Culture and Menstruation - 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 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.

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