An Article Sistahs Must Read...Metaformia

My Sistahs, I have been getting the constant message lately that WE have the power to make powerful shifts in the "reality" of this planet. I will paraphrase a quote from Cree Summer that said, "...the only way to get on this planet is between a woman's legs.." Now, we know that there has been great efforts to birth babies by c-sections and outside of the "medical" reasons we must ask ourselves why??

Sistahs, what if the very tool of our liberation is produced from our wombs every month? Why would we not use it to our benefit? Why is it never spoken of in a positive light? Why is its very presence frowned upon, referred to as dirty, unclean, taboo...?

My brotha Malcolm X would say, "you been hood winked!"

A Sistah friend who is a doctor sent me an article that shows that recent research indicates that menstrual blood contains stem cells! This means those "unused" eggs from our bodies still have life giving power even if they do not become a baby! I read this morning that some African communities believe that if menstrual blood in kept in a clay pot for 9 months it will become a baby...(I will have to research it more to give you the details...)

It is time my Sistahs to look at our bodies differently...to learn more about this life giving power we have...to not just give our power away to old worn out patriarchal philosophies that are a strange mixture of our most ancient beliefs with the beliefs of conquerors and destroyers...

I found this article and really a website that is seeking to open up the conversation around the importance, the sacredness of a woman's cycle called Metaformia...
Read it and give me your thoughts...

Menstruating Women/Menstruating Goddesses: Sites of Sacred Power in Kerala, South India, Sangam Era (100-500 CE) to the Present
by Dianne E. Jenett, Ph. D.

Peace,
Sistah C

Our Friend The Moon...

Artist: Thalia Took, Ix Chel Mayan Moon Goddess

Ever since my meeting with the circle of midwives, healers and teachers a memory of my wombyn-self has been awakening. I remember that I once followed the cycles of the moon and every year I would get these moon phase cards to chart my cycle. In western society (and some other societies as well) many of us have been taught that our cycles are a curse, a hindrance, an embarrassment but in reality it is the most powerful time of our lives. It is said that a woman's cycle follows the phases of the moon. Imagine we are interconnected with the Moon just like the waves of our Mother Ocean. In many societies it is known that a Sistah is most powerful during her cycle so she is excused from certain ceremonies and duties during this time because nothing is more spiritually important during this time. She is given time away from the everyday mundane to sit with herself, reflect, made plans, divine, create art and commune with other women on their cycles. In some other societies this practice was twisted and women were shunned, banned and considered cursed during this time. Really it all boils down to the fact that WE ARE MOST POWERFUL DURING THIS TIME. The first part in being healthy is self acceptance and self love. You can't love anyone else properly if you believe any part of yourself is unworthy and unlovable - so Sistahs we got to learn to LOVE our Cycles. What if we changed our relationship to our cycles? I think we would see a change in our lives. Here's some Moon Time knowledge I am passing along for your further investigation.

Phases of the Moon:
Yesterday, I got a message from one of the midwives that Saturday (yesterday) was the Dark of the moon and with it comes a time for rest, inner reflections and introspection. Ten-and-a-half to fourteen days after the full moon. The dark moon is a time for ridding oneself of bad habits, for exploring our darkest recesses and understanding our angers and passions. Also a time bringing justice to bear.

Next is the New Moon (today) it is a time for starting new ventures, new beginnings. Also love and romance, health or job hunting.

Seven to fourteen days after the New Moon is the Waxing Moon. A waxing moon is good for growth and development. A time to learn something new, take a class work on relationships, work on yourself.

The next phase is the Full Moon. From fourteen to seventeen-and-a-half days after the new moon. A full moon emphasizes maturity,fertility, and abundance, "full fillment". It is a time to bring forth those things that you want in your life, to manifest.

The Waning Moon is from three-and-a-half to ten-and-a-half days after the full moon. It is a time to rid yourself of unwanted characteristics, a time to weed out what is not working.

More on our Moon Time

You can keep record of your cycle using Lunar phase cards. You can order one from Snake and Snake Productions or get a calendar from Luna Press

Do you know that many conventional products for your cycle are filled with chemicals and are an environmental disaster for the planet? Here are several natural alternatives you may want to consider...

The Diva Cup

Want to use a natural tampon? Try sea sponge.

What about natural washable cloth pads? Check out Luna Pads

Do you know switching to a washable, re-usable product you could save $$$200. to $1000 a year, you also could eliminate the possibility of toxic shock or exposing your sacred womb to chemicals and foreign substances that may effect your fertility. You also save the earth! A cotton pad is said to last anywhere from 3 to 9 years...

Lastly, if you have a girl that is ready to become a woman consider making her first day on her cycle a day of celebration. In some African traditions the new woman's mother would make her waistbeads. The women of the community would spend time with her and tell her about womanhood, teach her ways of women and pass on their wisdom. Today, some mothers (and fathers, too) take time off and spend the day with their daughter, give her jewelry and/or take her out for a special meal. What ever you do, it is a time to celebrate your young Sistah Goddess. Set her on the path of positive self image so that she can grow up loving herself.

Much Peace and Light,
Sistah C