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This week is Womb Awareness Week. If you don’t already, maybe this is a good time to develop some healthy and healing rituals around your body.

The menstrual muse

Cycle to the Moon: celebrating the menstrual trinity of menarche, menstruation and menopause, is my contribution to female health. Pick yourself up a copy on Amazon, or ask your local library to stock copies.

Labyrinth

This book is based on workshops I’ve facilitated called Cycle to the Moon & Sacred Cycle. It is designed to help you explore your beliefs around your body and its cycles regardless of where you are on the menstrual trinity, as well as giving helpful tips and practical advice to make your experiences around Moon Blood more comfortable and enjoyable. Don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon or Good Reads.

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Art work by Susan Merrick.

Love, Veronika xx

For as long as women have walked upon the Earth, their lives have been guided by the pull of the Moon. There was a time, however, when we cycled to the Sun rather than the Moon.

 

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To talk about our Moontime, and indeed, to make menstruation a mainstream topic, has taken quite some work. We still have a LONG way to go. To bring this most fundamental aspect of being a woman into the limelight is to reclaim our sacred femininity from behind the closed doors of one of patriarchy’s great taboos.

 

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“Our menstruation is our honesty.

It tells us what the world denies.

It is a mirror of our diet, emotions, beliefs, cellular memories, dreams and the world we live in.”

~ Cycle to the Moon, by Veronika Sophia Robinson

“Modern statistics relating to menstruating woman
are taken from huge cities,
about women whose lifestyles
are not in accord with Nature.”
~ Cycle to the Moon, by Veronika Sophia Robinson

Blood is not dirty. Menstruation is not filthy. Bleeding each month is not a curse.

The menstrual-hygiene industry is raking in the big bucks and perpetuating old myths. However, like childbirth, it is true that many women suffer. I would like to add that they don’t need to suffer. Our culture tells them otherwise. Voices in the wilderness speak out against the cultural soup and whisper “there’s another way”. Those of us on the edge of culture try to bring light to the lives of women who suffer with menstrual ‘conditions’. It’s important to ask ourselves: did Mother Nature really want us to suffer with migraines, cramps, bloating, bad tempers and heavy bleeding? I don’t believe so. In fact, the more we look at the lives of our ancestresses we see that the ‘menstrual’ curse is a recent phenomenon in female history. It is in direct proportion to the degree with which we concur with the modern lifestyle: lack of exercise, poor nutrition (caffeine, sugar, dairy, gluten, alcohol), inadequate sleep, stress, EMRs, pollution, lack of immersion in nature, too much screen time, etc.

“The vagina and its excretions (mucus and blood)

are a mirror of the foods and non foods (that is, junk) we put into our body.”

~ Cycle to the Moon, by Veronika Sophia Robinson

 

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There are many resources available these days to guide women on how to heal their cultural patterning around menstruation.

Here are some relatively recent additions to menstrual-healing literature.

Cycle to the Moon: celebrating the menstrual trinity ~ menarche, menstruation, menopause
by Veronika Sophia Robinson; illustrated by Susan Merrick

ISBN 978-0-9575371-4-9
185 pages pbk

Based on my workshops: Sacred Cycle, and Cycle to the Moon, this book offers practical support for every woman wanting to understand herself better. It is a celebration of the menstrual trinity: first blood of the maiden; the cycles of mother; the last blood of the wise crone. This contribution to holistic menstruation reaches beyond culture, taboos and maternal conditioning, and touches the heart of what it means to be a woman. In the style of a journal, this book invites the reader to celebrate her body through reconnecting with her cycles.

Sisters of the Silver Moon
By Veronika Sophia Robinson
ISBN 978-0-9931586-1-2 (Pbk and Kindle)

Although this is a novel, it was inspired by Cycle to the Moon, and touches on women’s bodies by introducing the reader to the lives of four generations of women and their different experiences of menarche, menstruation and menopause, as well as childbirth, as told through their stories of family, home, love, loss and forgiveness.

The sustained motif in the novel is that of the ever-changing, powerful Moon.

Azaria Linden, the community herbalist, spends her days tending herb gardens, concocting lotions, potions and tinctures, beekeeping, and being a mother to four grown-up daughters who have left home. Her handcrafted life is the envy of many, but when the lives of her children change in dramatic ways, she wonders if she can keep it all together. Is it possible to still live a heart-centred life when everything around you is falling apart?
www.veronikarobinson.com

 

 

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http://thehappywomb.com/
Reaching for the Moon – a girl’s guide to her female cycles
By Lucy Pearce
82 pages. (June 2013)
ISBN: 1482363038

Written for girls aged 9-14 introducing them to the menstrual cycle in simple, soulful language, taking the form of a gentle, meaningful initiation into womanhood. Reaching for the Moon incorporates stories, real women’s experiences of their first periods, and answers girls’ most burning questions about periods and their bodies in a loving, age-appropriate way:

Contents include:
* Ideas on how to celebrate their first period.
* Practical guidance on choosing sanitary products. * Holistic health care for the menstrual cycle.
* Guidance on self care as an emerging woman.

