Grrrrling at the Moon

Starshine,
I really am a big fan of your column and I think the plight of women worldwide, especially Afghanistan and other extremist Muslim countries is quite terrible and worries me and it is a serious issue. However, I think this week's column is a sign you are running out of things to write about. Time to take a vacation from the kids and the hubby. Don't get me wrong, I love the moon, I love hiking by moonlight but its really just a big beautiful rock with reflected light from the sun.

Leave it to a man not to get it. I loved this column, thank you, Starshine (er Moonshine)!

Couldn't agree less with Noletaman, top to bottom, stem to stern.

Pure lunacy.

Grrrrling at you Starshine for what appears to be a lack of awareness and insight into the well known connections between women’s physical, emotional, and psychological cycles with the lunar cycles.

Now before you write me off as a “woo-woo” kind of gal, I will preface my comments by telling you I have an MBA in Human Relations Management, a Masters in Clinical Psychology, am a licensed psychotherapist with a practice in Montecito, and am currently working on a Ph.D in Psychology. The focus of my dissertation is a study of how women’s past engagement of patriarchal structures can inform contemporary efforts by women to create change in the economic, political, and societal systems that continue to deny women with equal opportunities. While I am happier than ever as a post-menopausal woman, and truly enjoy no longer needing to run to Von’s to pick up more tampons, I continue to appreciate and respect the beauty of the moon in all her stages and how they continue to influence my life.

I believe Ms. Barrett’s notion of women gathering together in an effort to create community, consciousness, and collaborative connections is something each of us needs to begin to do as we enter the very dark economic times that we are facing individually and collectively. Bravo Ms. Barrett for stepping outside the norm and reaching out to women to create the possibility of awareness and hope. I’d say you are a Gutsy Gal!

How sad that someone named Starshine should be so out of touch with her body and of Mother Nature. As a retired rocket scientist, I can tell you that the relationship between women and the moon is not rocket science. The 28 day menstrual cycle of a healthy woman mimics the lunar cycle, and the average length of a normal pregnancy is nine lunar months. The word "menstruation" is etymologically related to "moon". The terms "menstruation" and "menses" are derived from the Latin mensis (month), which in turn relates to the Greek mene (moon) and to the roots of the English words month and moon—reflecting the fact that the moon also takes close to 28 days to revolve around the Earth (actually 27.32 days). The synodical lunar month, the period between two new moons (or full moons), is 29.53 days long.

The fact that you and others make mockery of Ms. Barrett’s experiences is a testament to the sad fact that women are no longer in sync with their bodies and their relationship with nature. Her moonlit skinny-dip in a lake is quite prophetic, since it is believed that our connection to the lunar cycle stems from our origins in the sea, where tidal (lunar) cycles control the lives of many sea creatures.

Perhaps you also believe that food comes from supermarket shelves, and gasoline comes from a gas station pump. Perhaps you place your health and that of your children in the hands of our patriarchal medical community, and give birth lying on a bed in a hospital. As a holistic health practitioner, I routinely see female clients so detached from their bodies and Nature that they have become physical and emotional basket-cases and have lost their natural intuition. My suggestion is to stop making fun of Mother Nature, and embrace her as a child would her parent.

Roy Mankovitz, BS, JD, CNC

www.montecitowellness.com
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Please note, Mr. Mankovitz, we have edited your post of the excess commercial appeals, as per our Discussion Guidelines. — Admin

I wonder if Starshine appreciates the depth of women's relationships, however, I do appreciate her reaching out to local women, many of whom live comfortable lives with husbands, whose primary wish is for a few moment for themselves - sometimes to simply remember they a self! Without this self, there isn't much room to pray for the empowerment of women all over the world. Having been a mother, I know this.
But I also know the scientific power of prayer circles. There is no reason to believe that women, even those overwhelmed with responsibility, can't take a moment each full moon to send a prayer to women living oppressed lives. It may even be a neighbor or other women here in America. The sender’s heart will be better for it, and there is evidence that the receiver's heart will be too.
Thank you Starshine, for allowing us to muse on the idea. I'll look at next weeks full moon in a new way.

Lets not forget that Starshine has provided a platform for Ms. Barrett's powerful request of all women. The beauty in this column is not what Starshine's opinion is, it is that we, the reader, get to CHOOSE what to think, action and BE because of this information. In true Starshine fashion she keeps it real, light and hilarious with quotes from friends and dry one liners. What you HEAR and listen for as a reader is a direct reflection of your outlook on life.