“When a woman is having her moon, her blood is flowing, and this blood is full of mysterious powers that are related to childbearing. At this time, she is particularly powerful…a woman’s power and a man’s are opposites, not in a necessarily bad way, but in a good way. Because of the power a woman has during this time, it is best that, out of respect for her men and for their medicinal trinkets and beliefs, she stay away from them. During this time, the men would often build a small lodge for the woman while other female relatives serve on her needs.” ~ Judith Fitzgerald

In biblical times in the Middle East, the Red Tent was a hut where women would gather on the dark moon and be relieved of their daily responsibilities. Their cycles were synched and in the tent, they shared laughter, joy, sorrow, blood, births and growing pains. It was a special time of sisterhood where they were one in the womb of the great mother: The Red Tent.  These gatherings have grown across cultures for women today.  They provide a safe haven for women to share ideas and life stories.

The traditions of blood sacrifice have their origin in the ’sacrifice’ of blood, which poured forth from the woman when there was no new life for it to nourish. However, the menstrual blood was given freely and then used to nourish the tribe or the earth in other ways and no one suffered, unlike later more corrupted versions of sacrifice.  Historically, the rituals of many traditions from Taoists to the Ancient Egyptians involved the ingestion of menstrual blood mixed with red wine to increase spiritual power. The Ancient Hindu believed that the power of creation was created from the thickened blood of the Great Mother. In Ancient Greece, spring festivals included the spreading on the earth of corn mixed with menstrual blood to increase fertility.

When women are in alignment, their monthly cycle brings them into connection with nature, and gives them the ability to guide men with the wisdom of their wombs. Men can offer an important role in their blood cycle if women help them understand how they can provide support, comfort, and love. Women can do this by first discovering their own unique needs during this sacred time.

Menstruation is the introspective moment of a woman’s cycle.  It is a time to retreat, reflect, release, recover and celebrate. Perhaps this seems like a foreign idea? If so, you can find out more information at your local Red Tent gatherings. You can expect to experience your body and your cycle from a new and refreshing perspective through valuable educational discussions. By celebrating and acknowledging our differences, without judgment, together, we women, sister to sister, can cultivate our talents and skills to influence and promote change in the world around us.

Visit: http://www.facebook.com/RedTentReno for more information on the Red Tent Reno gatherings.