When women are on their life cycle – menstruation – they are spiritually most powerful, according to Jackie Tenute, the aboriginal counsellor that led the Full Moon Ceremony at the Mamidosewin Centre March 5.
This is a positive look at what a lot of women would think of as a monthly burden.
A group of women came together for the monthly ceremony, three days before International Women’s Day and celebrated women’s power and aboriginal teachings.
The ceremony takes place every 28 days when Grandmother Moon shows her full face. The moon looks after the waters and women are represented by water and water cycles in aboriginal culture.
During the ceremony women are required to wear long skirts. Rachèle Prud’homme, who is a member of the Algonquin First Nation, said traditional women’s clothing is a symbol of women’s power.
“As women we have to be proud of who we are,” said Prud’Homme. “To show pride in femininity.”
Barbara Thompson, who works at student support services and moved from Nova Scotia seven months ago after helping aboriginal women with breast cancer screenings for Breast Cancer Action, attended her first Full Moon Ceremony March 5.
Thompson is interested in the spirituality and healing of aboriginal cultures and was interested in the water cycles of ceremony.
“People are coming back to natural cycles of life and are more in touch with natural remedies,” said Thompson.
Shannon Daugherty, taking medical office administration, attended a Full Moon Ceremony at the college last fall and loved the support of the group. Women were able to share their struggles and accomplishments with their peers and learn about aboriginal culture.
“Overall I would say it was a very positive experience and one that I would like to take part in again,” said Daugherty.