-tale signs of pimples, and water gain, not to mention the need to carry a purse everywhere I went to conceal tampons and pads. I was always concerned of my scent and worried that it would be detected by others.This, coupled with derogatory statements I overheard like, "She's on the rag", "PMSing" or "bitchy," developed a sense of negativity. Unlike my mother, I was a bit more aware of what was going to happen to me. But we didn’t have any sex-ed booklet's with clinical explanations but I vaguely remember having the short conversation with my mother ("Do you have any questions?" "No."), which was a significant improvement over my grandmother's experience of believing she had done something terribly wrong and was bleeding to death. Fear and misunderstandings extended into menopause, where male doctors routinely prescribed valium and other anti-depressants to help women of my mother's generation get through the mysteries of menopause disconnection and dishonoring their own experience.

I recall not too long ago, about the rite of passage done for a thirteen year old girl. She was welcomed into a new phase of her development with open arms. She experienced her first fast, give-away ceremony, and feast. Her tribe and family eagerly awaited the celebration of her first moon. She was poised and radiant without the slightest hint of embarrassment around her brothers or sisters.  It was televised and I felt so good for her.  It was healing to know that she was learning to honor herself and the miracle of life that was happening in and through her.

There are things you can do in these modern times to honor yourself as a woman. Explore ceremonies that help you to embrace your womanhood. Moss and Moontime Ceremonies are simple to do during your Moontime. Express a positive attitude about your Moontime. If you have a daughter, or other young women in your life coming into puberty, mark her/their entry into womanhood with Ceremony and celebration. Encourage them to take time during their Moontime for quiet reflection and pampering.

MOON LODGE

Indigenous people throughout the Americas, considered the Moontime, (menstrual cycle) sacred. The blood was honored as the blood of creation and the hope for future generations. The encampment housed a separate special space for women who were on their moon called the Moon Lodge. A woman entered the circle during the time of her menstrual flow. She was set apart because she was considered most powerful. During her Moontime a woman is open and receptive to spirit. It is a time to go within and listen. Often women received dreams, visions or omens in the circle that they would share with the Wise Women and Medicine Men after exiting. Women predicted the coming of the pale skins, trains and the telephone wires long before they snaked their way across the plains or pushed their way northward from southern shores.   Our Medicine Men/Women depended on the women’s dreams and visions, as a guide for the future of the people.  That is how important and powerful those dreams and visions were/are.

Many of the physical complaints that accompany the Moontime, such as migraines, severe cramping, nausea and moodiness may be directly attributed to cultural expectations and financial obligations that push women out into the world when their bodies are telling them to retreat.

Pre-period signs such as water-weight gain and swollen breasts are giving us the signal that it is time to pack our bags for our monthly respite. Women need to replenish the well that nurtures the members of our community.

The Moon Lodge was supported by the Grandmother Circle . Elder women who had gone through a ceremony called the Crone’s Crowning, marking the end of the menstrual flow, would serve as mentors. In this way skills were passed down. When a woman entered the Moon Lodge her "grandmother" would tend to her responsibilities. If she had a family, her grandmother would take care of the children and the chores. The grandmother visited the Moon Lodge daily to bring fresh moss (used as pads), food, and to bathe and massage her. The Moon Lodge became a support group for women who cycled together. They had a space to share their joys and concerns seeking the council of the grandmothers. It was not unusual for a woman to wait for an entire cycle to pass before confronting problems that might arise in her marriage or with her children.

The new moon marks the time of reflection while the full moon marks the time of action. Showing this level of patience and restraint, coupled with the opportunity to talk with others to gain clarity and perspective -- strengthened the relationships of the community.

There are things you can do in these modern times to honor yourself as a woman. Take time during your moon for quiet reflection and pampering. Even if you can not take a day off from work every cycle, take time for yourself when you get home. Make it clear to your family that this is time you need to replenish. If you have a relationship with an elder woman ask her to become your "grandmother" and perhaps baby sit, prepare a meal or give you a little TLC. Look into exploring ceremonies that help you to embrace your womanhood. Moss and Moon ceremonies are simple to do during your Moontime.

WOMEN'S MOONTIME - Excerpt from Brooke Medicine Eagle

The information received as the menses begins in the clearest human picture from within the womb of the Great Mystery, of the unknown and our future. Among our dreaming peoples, the most prophetic dreams and visions were brought to the people through the Moon Lodge. In other words, the most useful information that can come to us comes from each of you women who use your Moontime well.

Conversely, for each of us who do not honor this time, much is lost, including the respect of others for our bleeding. My call to you is to begin now to honor your Moontime, to come together in small hoops (perhaps
of 8 women) and create Moon Lodges-communal women's retreats and meditation rooms-for the beauty,
for the quiet, for the transparent veil. Dedicate yourself to the quest for vision that will guide us and our
families at this time.
Most recent revision by Xielolixii 6/28/2008