Menarche
A girl’s first period signals the start of the transition from maidenhood to womanhood. The girl has arrived at the threshold. She has to let go of her childhood and start a journey into unknown territory which will take several years. No wonder that this rite of passage can seem daunting or even frightening.
A Menarche ceremony acknowledges that the girl has begun this transformation to maturity and provides the opportunity for female relatives, peers and other women in the girl’s life to let her know that they support her and celebrate her place amongst them. They can share their wisdom about menstruation and about being women in their culture.
I will write and lead a unique ceremony in accordance with the wishes and needs of the girl and her family. Together we will create a meaningful, sensitive and joyful ceremony which will honour and celebrate this life transition.
The girl will feel special as she is welcomed by her female relatives and friends into the circle of womanhood.
Please contact me for a free, no obligation, initial consultation.
Croning
The Maiden, Mother and Crone are symbolised by the waxing, full and waning moons. The onset of your first menstruation and the arrival of your first baby are definite events that happen on a date which can be circled on a calendar and celebrated. The menopause, however, creeps stealthily upon you by degrees, without any fanfare to alert you to the fact that this is going to be your last period – ever. Indeed, it is only retrospectively that you realise it was the last one. This can leave many women feeling at least wistful, if not even regretful as menstruation has been a constant companion for the majority of their lives. The last menstruation also betokens farewell to the Motherhood stage of life. It is the doorway through which you must step into the new phase of your life – your Crone era.
Whether you embraced the Crone stage from the moment you had your first hot flush (aka hot flash or power surge) or whether you reluctantly dragged your feet into Cronedom, there is often a feeling of regret that there was never any definite moment when you could mark the occasion. Many women feel that they have somehow been cheated out of the acknowledgement that they have moved forward and now have new status. In the past – and indeed in some cultures still today – the onset of menstruation is recognised by a special ceremony for the young girl during which she is admitted to the circle of women. At the other end of the spectrum, it was believed that when a woman stopped menstruating, she kept her wise blood inside her and increased her wisdom. Elderwomen were, therefore, revered and honoured.
The Croning Ceremony will provide a ritualised acknowledgement and celebration of your move forward into your Cronehood and wisdom. It doesn’t matter whether you have only just started the menopause or whether it happened several years ago: what matters is that you want to mark this rite of passage. I will work with you to create and write a ceremony that empowers you. I will lead the ceremony so that you can focus on yourself.
Many women prefer to have the ceremony with their close friends in their own home where they can feel comfortable. However, other venues or locations can be considered, bearing in mind common sense and safety precautions for all concerned. At the end of the ceremony, you will receive a keepsake copy.
To arrange a no fee, no obligation, initial consultation please call me on: 0776 534 2708 or send a message via my Contact page.