Menstruation and The Origins of Culture/Archive 1 - Sacred and Powerful

Sacred and Powerful

Historically, a menstruating woman was considered sacred and powerful, with increased psychic abilities, and strong enough to heal the sick However, regardless of this new-age mythology Jews regarded justifiably the menstruant as impure for ritual purposes, althought today she is allowed to light ritual candles, but there are rules concerning the manner to hold the matches, the bed she lies upon and anything she sits on is impure. A 20th century Jewish rabbi referred to the herbicidal powers of menstrual blood, in regard of young lettuces, due to its toxic rot and impurity. Impurity was also recognized allegedly by traditional Mongols, who did not wish women in this impure state to visit their shrines at this time, particularly dedicated to Eternal Heaven, the Divinity,the "Sky" concept is largely not recognized by the Middle Ages, but this is indirectly rejected in the Yassa/Zasag of Chinggis Khan. According to the Cherokee, menstrual blood was a source of feminine strength and had the power to destroy enemies. In Ancient Rome, Pliny the Elder wrote that a menstruating woman who uncovers her body can scare away hailstorms, whirlwinds and lightning. If she strips naked and walks around the field, caterpillars, worms and beetles fall off the ears of corn. Menstrual blood is especially dangerous to men's power. In Africa, menstrual blood is used in the most powerful magic charms to both purify and destroy. It is scientifically full of noxious bacteria, and the incipient putrefaction of the dead embryo and expelled womb lining.