menarche

During my research for 'Menarche &  the Moon' I often find myself crying….the struggle and passion of the human spirit to make a positive change is breathtaking and emotionally charged. From inequality, injustice, hardship and tragedy people rise up against the odds. I've discovered projects like the Grandmothers movement in Africa, and the WonderGirls encouraging the empowerment of young girls, supporting and putting a spotlight on the work young women have achieved by speaking their minds to fight for what they believe in through activism in their community and beyond to achieve successes like abolishing child marriage in Malawi. I've come across amazonian jungle childbirth passage to womanhood, the Kinaalda ceremony of the Navajo, Quinceanera of Mexico…. it touches me deeply and with this i know i’m on the right path, my heart is touched and i know this is a project i cannot give up on. 

Recent statistics reveal a 68% rise in self harm of girls aged 13-16 years in the UK. I want to look at why and how we can help.

"...when you lack a rite of passage experience, there are extraordinary consequences related to such problem behaviours as violence, substance use, gangs, bullying and delinquency" Scott D Sheer, Ohio State University

I'm interested in investigating into whether our lack of community and an appropriate positive rite of passage for our youth in the UK is linked with the mental health crisis.


 If you have experience or any knowledge you would like to share with me please get in touch to help me with the research for my guidebook for young women 'Menarche & the Moon'.

 please e-mail if you would like to help me with my research by filling out my short questionnaire. i am looking for information from women who have experience of the menstrual cycle and the menarche (our first menstrual period)  

thank you in advance

Erin

 elezmac@hotmail.com

Kambo and the Moon

I am no expert however I do have a few words of experience to share that may benefit others and this post comes because I don't want to lose sight of the reason why I make moon calendars or create art...

Charting the Moon and it's cycles has had a profound effect on me and my well being. I believe that being conscious of the cycles of the Moon and how they relate to our own will help regulate your menstrural periods in a similar way in which we tune in to our fellow sisters and bleed together. We can quite literally tune into the Moon...and what an amazing feeling to know you are connected and in the flow of the Whole.
Since charting the moons phases I am now as regular as the Moon. This is very helpful in knowing when I am ovulating, when I need time to reflect, when I could do with a boost to my diet...it also helps with understanding why and when I may be feeling a certain way... Super lustful, shy and introverted, impatient, sensitive or outgoing etc!
I believe through the moons cycles we can learn more about our personal cycles helping us to grow, develop, live a more balanced life and understand ourselves on a deeper level.

I recently did a Kambo Ceremony. Yes the frog called...what an experience. I won't bore you with mine but I can verify what you read about it. It really does shift and clear -lifting the cloud to reveal a kind of personal truth within, it is a bit like they say a re-set button...letting go of all unnecessary ,...

Yes, proud I did it!