Whether we are pregnant, premenstrual or menopausal, most of us observe marked differences in the way we feel or behave when our hormones travel their natural cycles. We frequently experience fatigue, irritability along with physical symptoms of cramps, bloating, back pain or hot flashes. During pregnancy, many women report experiencing wild or frightening dreams.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to view a lecture on PBS by Christiane Northrup, M.D., author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom . Dr. Northrup has a strong belief in the mind/body/spirit connection to our health. She is a wonderful speaker. Public broadcasting stations feature her lectures a few times each year. If you ever have an opportunity to catch one, it will be time well spent.
Dr. Northrup spoke about the Native American tribal custom of sending the women to the "moon lodge" during menstruation or "moon time", separating them from the males in the tribe. For the Native American women, "moon time" was termed as such since there is a correlation between the natural cycles of the moon and menstruation. With her usual humor, Dr. Northrup said that while the men thought that they were "banishing" the women, the women were actually quite satisfied with this arrangement. Being with other women during a time when emotions seem to be at their high and having the support of the group was a comfort. In addition, the women spent time braiding each other's hair, learning from the grandmothers and discussing their dreams. They were on their own spiritual retreat and were not at all insulted at their temporary exile. They snickered: "We don't have to cook, we don't have to clean, we don't have to deal with you......." The women emerged from the lodge rested, renewed and empowered.
Dr. Northrup further said that "hormones are the Divine's way of getting our attention." The "veil" between our conscious minds and the spiritual world thins, and we are more open to receiving spiritual wisdom and guidance. Our intuitive abilities are heightened, and we are better able to receive these messages with more clarity and power.
In her lectures and books, Dr. Northrup has also mentioned that many women become markedly more intuitive after the onset of menopause. In her essay Crone Genesis, author Z Budapest writes:
If possible, review your dream journal and note whether there is an increase or change in your dreams during your hormonal cycles. Begin to pay attention to this, and take full advantage of this time to connect with your inner wisdom and guidance given through your dreams. If you have physical symptoms, honor them as well. They are also trying to get your attention, so take good care of you!
May all your dreams come true!
Parthena Black is a professional social worker and ordained minister with experience in tarot and runes. For private spiritual counseling and intuitive readings via e-mail, please visit her at oymygoddess.com.
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