The past few years, I have been redefining what being a woman means to me. In my early days, I modeled my version of the feminine after the women in my life. They were hard working, strong, fierce…and mostly in their masculine energy. Both my grandmothers were widowed and raised families on their own – supporting themselves, doing everything on their own. I witnessed my mother in her masculine era, running a business with my dad, traveling everywhere, working nonstop, mothering my father instead of trusting his masculine energy. Noticing all of these patterns and how they’ve integrated themselves in my own living, I’ve been working on releasing unhealthy paradigms & beliefs (inherited and learned)…those that were rooted in shame, guilt or in “not X enough”.
It’s been a process and now I feel that I am a point where I am more comfortable in my healthy feminine energy. I can hold my boundaries. I respect, cherish and love myself. I make time to tend to the things that may seem ‘unproductive’ or ‘taboo’, especially in a western society.
Now, I am enjoying this divine vessel for the soul, respecting, nourishing and nurturing it as it accompanies my journey through this life. Learning to look at my body, mind, heart and spirit with compassion, grace and understanding. Leading it to a softer place of love. Deeper into devotion. Deeper into the cycles of the moon and my menstruation.
These rituals aren’t only for women or those who operate primarily from their feminine energy. They can also be rituals for those who operate in their masculine energy but feel the need to balance. Like the yin/yang symbol, we contain both masculine (doing) and feminine (feeling) energetics…Living a life that is balanced and united between the two is important.
Disclaimer: There are certain rituals that can only be done for women who have female genitals. Other rituals may be performed by anyone who identifies as a woman/feminine spirit. Some of these rituals may also include a partner.
Feminine Energy Rituals
Meditation
Making the time and space to be undisturbed, quiet and to go within is extremely important. While most of our waking lives require us to serve (family, community, work, friends, etc.), we need time to center and ground ourselves. Meditation also brings us into the present moment, which can open up solutions, ideas and possibilities that aren’t accessible when we’re operating in our daily routine. It helps to clear your energy field, your mind and your heart. Remembering the breath is important.
Body Movements
This is one of my favorite ways to drop out of my head (especially when I’m feeling overthinking, anxious or depressed) and into my heart and body. Any way that you move your body is good. Dancing is wonderful. Put on any music you’re feeling at the moment. Let your body lead you into intuitive movements. Yoga, stretching, going on a walk…exercise…and do this without wanting to reach a certain goal. Do it for the experience.
Journaling
Another way to offload being in my thinking/masculine energy. Journaling is a great way to think on paper, so that I can clear my mind, express my feelings and work through any specific thing that is going on in my life. It’s a great way to do self reflection and inner work, especially if you reread past entries to give yourself perspective.
Feminine/Moon Circles
During my travels, these communities were easy to find and accessible. I learned so many things and experienced such wonderful communities of women/people in these. Gathering with feminine energy, creating a space or circle that appeals to the senses and the sensual…this is a great way to drop into that divine feminine energy.
Working with Archetypes & Goddesses
One of my favorite rituals is to connect with certain feminine archetypes or goddesses whose energies I feel are showing up in my life. Sometimes, when I’m in my productive mode, I can feel the energy of Athena coming in to help me with my goals. Or when I’m in a situation where I feel anger and resentment towards myself or others, Quan Yin comes in to remind me of compassion and grace. Most of the times, if you listen carefully, the archetypes or goddesses that are currently present will present their names to you. Other times, you may not know until you come across something that serves as a sign. Make an alter, burn a candle, say prayers…
Connecting to the Senses
Anything that brings me pleasure is another important way to connect to my feminine energy. Soft fabrics, pleasant scents, beautifully decorated spaces, noticing the feeling of water or earthly elements on my body, laying in the sun, being out in nature, noticing the wonderful colors, lights and shadows…sensuality is a beautiful part of life…enjoy it.
Menstruation Rituals
Free Bleeding
Here, I choose to menstruate without any obstruction. If I have the chance, most of the time, this is done at home (where I wear a black sarong or have a dedicated burgundy towel for this specific purpose) or in nature, where I can sit beneath a tree and bleed directly into the earth.
Watering Plants
I have chosen to wear a menstrual cup to reduce my impact on waste and has been exceptionally handy when traveling. The blood collected in the cup is then diluted with water and then used to water my plants. Violence and war have caused blood and death to be spilled upon this earth. The energies of this have affected our world. So, as a prayer of healing to the earth, I offer the monthly blood from my womb to her…shed organically and naturally.
Blood Facial
When cleansing the menstrual cup in the shower, I usually use the blood to paint my face and body, like a facial. I find it makes me feel like a feminine warrior. Connected to my internal strength, spirit and soul.
Sex
Having intercourse during your menstrual cycle may be a wonderful thing…Make sure you practice discernment here with a partner that you are energetically/spiritually aligned with and that you can trust. Blood is one of the most intimate fluids of a human…especially a woman. This is life giving and binding. This process can be immensely powerful for manifesting with a partner with intention.
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