The Cycle Chronicles: From Moon Rituals to Microchips
A biweekly series. Part 1/6
Menstruation Throughout History: Explore how women’s menstrual health has been understood, from ancient goddess worship and moon rituals to Victorian taboos to the modern-day understanding and openness around periods.
Embarking on a Menstrual Journey: Ancient Rituals to Digital Realms
Ah, menstruation. That monthly subscription no one really signed up for but we got anyway. An intimate dance with Mother Nature that we, the bearers of wombs, have been partaking in since, well, forever. But while the song remains the same, the dance has seen many a transformation. Welcome to The Cycle Chronicles, where we’ll wind back the clock, and then fast-forward through time, to see how the narrative of periods has evolved and where tech fits into all this.
A Time Before Tampons & Tracking Apps
Long before we grumbled about forgetting to restock on tampons or fumbled with period-tracking apps, our ancestors had their own menstrual routines. And let me tell you, some of them were pretty radical. We’re talking about rituals under moonlit skies, celebrations, and sometimes a dash of “you can’t enter the kitchen because…reasons.”
Why This Trip Down Menstrual Memory Lane?
Now, you might be wondering, “Why the deep dive into menstrual history?” Simple. Just like how we wouldn’t know fashion without taking a look at some of the questionable (read: cringeworthy) 80s and 90s trends, understanding the journey of menstruation gives context to where we stand today. It’s more than just a biological function; it’s a societal and cultural marker, evolving with the tides of time.
Redefining Red
Menstrual health isn’t just about ‘that time of the month’. It’s a reflection of socio-cultural evolution, scientific advancements, and women’s empowerment. And now? It’s also about tech innovation. The same device you use to binge-watch cat videos or order that midnight snack is revolutionizing the way we approach menstrual health. Oh, the times they are changing!
Stay Tuned for the Chronicles
Over this series, we’ll embark on a whirlwind ride, traveling from ancient moonlit ceremonies to the glowing screens of our smartphones. Periods: they’ve been around for millennia, but the conversation, the tools, and the perceptions? Forever changing. So, buckle up, or should I say, strap on that pad, and let’s dive deep into the riveting world of menstrual metamorphosis.
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Whether you’re here to check out the newsletter or to satisfy some period-related curiosity, The Cycle Chronicles promises a blend of history and a touch of the high-tech. See you in the next chapter!
Camille Charles is the voice behind The Minimalist Herbalist. She is an Herbal Researcher, Best-Selling Author and Consumer Advocate. You can find her distilling rose water in her instant pot, repurposing olive jars to store her cacao butter and overnight nettle infusions. She talks way too much about tinctures for womb health. When not writing or checking on her brews, she designs graphics