This is the guide that empowered and caring mothers, aunts and godmothers want for the girls in their lives.

*Lucy is currently releasing an updated edition.

 

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Moon Time: a guide to celebrating your menstrual cycle
By Lucy Pearce
144 pages. (February 2012)
ISBN: 1468056719

A guide for all menstrual women from 14- 40. Referred to by readers world wide as “life changing”. Moon Time will help you to embrace all aspects of your menstrual cycle, heal PMS, develop self care practices and reconnect to your body’s natural rhythms. It is the first book in print to explore the new phenomenon of red tents as places for women’s retreat, and shares how to create a red tent for yourself and your community, as well as how to celebrate a girls’ transition to womanhood.
Signed paperback version £9.99

 

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Recommended Books
Bennet, J. & Pope, A. (2008) The Pill: Are you sure it’s for you? (Allen and Unwin, released in UK by Orion 2009)
Bennett, J. (2002) A Blessing not a Curse: A mother daughter guide to the transition from child to woman, Sally Milner Publishing, Bowral, 2002.
Bennett, J. & Naish F. (2004)The Natural Fertility Management Contraception and Conception Kits
Diamant, A. (2002). The Red Tent. London: Pan Books.
Shushann, Movsessian, Puberty Girl, Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 2005Naish, F. Natural Fertility, Sally Milner Publishing, Bowral, 1991, 4th Ed. 2004
Northrup, Christiane Dr. (1998) Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom. New York: Bantam Books,
Owen, L. (2008). Her Blood is Gold. Dorset: Archive Publishing.
Pope, A. (2006) The Woman’s Quest—unfolding women’s path of power and wisdom. A thirteen–session self–guiding course, self published, 2006. Available from
Pope, A. (2001). The Wild Genie: the healing power of menstruation. Bowral, Australia: Sally Milner Publishing. (out of print, second hand copies may be available on the web)
Richardson, D. Tantric Orgasm for Women, Destiny Books, Rochester, 2004. (Diana’s website: www.livinglove.com)
Singer, K. (2004). The Garden of Fertility: A Guide to Charting Your Fertility Signals to Prevent or Achieve Pregnancy–Naturally–and to Gauge Your Reproductive Health. New York: Avery
Weed, S. New Menopausal Years: The Wise Woman W – Alternative Approaches for Women 30–90
Weschler, T. (2001) Taking Charge of Your Fertility

 

 
Resources for Holistic Menstruation

http://www.redtentwomensproject.org/
The Red Tent Women’s Project is a diverse and dynamic community of women who are catalysts for social change. By creating safe and empowered spaces we facilitate community building, information and resource exchange, and personal growth for women and girls.

http://redtenttemplemovement.com/
http://www.jewelswingfield.com/red-tent-circles.php
http://alisastarkweather.com/
http://www.redtentwellness.com/index.php
http://www.redtentsisters.com/
http://menstruationresearch.org/2012/11/28/occupy-your-period/

http://www.femininewear.co.uk/
We sell cloth menstrual pads, an alternative to disposable pads and many different brands of menstrual cup. Menstrual cups are made from silicone, latex or plastic. They are a reusable, safe, alternative to tampons. All of our menstrual products are reusable – just right for the eco conscious consumer.

http://www.newmoonpads.com/
Beautiful cloth pads
One new moon pad = 100 – 150 disposable pads
http://www.newmoonpads.com/themonthly.html
Periodical about menstruation
http://lunapads.com/
http://www.womensquest.org/

http://www.moonsong.com.au/

Welcome to Moonsong, a website for women.Reclaiming feminine power through reconnection with the women’s mysteries. The women’s mysteries are: the shamanic journeys of our rites of passage of menarche, childbirth, and menopause; the spiritual practice of menstruation; the inner, spiritual and shamanic journey of pregnancy, birth and mothering; and menopause as rebirth. The information within Moonsong will help the healing of the wounded feminine and reawaken feminine power for the benefit of all.
You will find information and tools, for menstruation, childbirth, connecting with the cycles and passing on this wisdom to our children.

http://www.moontimes.co.uk/

http://www.mirandagray.co.uk/
Author of Red Moon

Author of Her Blood is Gold

www.redwisdom.co.uk

www.moontimes.co.uk
We stock fair-trade organic cloth pads, wool pads, moon sponges and cups, cycle charting and wise woman books, Moon Maiden Menarche gift sets, Postpartum pad sets and new mother gifts sets and lots more!

What does family mean to you? This is the question that is asked in my new novel, Sisters of the Silver Moon. Can you get by without family? Is there more to a relationship than blood?

It’s out now! You can get your paperback copy from Amazon’s Create Space, Kindle or signed copies from my website (the signed copies will be available in about a week, but you can pre-order now).

