A Witches Guide for Peri-Menopause

"there's a little witch in all of us"

Photo by Ashley Ibarra on Unsplash

(A gift at the end for paid subscribers!)

There’s a little witch in all of us

Alice Hoffman Practical Magic.

Maiden Mother Maga Crone

Not sure you’ve ever heard about that third archetype? You’re not alone.

For most of us we’ve only heard of or been offered three archetypes, the maiden mother and crone, we’ve linked this into the phases of the moon and if you’ve ever been a student of Celtic mythology or Wicca the triple goddess is seen as the three faces of womanhood.

But this is not the whole truth.

There are of course 4 phases of the moon, four season in the year, four weeks or phases of our menstrual cycle. (this is biochemical and measurable not just lovely mythology)

The enchantress or the Maga has been erased and shadow banned from our cultural and social storyline, renounced as a mythical character for fairy tales only.

maga

 noun [ feminine ] /'maɡa/

sorceress , witch le predizioni di una maga the prophecies of a sorceress

enchantress

noun

a women who uses magic to put someone or something under a spell

witch, sorceress, fairy-godmother

(and we all know the power of fairy godmothers)

We are in a new era where we have been living longer lives and we no longer fall off the perch the minute our children leave the nest!

What havoc might women exactly enact if they realised that there was a whole season where they might choose to be completely sovereign, study, travel the world, explore their creativity as empty nesters and women who never had children, enjoy a new emboldened season with their long term mates free from children or take a new lover on their eat pray love journey?

What magic might be enjoyed by women who have lived their maiden hood and have the crone in their sites and are free to continue mothering, their babes or their passion projects.

What magic indeed.

What difference would it make to the sense of vulnerability women in mid life feel if they knew they were embarking on a new phase into their power years.

Where their experiences of love, and loss and success, beauty and ageing, birth and death were recognised and honoured as they weave the next colour of their life tapestry.

What difference does it make now you know?

As women in our 40’s we are in the season of the Maga, something I think most of us don’t know anything about.

Let me begin to offer you some holistic ways you can support yourself out of your own kitchen like the wise women before us.

Psyllium -

fibre has always been a good idea, now it is even more essential for removal of oestrogen and hormones and other waste generally as well as supporting great gut and bowel flora. Pop a small teaspoon in your smoothy, add it as a binding agent to mince meat patties (just a small bit otherwise it will be gluggy) or simply wash some back in a small warm glass of water.

You can buy it from most supermarkets and costs nothing!! Next time you’re looking at that fancy expensive probiotic /fibre supplement check how much of it is actually our friend psyllium.

Rose and Sage tea on their own or together -

Sage can easily be grown at home, in the garden or a window sill as it is super hardy. Both as a loose leaf herb / tea can be found in health-food shops. Some grocery stores will have food quality rose petals or buds in the cake section. In Chinese Medicine Rose is called Mei Gui Hua and is used to support the liver and spleen, “regulating qi and calming the shen” it’s wonderful when we’re feeling pms symptoms, emotional or a bit flat. Sage is a cooling herb and great for hot flushes. Drink either on their own to together the flavours blend beautifully for a calming and cooling tea.

Mugwort Oh how I love thee!

If you’ve ever been to an acupuncturist you’ll know we use this herb a lot. It’s usually burnt in a variety of forms to warm points, improve blood flow and reduce tension. It’s used in Peri steam mixes (for vaginal steaming) and as a tea is a mild sedative said to inspire optimal dreaming. Throughout all ancient cultures it’s had many magical qualities attributed to it.

Please do not consume if pregnant and if you’re unsure always consult your health practitioner for information on how it might combine with other medications you’re taking.

Dandelion tea to support fluid retention and constipation. Take the dandelion root available in most supermarkets and health food stores. It has a bitter flavour not unlike coffee. It’s a wonderful warm drink with milk and honey when you’re premenstrual, retaining fluid or feeling constipated. It supports the liver and encourages detoxification of the large intestine.

Rose-hip oil, Hemp Oil and Macadamia nut oil as Moisturiser

Dry skin is no joke and there are a million companies now vying for our Gen X dollars. Keep it simple with a layer of water based moisture first, then an oil.

If you’ve always had dry skin like myself nothing is going to replace that oil layer. Don’t even worry about being sticky it will get absorbed right in.

Another all time fave is the Welada Skin Food, there is a tube on every bench in the house in winter.

And this Chinese Herbal formulated serum is slapped on at every opportunity night and day. (Just cause it’s made by a bestie does not mean I’m biased, this serum will do everything from hydrate your skin to file your taxes)

Vulva moisturiser by a company called YES is my only recommendation for added moisturise for your most intimate area. It’s not going to feel sticky or wet or stain your cute knickers. Usually available at most health food stores or if you’re in Australia head here and you can order directly. from me.

Evening rituals to promote sleep - take a night time form of Magnesium, use gentle light and wear blue light blockers if you’re on a screen after dark.

Alcohol and Caffeine - stepping away for a moment from the good foods bad foods debate both of these substances are heat creating foods from a Chinese Medicine perspective. Coffee as a herb is bitter and warming, it stimulates the heart which either leaves us feeling joyous…. or anxious and sweaty :) Alcohol, well I’m sorry to say as much as I love a glass of champagne is going to consume fluids and heat the liver. So if you’re suffering with hot flushes consider how you consume both of these substances. I know I have stepped away from red wine all together and happily suffer the consequences on the sporadic special occasion where I enjoy a couple of glasses of bubbles.

If you would like more information on how to support yourself in Peri/Menopause Alethea Mills and I created a workshop last year to support you in all the ways you can eat well, move well and thrive in all areas of your life. Check it out here.

What Happened to My Waistline Link

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PS this has been a bonus post this week as I relaunch this substack. Future posts and threads will be sent out on Fridays.