Her Blood Is Gold: Celebrating the Power of Menstruation [Paperback]

Lara Owen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1993

We menstruate more now than at any time in human history. Girls are starting to menstruate earlier due to protein-rich diets and hormones in food; women are less likely to die young; we have fewer children and therefore spend less time not menstruating. Increased work and family stresses, in addition to more periods, mean that women are more physically and psychologically vulnerable to negative attitudes to menstruation. So it is more important than ever that we investigate ways to make our periods physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 187 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins; 1st edition (March 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062506412
• ISBN-13: 978-0062506412
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #529,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lara Owen grew up in England and has traveled the world to study with traditional Chinese doctors, Native American and Mexican shamans, Tibetan lamas, Swiss and American psychologists, and many other teachers. She has worked as a doctor of Chinese medicine, a psychotherapist and an astrologer.

As well as writing books and two blogs (laraowen.com and planetaryenergies.net) Lara gives talks and workshops, and works as a mentor and consultant with individuals and organizations.

She lived in the US for many years, then in France, and now lives in an 18th century farmhouse near the sea in Dorset, UK.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very interesting take on a cultural taboo..., March 26, 2004

By 

Kate (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Her Blood Is Gold: Celebrating the Power of Menstruation (Paperback)

'Her blood is Gold' is a wonderful take on a subject of which, I, like most women, have given little thought to, except for the occasional dispair.

An extremely fast and uncomplicated read, it is essentially an exploration of various misognist treatments of women and their monthly 'curse', and how we as women can come to accept and love with periods, rather than just live with them.

The crux of the work is the idea that women are in the prime of their creativity during menstruation, and thus should take time off to explore this blessing. It also offers helpful monthly rituals and a divinely liberating ode to bellies. Additionally, there is a brief history of menstruation and its link to the goddess.

I was throughly absorbed in this work, however I have a minor issue with the piece. I found it almost a case of reverse sexism, and wondered to myself, when do men get their time off?

Additionally, I felt it played into the hands of prehistorical greek notions of women as 'fevered' and liable to insane outbursts of emotion.

Perhaps I found that where it did not exist, but regardless, I thoughly enjoyed this informative feminist work.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all women, February 22, 2000

By 

"choulli" (Hoboken, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Her Blood Is Gold: Celebrating the Power of Menstruation (Paperback)

This is a beautiful book which should be read by all women, especially girls beginning their 1st period. Ms. Owen provided me w/ the comforting knowledge that there is more to menstruation than cramps & PMS; there is POWER and history behind the pain & inconvenience. I've learned to use this intuitive power in my daily life, to welcome my period as a special gift and most importantly, to see myself as part of the sisterhood of women.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read... Hopefully will come back in print..., November 10, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Her Blood Is Gold: Celebrating the Power of Menstruation (Paperback)

This was an extraordinary book. I could not put it down. Describing the history of menstruation, a time to be honored, a time to give back to our 'Mother' the earth. I have not been the same since reading it, and will soon be giving my dog-eared copy to my daughter. I have loaned it to every woman I know, and hope it will come back into print so I can get more copies. Goddess knows we need it.