Friday 20 January 2012

B is for Blood Mysteries



                                                    Transformation Mysteries by Judith Barr


Blood Mysteries, I feel as a woman, is a very personal, powerful and magical journey, that not enough magical women embrace! Some will definitely see this as a very yukky subject but actually one that I feel should be covered more and tried at least once in some way shape or form! The very basic form of this is starting to be more positive about your 'moontime' (periods). We are fed SO many negative adverts and expressions about our Moontime, that its not surprising its a unwanted and painful time. 'The Curse', 'Bloody Axe Wound', 'On the Rag' are all terms I've heard it referred too, how can it been seen as a blessing when people deem it in those terms? Our Moontime shows us to be fertile and the creatrix of our world! Its should be embraced and seen only as a positive!

I understand that for some women its isn't a positive time, but I don't believe it can be when we're constantly being told to "Have a happy period" or make our lives better by using chemical laced products internally. Which can sometimes contain chemicals that dry you out and draw on you, actually making you bleed heavier. Therefore making you have a more painful period than you should.

 Within tribal communities women are revered, and feared, men think their power and magic is most potent at this time. Women within tribes and close communities often bleed together, synchronised and also follow the cycle of the moon bleeding at Full or Dark moons. Having their own spaces or 'Red Tents' where they can take themselves away, nourish and support each other during their 3 or 4 day cycles. Emerging energised and refreshed ready to take on whatever the rest of the month will bring them. Ideal as this all is, within our very busy western society its not so easy. But more and more wild women are reclaiming their 'Moontime' and seeing it in a much more positive light. 'Red Tent' is becoming a more recognised term within magical circles with groups forming in communities, to gather once a month and offer nourishment and support for one another. 

So whats an easy way, a small way, that you could start honouring your 'Moontime'? Maybe you could start by using a Mooncup or other such natural, reusable menstrual cup (something on this years 'to do' list for myself). Research has shown that by switching to one of these, your Moontime becomes shorter, lighter and less painful. Ladies I know, that already use one of these, swear by them and I've heard wonderful stories of their sacred blood being used in magical workings. Women using their sacred blood in their art, painted onto their drums or given back to the earth in a ritualistic way. I'm sure there are many out there that find this a very touchy subject or are even repulsed by it. But I must admit, its VERY, VERY empowering, once you start to honour yourself and see your Moontime as a positive and empowering time you'll be amazed at how you view those days within a month. You could start by just taking some YOU time on the first day. Drawing a large bubble bath, pampering yourself in some way, having an indulgent treat or wearing red knickers for those days. Just some small way to acknowledge this powerful time, having a special candle and lighting it over the course of your bleeding time or even find out if you have a local Red Tent Group in your area.

                                     First Bleeding Moon by Suzi Goose  
                 

Another form of blood magic, to me, is ritual tattooing. I'm not going to go into this subject massively because its something I will go into in more detail in another blog. But as a wild, witchy, tattoo'd woman, it cannot be mentioned! The act of ritual, sacred tattooing, the choosing of a design to be carved onto your skin, chant, drumming, sometimes with sisters, sometimes alone, always in reverence...a very deep spiritual experience. I'm lucky enough to know the amazing Suzi Goose, a ritual tattooist (and Elen Sister) here in the UK. I have my needles,and blood art (the first clean of my tattoo's absorbed onto paper) to work whatever powerful magic I wish with them. I know of a lovely lady who has weaved her needle into the strings on the back of her drum, mine are hidden with my Journal. As far as I'm concerned there isn't a more powerful way to acknowledge significant moments along your Path, than by getting a tattoo to represent that. All but one of my Tattoo's have a story behind them and a reason for getting them done....and I have 6 in all. Like I say though I will do a more in-depth blog on Sacred Tattoo's in the future.








16 comments:

  1. Wow I think I may have to follow u, this was a great post. Moontime is a very difficult time for me, yet lately I have been trying to embrace it mentally. I find that many women are taught to feel ashamed or grossed out by the natural course of there bodies. I came to realize that my own mentality about it may be affecting my negative experience. For me I see it as a wonderful time to embrace the dark side of the Goddess, and use that energy for a purpose. Sorry for rambling but this post made so much sense to me!

