WELCOME!
Women of All Seasons is a beautiful exploration into the uniquely feminine world of the menstrual cycle. Through story, science, and spirituality, Women of All Seasons incorporates the beauty of Catholic church teaching with scientific evidence in one cohesive work.
This book will help young girls to understand their bodies and the deeper meaning behind the mystery of their bodies. It will give girls useful information and an easy vocabulary to promote communication about their cycles. It will help moms teach their daughters about the menstrual cycle and the beauty of being a woman. And lastly it will inspire in girls and women a greater respect for the dignity of their bodies and themselves.
Whether you are a girl just receiving her first period, a mom teaching her daughter about womanhood, or a woman of many seasons looking to gain a deeper understanding of the menstrual cycle, this book is for you. Welcome!
AUTUMN
“When the days were completed for her purification, they took Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord” Lk 2:22
•Cycle begins with Period, Menses, most visible, one week
•Shedding endometrial ling, falling red leaves
•Low hormones, low BBT
•Prostagladins, MG, asprin, Omega 3s, foods high in iron and anti-oxidants
•“The first week that began with menstruation and bleeding was considered a period of cleansing and removal of all negative thoughts. This was when most women feel the need to be silent, go inward and be contemplative.” – Sinu Joseph
•Traditions – moon lodges, menstrual seclusion, annatto body paint, religious sisters
•Symbols – Autumn, Body, New Moon
WINTER
“Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste” Lk 1:39
•Hidden growth, Follicular, least visible, one week
•Growth of follicle, vaginal dryness, white cervical mucus, dry air, white snow
•Low hormone, low BBT
•Strength training
•“The second week, which is called the pre-ovulation week, is the time when most women feel at their energetic best. This was considered ideal to kickoff new projects or creative work.” – Sinu Joseph
•Symbols – Winter, Mind, Waxing Moon
SPRING
“May it be done unto me according to thy word” Lk 1:38
•Ovulation, one day
•Egg released from ovary, watery CM, spike in BBT, opening flowers, rain, warmer weather
•Spike in FSH, LH, Estrogen, BBT
•Increase carbohydrate intake
•“The third week, what we call the ovulation phase, was thought of as the time when most women look and feel more attractive. This was the time when they felt both vulnerable and the need to connect with others.” – Sinu Joseph
•Symbols – Spring, Spirit, Full Moon
SUMMER
“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” Lk 2:19
•Pre-menstruation, Luteal, two weeks
•Corpus luteum, white thick CM, rise in BBT, hot sun, bustling life
•Rise in Progesterone, BBT
•Hypothalamus, blood pressure, increase protein intake, foods high in NO+
•“The fourth week, the pre-menstruation week is when we experience a rush of emotions and thoughts that do not occur to us during other times. What we today dismiss as PMS and mood swings was back then considered a highly intuitive phase.” – Sinu Joseph
•Symbols – Summer, Emotion, Waning Moon