There Will Be Blood, Part 1

Menses is a woman's power. It is what connects us to earth and celestial bodies like the moon. In turn, the moon controls the current and tide of the water. Knowing this, and the fact that humans have anywhere from 57-65% water in our body, means we are too controlled by the moon. As the crimson wave flows away from our body we become natural sensitive in our bodies and our surroundings. It also connects us to our babies. For example, we change our pads, we change diapers. Before our moon cycle starts we clean or tidy our space because we are preparing for our moon to arrive so we can focus on taking care of ourselves. This is in the same way we nest before we birth our babies into the world. We prefer to prepare our surroundings so we can focus on the baby.

Artist: Georgia Gibson | Source: HelloFlo

But, why is our moon perceived as a curse? I'm no fool. There are cramps, headaches, fatigue, acne flareups, cravings and sometimes friskiness. Oh and I cannot forget about the tears, lots of them. I love crying on my moon. It is freeing and necessary for me when coping with my feelings. If not, there will be blood and not just from me. 

Artist: Ambivalently Yours | Source: http://www.ambivalentlyyours.com

I actually appreciate that men don't understand it. I like that women sync up when we hang around each other. I like that when we explain what it's like to be on 'the rag' it sounds like a nightmare, because it is apart of the mysteries of women. 

What I do resent are those horrid period commercials with pads/tampons and that blue liquid. *eye roll* It's red. Its blood. Get over it. That's the only time blood is seen as blue.  However, other times blood on television is seen as red (e.g. Grey's Anatomy, Saving Private Ryan, etc). It's only culturally sensitive when it's on a pad. The madness must stop ;-) That time of the month doesn't have to be torturous. We can make them work for us. Below are a few examples of what you can do to combat cramps, chronic fatigue, and rejuvenate yourself  to "Have a happy period." Thanks Always :-)You had the right idea in mind. 

 First let's start with preparation. You prerequisite steps before 'Flows comes to town.' Here's whatcha got to buy and try:

1. Red Raspberry Leaf and a tea strainer 
2. Hibiscus Tea
3. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries during the spring/summer months
4. Pomegranates, blood oranges during the fall/winter months. 
5. Himalayan Pink Salt 
6. Neem Oil
7. Iron Pills 
8. Candles
9. Decide what you want to dedicate your moon to so you can have a focus (better job, releasing a bad habit, prayer for a loved on)

*****Stay away from LAVENDER (it brings down your flow and makes it heavier.)*****

Do yourself a service and clean up your bed, take out the trash and wash a load of clothes, clean your bathtub. Iron your work clothes for the week or organize your computer. I beg you to clean. If you don't organize yourself in some way, you will become overwhelmed and respond frustrated when your moon arrives. Remember, it's just like nesting when a baby is about to arrive home for the first time. 

This could also be why women are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the house. That's so unfair. But, I digress. 

Shonchelle Shereé does not own the rights to any of the photos.