Indigenous Perspectives on Periods
aka Moon Time
This week in the Flowing for Change campaign we will be exploring Indigenous wisdom and traditions, and I am so honoured to bring Elder Sheila's unique perspective to light and share her story - one that resonates with so many people. I absolutely love every aspect of this campaign and the content that has been delivered, but this weeks content resonates with me on a much deeper level. Growing up I never understood the stigma around periods, or periods in general really and I am so grateful to have sat down with Elder Sheila DeCorte, a wise and respected member of the Indigenous community to learn more about my culture, and her story. Elder Sheila graciously shares her insights into a deeply significant aspect of Indigenous culture — Moon Time. This sacred topic holds profound meaning in the lives of Indigenous individuals, shaping their experiences and connections with the world around them. Having grown up off-reserve wihtout a connection to her culture, she brings forth a narrative that bridges worlds — her Indigenous heritage and the influences of the surrounding dominant western culture. In sharing her personal experiences with Moon Time, Elder Sheila offers us a glimpse into the complexities of navigating cultural identity and spirituality in a modern context. So, join us as we sit down with Elder Sheila De Corte, as she opens her heart and shares the profound insights garnered from a lifetime steeped in the Indigenous culture's sacred teachings and her personal journey with Moon Time! Throughout the conversation you may hear another voice; this belongs to my lovely friend Kloey who I am so grateful to have alongside me during this conversation to include her perspectives <3
Introduction to Elder Sheila DeCorte and Moon Time
In Indigenous cultures, "Moon Time" holds profound significance and connection between women and the natural world. Aligning with the lunar phases, Moon Time symbolizes the embodiment of feminine energy and wisdom. This spiritual concept recognizes women during their moon time as attuned to the Earth's rhythms, mirroring the cycles of the moon. Moon Time is a sacred practice, and women engage in ceremony, rest and relaxation and are viewed as powerful individuals because of their bodies natural abilities.
The Strawberry Teaching and The Berry Fast 🍓
The Strawberry Teaching and the Berry Fast during Moon Time are a key practice based within Indigenous wisdom Rooted in spiritual traditions, the Strawberry Teaching refers to the profound connection between the strawberry plant's growth and a woman's menstrual cycle. The Berry Fast is a ceremonial practice observed by Indigenous communities during a woman's moon time, recognizing this period as a sacred opportunity for reflection, rejuvenation, and communion with the Earth's cycles. Participants in the Berry Fast engage in fasting and prayer, drawing inspiration from the strawberry's symbolism of sweetness, interconnectedness, and the delicate balance between giver and receiver in this life.
Connection Between Mother Earth and Moon Time 🌕
A woman's "first blood" in Indigenous cultures is a sacred rite of passage linked to the Earth's vitality. Just as the Earth receives the life-giving sustenance of rainfall, a woman's menstrual blood is seen as a symbolic offering, a reciprocal exchange between the individual and the planet. The menstrual cycle mirrors the natural rhythms of the planet, reinforcing the belief that women, during their moon time, embody a unique attunement to the Earth's energy and wisdom.