One way to work with the monthly cycle is to respond to it creatively. You could make an original work of art, such as a poem, picture, song, sculpture, dance, puppet, film, comic routine or story that connects thematically to the cycle or to aspects of it such as elation, pain, fertility, bleeding, depression, sensitivity, cultural attitudes, etc. Alternatively, you could develop new ways of thinking about these things, imagine new possibilities for interpreting them, perhaps invent a new language for describing them, or create new rituals for honouring them.
Through all these means and more, women enhance, transform or give meaning to experiences which we usually think of as just “happening” to us. Turning these themes into beautiful or novel creations can comfort or challenge us and others. Making the effort to produce work to a high standard is a way of honouring the processes we’re exploring and also increases the likelihood that it will communicate and possibly even help people to review and alter their perceptions.
To achieve this, art does not have to be exclusively “positive”. It needs to express authentic feelings or thoughts to which others can relate. A sad poem can give voice to emotions which for the reader would otherwise lie trapped and unexpressed. We cannot heal ourselves until we know what we really feel.
We hope that you will enjoy and be stimulated by the creative work showcased here and on the Rituals page. To contribute something yourself, or to alert us to other creative work about the feminine cycle, go to the Participate page.
To join in ongoing discussion about the general concept of creative response to the feminine cycle, please add your comments below.
Enjoy!
