Her Blood is Gold: Celebrating the Power of Menstruation

A nightmare experience at the hands of a brutal doctor who was giving her an internal exam sent Lara Owen off on this fascinating exploration into the rich underworld of the female body. It's a well-written, passionate and thoughtful plea for a return to body-consciousness and acceptance of what it is to be female. The case studies are inspiring, the ideas for self-healing and developing the creativity inherent at this time of the month very intriguing. There is no strident hectoring - Lara Owen writes from the heart - or should I say the womb - and has made a pioneering track for all women, whether interested in enjoying rather than enduring their periods, or the hidden depths of the female psyche. Men who want to understand women should read it too! If you read one book this year, let it be this one!

I was thrilled to discover Lara Owen's book, Honoring Menstruation. I myself have been exploring my menstrual process in-depth since 1988, and teach workshops to women who want to transform menstrual symptoms into menstrual empowerment and pleasure. I say these things about myself to indicate that I am reviewing this book from a particular vantage point, that of a woman who has been honoring her period for many years.I found that Lara put into words many things that I've been thinking for years, and also introduced me to new ways of thinking about and responding to my menstrual cycle. This is a wonderful book for any woman who wants to become more empowered, more herself, more creative, more joyful. Mothers, grandmothers, and aunts will also find it useful for helping them introduce young women into a menstruation-positive view of their upcoming or just-started periods.I know that if you take the time to read this book and apply its wisdom in your own life, you will not regret it.

This book is an excellent exploration into the history and meaning of menstruation."In many times and in many cultures, menstruation has been seen as sacred and special, but today, reverence has been replaced by silence, ignorance, and PMS jokes." (Quoted from the back cover.)I highly recommend this book, it looks at the subject of menstruation in a profound new way, that most people would never think of. There is also a large bibliography for anyone who would like read even more about menstruation.

Lara's Owen's book, "Honoring Menstruation" is a revised, updated and expanded edition of her brilliant and masterful earlier book, "Her Blood is Gold." "Honoring Menstruation" offers the reader a profound perspective on the role of menstruation in the life of women and society. It is a well-researched, beautifully crafted and elegant book. It explores the physical, emotional, spiritual and practical dimensions of menstruation and provides a new and powerful view on this still taboo topic. Owen's book is a classic and a must read for every woman and every man who wishes to understand this powerful part of feminine life. Her book changes lives. You will never look at menstruation in the same way again. Owen's book shows women how to use their menstrual cycle to nourish, restore and balance themselves physically and spiritually by embracing the three phases of menstruation: releasing, emptying, and wisdom. She explores the role of PMS and menstrual cramps and offers new meanings and solutions to these experiences. Everyone should read this innovative, thoughtful and powerful book. A major contribution.

This was an extraordinary book. I could not put it down. Describing the history of menstruation, a time to be honored, a time to give back to our 'Mother' the earth. I have not been the same since reading it, and will soon be giving my dog-eared copy to my daughter. I have loaned it to every woman I know, and hope it will come back into print so I can get more copies. Goddess knows we need it.