Harvest Time is Here
Lughnasadh, has just come and gone (August 1st). It marked the half way point between the summer solstice and the fall equinox and many of you may have noticed a change to the land around you. Yes, it is still summer, but the beginnings of autumn are here too; at least here in the northern hemisphere. The beauty is changing and so is the quality of the air. This new moon happening Sunday, August 4th, 2024 is the half way point between the Buck Moon and the Sturgeon Moon and in the tongue of indigenous of my lineage, Winaminge is here.
Winaminge is Lenape for "time of roasting ears of corn". And the corn harvest is in; the muscadines are coming soon and this is exactly what the earth is bringing to us right now; the harvest. Harvest has begun.
Why and how is this relevant to us in our modern world? It is everything. In a time of major and intense disconnection to the land and nature, I find connecting to the earth and the seasons to be so essential. Because they are a mirror to me, of my body's seasons.
I am land, fertile land. In my void I create life with the divine. The cosmos flood me and I bring forth life and all the little nuances of seasons changing and harvests and moons waxing and waning, these are exactly what takes place throughout the monthly cycles of each female being.
Being in connection with land and the land around you only amplifies this reality and makes it tangible. Makes it more felt and understood.
In many cultures around the world, women connected with the earth in a very tangible manner, every day. They walked barefoot and received the nourishing energies of the earth, trees and creatures around them from just living outdoors. But, still, there is a practice that is even deeper that has begun to have a renaissance in the past few years. The practice of bleeding into the earth.
Free bleeding as it is now called, is not new, it is ancient. And long ago, women only bled into the earth. Why, because they understood that their blood was sacred and that returning it directly to the land they inhabited enabled them to experience a multi-dimensional connection to that land. A connection that we cannot fully fathom. For many free bleeding does not feel like an option, and to be sure, no matter how we choose to dispose of our menstrual blood, it is indeed returned to the earth; considering making it the earth you live on though is next level connection to energies we didn't realize were available to us. But, if this sparks your interest and you feel the urge to attempt free bleeding for your next winter season; here are a few considerations.
Before you begin to bleed, choose a spot in the yard away from foot traffic and mark that spot with something special; flowers, a tent, a decorated chair or even some "DANGER-DO NOT WALK" tape could be fun. If you find a chair to cut a hole in, this makes it a bit more "normal" looking, as you could simply be sitting in a chair with a blanket on, sipping tea, and your neighbors need not know you are bleeding into the earth, should you not have access to a fully secluded spot. Choosing a shady spot or having it a bit secluded would be an added bonuses. Choose to stay home during your heavy days. Resting, eating, relaxing and remaining close to the outdoors if the weather is nice. Or, if you do not feel comfortable bleeding outside, staying close to the bathroom would be the next option. If you choose to bleed inside, keep a mason jar or designated bowl on hand to release into. And here is where the excitement begins: listening and feeling when you are ready to release blood and being prepared throughout those heavy days, can be tricky. Covering the floor with newspaper or "chux" pads can be a good idea until you get accustomed to this process of being deeply in tune with your body during your liminal and deeply receptive space. Wearing no clothing or an easy access dress makes this a whole experience. Adding in some warm teas to aid in the release and harvest of your blood to return as a gift and offering to the earth is also a boon! If you choose to bleed indoors, remember to empty your designated bowl or jar into the earth each day you bleed and bless the earth. And of course, maintaining cleanliness just as you would any other time, be sure to wash and store your designated tools (jars, bowls, chairs, etc) for your next bleed. For free bleeding through the night, you could use "chux" pads to cover the bed and keep a container on hand for when you awake, or, choose the wild version, and sleep outdoors on the earth with designated bedding for comfort. Yes, designated time, tools and energetic alignments are essential for this practice.
And why would someone choose to bleed in such a "messy", "frustrating", "impractical" manner? Because, of all the inner truth we are beginning to feel collectively. That we are sacred, our blood is sacred, our menstrual bleed is a sacred and highly receptive time and rearranging our lives to make that obvious both to ourselves and others is wise in these shifting times. Returning to the rhythms of the earth and the rhythms of your body is a sacred act of power only you can take. (I don't like to focus on negatives, but the shit ton of toxins found in all menstrual products and/or all the hormone disrupting contraceptives that I don't even consider to be safe for consumption/absorption is another wonderful reason to give this ancient practice a go.)
So, as the harvest has come, I encourage you to take some time to connect with the land around you. Feel the quality of the air. How is the light streaming in during sunrise? How does this feel in your body? What season is your body feeling during these subtle shifts around you? What are the subtle shifts within you? Being in connection with your land, your body is sacred; precious and essential for navigating these times. Our temple body is the place we need to land over and over again as we navigate these seasons changing and the air shifting and the lights of the day and night waxing and waning. Coming home and connecting to the divine in us is where it is at!
Lovingly shared for insights and considerations as the harvest is upon us.