Her Blood Is Gold: Awakening to the Wisdom of Menstruation

Menstruation has seen gradual but perceptible changes in television commercials and magazine advertising, showing a more realistic and explicit portrayal of the menstruating woman. People are less affronted by the subject matter and are more willing to examine the possibility that centuries of misogyny have infected our notions about the menstrual cycle. However, the taboo about discussing menstruation still exists, and cultural references to menstruation continue to be couched in the terminology of pathology. Reintegrating a truly feminist, woman-honoring perspective on menstruation means turning a system of thought upside down, saying that a cyclical change in feelings and body sensations is valuable and interesting, and acknowledging that a menstruating woman has access to sacred energy. This shift would have radical ramifications for ecological and cultural survival, as women are more physically and psychologically vulnerable to negative attitudes to menstruation. It is more important than ever that we investigate ways to make our periods physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2022
Publisher: Archive Publishing

Over the past few years, there has been a gradual but noticeable shift in our collective mindset towards menstruation, particularly evident in television commercials and magazine advertising. These media outlets have become less coy and more realistic and explicit in their portrayal of menstruating women, showcasing a more nuanced and authentic representation of this natural bodily process. It is noteworthy that people seem less affronted by the subject matter than they were when the research for this book began. This suggests that there has been a growing willingness to examine the possibility that centuries of misogyny have influenced our commonly held notions about the menstrual cycle. While the taboo surrounding menstruation still persists, it appears to be gradually dissolving, alongside other prejudices related to the body, sexuality, and gender.

I hold the hope that these subtle changes in attitudes towards menstruation herald a more significant shift in how we collectively value, affirm, and accept the female experience. However, the relationship between menstruation and power remains largely under the surface of mainstream awareness, and most cultural references to menstruation continue to be couched in the terminology of pathology. Reintegrating a truly feminist, woman-honoring perspective on menstruation requires a fundamental transformation of our thought systems. It entails recognizing the value and interest in the cyclical changes in feelings and body sensations that occur during menstruation, as well as the valuable information that women experience premenstrually. It means acknowledging that menstruating women possess sacred energy and granting them the space and time to explore this dimension of their experience.

The ramifications of such a shift would be truly radical. For instance, it would challenge the dominant narratives that perpetuate gender inequality and oppression. It would promote a more holistic understanding of women's health and well-being, recognizing the emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of menstruation. Moreover, this shift would have significant ecological implications, as it would encourage a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to menstrual products and practices.

In conclusion, the changes in our collective attitude towards menstruation represent a positive step towards a more inclusive and feminist society. While there is still work to be done, these subtle shifts indicate a growing recognition of the importance of valuing and honoring the female experience, including the menstrual cycle. By reintegrating a woman-honoring perspective on menstruation, we can create a more equitable and just world for all.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781906289553
Edition number: New ed