The Wise Woman tradition venerates the profound connection between women and the cycles of life, death, and nourishment through the sacredness of blood. This ancient wisdom recognizes the blood of menstruation and childbirth as potent symbols of creation and regeneration, embodying the life-giving and life-sustaining forces of nature. The tradition teaches that this blood, revered as holy and powerful, is central to the understanding of women's innate healing abilities and their deep-rooted oneness with the Earth.
In the Wise Woman tradition, the genesis of existence is celebrated as an act of birth by the Great Mother of All, from whom the Earth and all its inhabitants emerged. This narrative underscores the cyclical nature of life, where nourishment and creation are intertwined. The Great Mother's willingness to both give and receive life illustrates the perpetual exchange between the Earth and its creatures, a fundamental principle of this tradition.
The blood mysteries are a cornerstone of the Wise Woman tradition, teaching that menstrual and birthing blood are not merely biological functions but sacred and potent. This blood is seen as a source of healing and nourishment, a tangible connection to the divine feminine. It is believed that every woman's blood carries the essence of life and the potential for renewal.
Menstrual blood, or moontime blood, is particularly revered for its healing properties. It is considered so sacred that it is to be used solely for nourishing and healing purposes. The act of bleeding into the ground, whether literally or symbolically, is seen as a powerful reconnection with the Earth, grounding a woman's energy and reinforcing her role as a life-giver.
The Wise Woman tradition acknowledges the transformative power of blood, recognizing that women experience life's changes viscerally through their blood. Hormonal fluctuations, menstrual cycles, childbirth, and menopause are all seen as phases of wholeness and wisdom. Women's blood is associated with peaceful power and is considered a source of holy nourishment for both the growing fetus and the Earth itself.
The time of menstrual bleeding is viewed as a period ripe for visions and spiritual insights. Women who attune themselves to these experiences can access shamanic powers and a deeper understanding of the natural world. The tradition suggests that adding a red leaf to herbal mixtures, a practice reminiscent of the power of menstrual blood, can enhance the potency of medicines.
The Wise Woman tradition attributes a range of natural powers to menstruating, menopausal, and post-menopausal women, including:
The Wise Woman tradition celebrates the blood mysteries as a source of natural knowledge and wisdom for women. It is through the understanding and honoring of the blood of birth, death, and nourishment that women can fully embrace their healing and wholing capacities.
For more information on the Wise Woman tradition and the teachings of Susun Weed, you can reach out to:
Susun Weed PO Box 64 Woodstock, NY 12498 Fax: 1-845-246-8081
To explore the scientific and cultural significance of menstrual blood and its historical use in various traditions, you may refer to scholarly articles and research studies on the topic. The National Institutes of Health and The British Medical Journal are reputable sources for such information.
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