    In Frith,
    Cena

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    1. Thank you SO much for your comment! Mentally embracing is such a good place to start :o) There's a book which I keep meaning to get by a lady called Miranda Gray called 'The Optimized Woman' which helps track your pits and highs during your cycle and how to manage those times. Supposed to be a fab read! 'Red Moon' is great by her too. Here's a link to her website http://www.mirandagray.co.uk/ ...she doing a free distant Womb Blessing Attunement thingy on the next full moon too x

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  2. Wonderful post. I'm so glad there are others who are not squeamish about blood, especially their own. I use my own blood in magickal workings and rituals too. I always think of blood as sacred...the Mother births us does she not? Her colour is red!
    Blessings
    Deep~Glade

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  3. Very interesting post! It was enlightening to hear this perspectivev, since I don't think I'd use blood in my magical work. It's not that I'm squeamish about blood, but my husband would be severely grossed out if he found art made with blood, and second of all I find it so difficult to find something sacred in a period in which I tend to feel bloated and in pain... hopefully this will change at some point, though.

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  4. Great post! I am one who has tried to embrace this time. I believe we are more powerful when we are having our "moontime". However, mine has always come with crippling cramps, exhaustion and many other icky bad things that keep me from actually enjoying it, and it has only gotten worse since having my tubes tied. :( I have never used blood in magick before, but I am now intrigued by how it could effect my magick. I may try it! I am definitely a new follower :)

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  5. Hi Sam - thank you for this post. It is so important for women to embrace and acknowledge their power rather than dread it. I no longer have my moontime, as I am croning. A whole other subject with it's own power indeed! I would like to recommend a book - "Her Blood is Gold". Helped me look at my moontime in a whole new way many years ago.

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    1. Ohh thanks for the suggestion Natalie I'll look that one out :o) I totally agree with your feelings about Croning too. generally as women we should be celebrating all our stages Maiden, Lover, Mother and Crone alike! X

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  6. Moontime is a sign of fertility, I feel. Means you're healthy, at least when it's regular. Mine is very; as well as a very painful time (luckily it only last a couple days). But I have used the energy, when it's not negative, to my benefit. I've thought of using blood in some rituals, but didn't know when, you've given me some ideas. Blessings. ~)O(~

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  7. Ok...if it doesnt gross people out too much I can share how I've done Moontime ritual before. Its very empowering and something I should do more to be honest )o( Hopefully once I get my Mooncup it'll be very easy!

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  8. Great post... love the tat!

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  9. My Dianic lineage, the Amazon Priestess Tribe, has been dedicated to honoring Blood Mysteries for 5 years now, and it is a beautiful journey! Loving one's own body completely, even in times of pain, teaches us strength and fearlessness. As women, we have been taught to fear much. Blood magic teaches us not to be afraid anymore. It has been a great gift in my life. Bless you for this post. Well-said!

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  10. Great post, dearest! I have the ink and blood from my crescent moon when I had it done. I look forward to your post about tattooing. I'll probably do one myself!

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  11. Wonderful post! I must be the odd one out as I look forward each moth to my moonflow. I take time out for me (I have a husband and three boys lol) I see it as my most sacred time of the month. I personally have synchronized my flow with the dark moon and usually spend this time in meditation and healing. Again what a lovely post.

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  12. Great! I will wait for a tattoo post too.

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  13. I absolutely enjoyed this post- while I do suffer from endometriosis I value my period and have embraced in enjoying it and am working on healing myself... thank you for such a great post!! I loved it!!

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  14. Fab post, so many women react with repulsion to this subject (which is such a shame)...I've been working with young women and their mums to over come the shame women feel about their bodies, and teaching them to celebrate and honour their Moontime. Part of that is also introducing them to mooncups, moon sponges, cloth pads...using a moontime product thats gentle for themselves and the planet :)
    Rachael www.moontimes.co.uk

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