Etymology reveals history. Something hidden remains in our language. Old ways are kept like bread crumbs hidden between syllables.
To bleed, etymologically means to bless.
If menstrual blood is gross, if it should remain hidden, if it's a pain, a sin, an inconvenience then why does it's name imply blessing?
Menstruation is a subject I like to explore in art because of how prevalent our culture heaps shame onto women and girls for their anatomy and normal body functions. These artworks were also inspired by my evangelical upbringing and inherited indoctrination. I have educated myself and reclaimed my body, sexuality, and my bleed. What I once viewed as an inconvenience, and many tried to make me believe my blood was gross or a punishment for sin, is now celebrated and honored in my home. Menstrual bleeding should not be taboo.
In fact, I found that when I educated myself on the old ways, switched to natural products, and started to honor my blood as a gift, I became much happier and healthier during this phase of my cycle. I experience a clarity, a creativity, and a confidence now when I am on my moon. I even have more vivid dreams! I rest more too. Before I made these changes my moon was heavy, lasted a long time, and was relentlessly painful. (and I gotta say birth helped with the more physically difficult things I used to deal with.) It is so much more manageable now. I see my moonblood as an oracle, something that connects me to the earth, waters, and the moon. The state of your cycle can tell you a lot about your health.
The following images are from a series of small sculptures depicting the sacred Yoni, the source of life. To bleed etymologically means to bless. There was a time, long ago, when our blood was honored as oracle, as a symbol of life and creativity. This honoring is being relearned. These sculptures were installed up in the streets of my neighborhood to celebrate and bring back imagery that was once common and found across the globe in the form of "Venus" figures and Sheela-na-gig carvings of old. (These are honoring but there is also humor in this work! Let's throw some vulva up to compete with the crudely drawn dicks everywhere!) Pussy Power!
Now, I was going to type out my feelings and thoughts on this subject a little more but then I remembered this video and decided that she said it better than I could ever have! This powerful work of art is something I have revisited many times over the years and every time I take it in I get the sting of tears pulling on the backs of my eyes. 🩸❤️ So have a watch:
Thanks for reading! And if you bleed, I hope you find your dreams more vivid, that juicy creative energy is brought in by the flow, and that you allow yourself some rest during that powerful time.
P.S. happy Menstrual hygiene day... Who knew?!
If you want to try switching to a natural product (for the health of the earth and your body) this is a really great place to start: https://www.periodnirvana.com/menstrual-cup-quiz/
Fantastic resources, they have a super informative YouTube channel, and a quiz to see what might work best for you. (I highly recommend saalt disc!)
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