I loved writing this book. Here’s a description:

Azaria Linden, the community herbalist, spends her days tending herb gardens, concocting lotions, potions and tinctures, beekeeping, and being a mother to four grown-up daughters who have left home. Her handcrafted life is the envy of many, but when the lives of her children change in dramatic ways, she wonders if she can keep it all together. Is it possible to still live a heart-centred life when everything around you is falling apart?

 

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Sisters of the Silver Moon
978-0-9931586-1-2
246 pages
Pbk and Kindle
£7.99 (pbk)

As an independent author, it would mean a great deal to me if you could take time to leave a review of my book (or any of my books) on Amazon, or on your blog. Thank you!

 

Meanwhile, I’m writing book 2 in the trilogy. I’m so honoured to have such beautiful artwork by Sara Simon. ~ Veronika

 

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October is menopause awareness month. Give someone you love the gift of Cycle to the Moon: celebrating the menstrual trinity.

Signed copies from www.veronikarobinson.com or www.starflowerpress.com buy from Amazon and good bookshops.

 

 

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Scorpio is the zodiac sign associated with death, letting go and release.

 

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It’s been interesting for me to see this play out so literally in my life. The girl cat was put down two weeks ago, and today our old car, which has served us well for six years, was sent to the scrap yard. Release. Let go. Goodbye.

 

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It has been a time of decluttering and clearing out. The difference I felt when I walked into my writing room this morning at 6am (after yesterday’s major clean out) was huge. It felt like “I” had been cleansed, not just the room. That’s the power our living space has over us. It becomes a mirror of our internal world. How often do you apologise for your living space when a friend turns up unexpectedly? Do you bless your home or make excuses for it?

It’s funny how ‘stuff’ just creeps up around you and quickly becomes part of the furniture. With the best will in the world, it’s easy for a chair or table to become a dumping ground bills, gym bag, letters and so on.

I always know when I’m a few hours from my period arriving: I can’t tolerate any mess of any description. Even the possessions I love could, at those times, be easily thrown out. My body has a complete need (a desperation, even) to purge everything and anything. My body is expecting the environment to mirror the monthly detox and cleanse.

By nature, I’m instinctively drawn to a Shaker-style simplicity. Quiet, simple, clean, peaceful. This is what my soul craves. This isn’t something easily attained when living in a family situation!

 

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View from my writing room

All around me, the trees are letting go of their leaves. There is no waste, though. They will eventually rot down and become part of Mother Earth. I love the way she recycles everything. Though not a lover of the cold (or being cold), I do adore and celebrate the beauty and majesty of Winter, in particular the bare trees. I love how everything is stripped back to basics.

If you’ve not yet read issue 5 of my online magazine, Starflower Living, I write about grief as a time to withdraw from daily life. Clare Cooper writes about learning to let go. Samantha Parker explores the meaning of soul mates. And, with Halloween tomorrow, you might be interested in the origins of this tradition. It began as a celebration or festival of the wise grandmother. And there’s also a piece on the power of the burning bowl ceremony.
Just a reminder, too: Issue one of Starflower Living is available for free. Visit www.starflowerpress.com

 

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How do we know when it is time to let go? I believe it is when something or someone or a situation no longer feels right or good to us. Letting go is like exhaling. Sometimes we need to take in a rather large amount of air first.

 

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The decision to have our girl cat put down did not come quickly or easily. It was a painful time, but her needs were more important than ours. Like cleaning a room, the change in this home after she’d gone was huge. It wasn’t just because we missed her, but the energy her illness brought to this home was felt throughout. I hadn’t realised just how much until she was no longer here.

Energy is everywhere and in everything. This is why it is so important that we consciously purge negativity from our life on a regular basis. If it isn’t something that comes easily to you, then do use this time of year to release and let go.

 

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At my desk

New Year’s Day is often seen as a time to make resolutions and goals, and yet, this time of year (to my mind) is pretty perfect. The veil between this world and the next is considered to be thin during Samhain/Halloween. It is a time to connect with our ancestresses. As we head into the darkest part of the year (here in the Northern Hemisphere), we can plant seeds of intention into the dark earth, trusting that they will germinate. First, though, we purge. We let go of all we don’t want from our lives, and then fill the vacuum with ‘good’ ideas, intentions, habits, people.

Right, I’m off to completely declutter the kitchen cupboards. And bake some pumpkin brownies!

 

The was the first Autumn leaf of the year to catch my eye

The was the first Autumn leaf of the year to catch my eye

Did you know that May 28th is Menstrual Hygiene Day?

Why not help increase awareness of the female menstrual cycle?

My new book, Cycle to the Moon: celebrating the menstrual trinity (menarche, menstruation, menopause), is now available to order from my website.

 

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https://veronikarobinson.com/author/index.shtml#cycle

If you’d like me to sign a copy for a niece, daughter, sister, friend or granddaughter, leave a note in the ‘paypal note to seller’ section.

With love, Veronika xxx