Menarche Ritual

Q: Hello, I have read your books, and have been touched by your suggestions about how to honor ourselves as women. My granddaughter just started menstruating and we wanted to have a ceremony to honor this transition in her life. Could you direct me to a resource as possible ways to do this? Thanks, D.

 

A: Hello D., thank you for writing. This is wonderful. I have heard others talk about this at our online forum:

Menarche Ritual
menarche
first period

You are welcome to join the forum and add to the conversations or start a new thread of your own.

As well you may wish to read some of the articles at the bottom of our moonlodge page, and particularly enjoy the book Moon Days: Creative Writings about Menstruation for inspirational ideas.

Here are some websites that I enjoy!
http://www.theredweb.org/
http://www.celebrategirls.com/

The latter has a great list of books. One that I would add to it that was special to me was Saturday, the Twelfth of October by Norma Fox Mazer.

Here is an idea for a menarche ritual.  A little elaborate for me, but perhaps meets your interests.

And another two from Mothering Magazine: http://www.mothering.com/community_tools/teen_voices/first-moon.html and http://www.mothering.com/community_tools/teen_voices/first-moon-side.html

Some people mention the mom creating a basket, box, etc. of moontime goodies for her. One thing you or she might include is a journal and or calendar to record her bleeding cycle. Here is the calendar I use: http://www.snakeandsnake.com/lunar.htm. I color the moons red as I bleed.

I wish you and family a wonderful experience. If you ever wish to share I will be curious to hear what you all decide and how it goes!

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com